Zhuang Zhixi looked down on Zhou Qun in his heart.
However, he wasn't the type to say it directly. Instead, he rambled on even more than Zhou Qun did, talking until Zhou Qun got a headache. Finally, Zhou Qun took the initiative and said, "Little Zhuang, my mother and your wife's grandfather had some misunderstandings, but it's better to resolve conflicts than to prolong them. Since we live in the same courtyard, don't you think it's unnecessary to make such a big deal out of it?"
Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "You're right." But in his mind, he thought, 'You can say whatever you want, I'll do what I need to do.'
Zhou Qun was delighted when he heard this and said, "That's the right way to think about it. It's really not a big deal, there's no need to involve the factory management, right? Why don't you persuade the elderly to take the initiative and tell the factory that they overreacted and misunderstood my mother..."
This guy was becoming more and more shameless with each word.
Zhuang Zhixi was still smiling and said, "Oh, so that's what Brother Zhou thinks!"
Zhuang Zhixi raised his eyebrows innocently and said, "Brother Zhou, we've been neighbors in the same courtyard for over twenty years. We're genuine neighbors. Your mother acts like a tyrant, worse than a landlord, and while we usually don't bother with her behavior, we can't just tell blatant lies, can we? I'm an honest person, and I can't say what you're asking me to say. How can we young people go against our elders? Besides, the factory has already made their position clear on this matter, and now you're questioning their judgment. Brother Zhou, don't blame me for saying this, but you've really become arrogant. How dare you disregard the factory leadership? I know you're technically skilled, and Madam Zhou Li is a neighborhood bully, but we're all working people – this isn't right, is it?"
"You!" Zhou Qun hadn't expected Zhuang Zhixi to show no courtesy at all. As someone who liked to politicize everything, he understood the implications of Zhuang Zhixi's words very well. His face alternated between pale and flushed as he said, "Watch what you say about landlords and neighborhood bullies. These aren't terms to be thrown around carelessly."
Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "Exactly, we shouldn't say such things carelessly, but your mother shouldn't act that way either. Seizing houses – isn't that what Huang Shiren would do?"
This made Zhou Qun even angrier. He took deep breaths and said, "My mother doesn't know any better, and that house had been empty for many years. She always thought it belonged to our family..."
Zhuang Zhixi replied: "Well, I think the machinery factory belongs to me, but they won't give it to me either."
This was just how Zhuang Zhixi was – he could say such things while maintaining a smile, never losing his temper. He continued, "Brother Zhou, look, these are separate issues. We don't blame you for your mother's poor behavior. We know you can't control her since you're her junior. We'll maintain our usual relationship, but we shouldn't interfere with the elders' decisions. That wouldn't be proper. Besides, I haven't even been home, but just hearing about it, I think your mother is quite something. Huang Shiren stealing Xier, your mother stealing houses – looks like she watched 'The White-Haired Girl' too many times and learned from it. Incredible, truly incredible."
Zhuang Zhixi's calm demeanor made Zhou Qun even angrier.
This kind of subtle antagonism was the most infuriating – when you're furious but the other person shows no reaction, it really breeds resentment.
He said, "So you won't help?"
His voice turned cold, and Zhuang Zhixi looked puzzled: "Help? Brother Zhou, what are you talking about? You never mentioned needing help. How did we suddenly get to this topic? Oh, you can't mean you want me to convince the elders to admit they were wrong? No way, Brother Zhou, you're not trying to turn black into white, are you?"
Zhou Qun's face remained cold, and Zhuang Zhixi patted his shoulder consolingly, saying, "I know your mother's actions have embarrassed you, but don't be too upset."
Zhou Qun's mood darkened further.
Zhuang Zhixi looked at Zhou Qun with "sympathy" and said, "Brother Zhou, if you're feeling troubled, you can talk to your younger brother about it. Don't keep it bottled up inside – that can lead to health problems. You're too young to let this incident affect your health."
Zhou Qun gritted his teeth and said, "I don't need your concern. Just worry about yourself."
Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "Thank you for your concern, Brother Zhou."
He then added, "Brother Zhou, you really don't need to be formal with me. If you're feeling troubled, we can have a drink together. As long as you're paying, I'll drink with you until the end of time."
Zhou Qun had never met someone so thick-skinned. Even when he was this angry, the other person could still keep talking? And even wanted him to treat? What kind of dream was this? He never treated anyone from their courtyard – they couldn't add any value to his life, so why entertain such nonsense?
He wouldn't spend anything on people he couldn't use.
"Brother Zhou, how is the factory dealing with your Huang Shiren of a mother? Tell me about it! I don't know all the details yet, just what I've heard. First-hand information is always more accurate, you know. From all the rumors going around, all I remember is that your mother is being called Huang Shiren."
Zhou Qun finally couldn't take it anymore and said, "Stop talking about Huang Shiren! What Huang Shiren? There is no Huang Shiren. Just shut up!"
Zhuang Zhixi looked wronged: "Why are you getting angry? Isn't this what everyone in the factory is saying? I know you're in a bad mood because of your mother, but you shouldn't take it out on me. Besides, anger is bad for your health. Since we live in the same courtyard, you shouldn't let yourself get too worked up. I heard from our medical office sister that people can easily..."
"Enough!"
Zhou Qun, being a person of little tolerance, had turned completely black in the face. Showing no grace, he stormed off.
As he turned and strode away, Zhuang Zhixi stood still, watching his retreating figure and shrugging innocently.
This person was really too thin-skinned.
He hadn't even said anything too excessive.
In fact, he hadn't even started going all out yet.
Just then, he ran into Yang Lixin, who was leaving work late. Yang Lixin looked at him curiously: "Why are you leaving so late today?"
"Why are you leaving so late today?"
They spoke in unison.
Zhuang Zhixi immediately laughed and said, "I got held up by Brother Zhou Qun. He came to find me and left angry – he really has a bad temper."
Yang Lixin immediately asked: "What did he want from you? Was it about his mother? She really deserves what she got. Let her strut around in the courtyard – now she's facing the consequences. As they say, karma comes to all in due time."
Yang Lixin deeply despised Madam Zhou Li.
Because Yang Lixin was a live-in son-in-law, and even his son couldn't take his surname. Although he never said anything about it openly, Madam Zhou Li would constantly say, both openly and behind his back, that he was a man living off his wife. This made him very unhappy.
This showed how Madam Zhou Li was particularly good at irritating people – she knew exactly how to hit where it hurt.
"This old witch, won't she get what's coming to her this time?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "It probably won't be that serious."
He said somewhat speculatively: "Brother Zhou Qun does have some connections. I heard Sister Jiang Lu didn't go to work this afternoon – probably went to pull some strings for him."
Zhuang Zhixi asked: "What about you? You're leaving quite late today. Doesn't the cafeteria usually finish up in the mid-afternoon?"
Yang Lixin: "The factory leaders had guests to entertain, I was preparing ingredients."
Zhuang Zhixi: "But you don't need to wait until they finish eating, right?"
Yang Lixin smiled: "No need, as long as the head chef is there, us kitchen helpers aren't needed."
He clearly wasn't interested in who the factory director was entertaining, as this was a common occurrence for factory cooks. He was more curious about what had happened today, so he moved closer to Zhuang Zhixi and lowered his voice: "Little brother, tell me what happened today?"
Zhuang Zhixi spread his hands and said: "I don't know."
He said sincerely: "I've been at work all day and haven't been home, so I really don't know what happened. All I heard was that Zhou Qun's mother tried to seize someone's house, insulted the factory director and the security department, and got arrested."
He wasn't making anything up – it was all hearsay, purely hearsay.
"Then Zhou Qun just now...?"
Zhuang Zhixi righteously said: "Who knows what's wrong with him, he was incoherent and furious, probably upset because of his mother. After all, he's considered one of the capable new generation at the factory, but he ended up with such a mother."
After a pause, he thought and said: "I guess tonight's dinner at the cafeteria is for Zhou Qun."
Yang Lixin's eyes widened in shock as he exclaimed, "How could that be? It's impossible!"
Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Why not? He was just heading back. Zhou Qun is different from us; he has an astute and capable father-in-law. Maybe they're having a meal together to mend fences."
Yang Lixin furrowed his brows, pondering for a moment before saying, "Should I go back and take a look?"
Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Do as you please. I need to get home; my wife will be out looking for me if I don't hurry."
Yang Lixin's mouth twitched, not believing a word of it, but Zhuang Zhixi's earnest tone made him hesitate. After some thought, he decided, "I guess I'll head home too."
Together, they returned to the courtyard, which was surprisingly lively.
With everyone back from work, it was natural for them to gather in small groups, chatting about the day's events. Madam Zhou Li was unpopular, so everyone was in high spirits, almost like celebrating a festival. No one was in a rush to go home.
As Zhuang Zhixi entered, he noticed everyone staring at him.
Smiling, he said, "Waiting for me?"
Ming Mei quickly emerged, "whispering" loudly, "Everyone's waiting for Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu to return, and to see if Madam Zhou comes back too."
Seeing Zhuang Zhixi and Yang Lixin return, the crowd lost interest. These two knew less than they did. The chatter resumed. Zhuang Zhixi looked around, asking, "Where's Grandpa?"
Ming Mei replied, "He went back. The house isn't dry yet, so he couldn't move in today."
Ming Mei was still upset about it, pouting, "How annoying is Madam Zhou? She really thinks she's something, bullying my grandpa. Doesn't she realize we exist?"
Zhuang Zhixi said, "Madam Zhou has always been like this. You've been married here for nearly two months; you should know by now."
Ming Mei huffed, "I think everyone's been too nice to her, making her think she's above reproach."
Zhuang Zhixi gently ruffled his wife's hair, "Don't be upset. Your grandpa might not even be angry. He probably doesn't even see Madam Zhou as a threat. His top priority seems to be finding a partner, which is quite something."
Ming Mei thought about it and realized her husband was right. According to her mother-in-law, her grandpa seemed unbothered and uninterested in Madam Zhou. His main concern was indeed finding a partner, which surprised Ming Mei.
She scratched her head, "Did you hear anything at the factory?"
Zhuang Zhixi replied, "It's all gossip. No one really knows what's going on."
"What else could it be? Someone must be bribing," someone interjected. It was Bai Fendou, who had just entered.
Bai Fendou smirked, "Zhou Qun isn't ordinary. He's generous with gifts, like Hua Zi. I bet Madam Zhou will be back tomorrow. See, his father-in-law is already at the factory, drinking with them."
As a security guard, Bai Fendou knew more than most. He had heard detailed accounts of the incident, even though he hadn't been present. Madam Zhou had extorted fifteen yuan from him, which he remembered well.
It was rare to see Madam Zhou in trouble, and Bai Fendou regretted not being there to give her a few kicks. Still, it was satisfying to know she was suffering in the security office. What angered him more was that Zhou Qun had become a guest of the leaders.
"Zhou Qun is dining with the leaders?"
"Hua Zi? Zhou Qun gave Hua Zi to whom?"
"Fendou, tell us more."
"No wonder Zhou Qun married well. Jiang Lu is a great help to him, even if she can't have children."
Zhuang Zhixi teased, "Fendou, you know everything. Even about the Hua Zi. You're well-informed. We ordinary folks can only hear bits and pieces, not sure what's true."
Bai Fendou was pleased, "Of course! We know more than you do. Today, I watched closely. Zhou Qun and his wife brought something, and our leader started smoking Hua Zi. Who else could it be from? Hua Zi isn't cheap. Must be from his father-in-law. Zhou Qun might earn well, but he's also good at eating soft rice."
Bai Fendou was jealous of Zhou Qun and didn't hold back. The crowd exchanged glances, each with their thoughts. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were among them.
Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Zhou Qun is lucky. Dining with the leaders, he might get a promotion soon."
"What? Can he get promoted through personal connections? That's not right."
"If it's through bribes, we won't agree."
"No leader should do that!"
Bai Fendou was red-faced, "He won't get promoted. If he does, we'll protest!"
"Right, right."
The crowd's focus shifted from Madam Zhou to the potential promotion. It was uncertain, but it sparked their enthusiasm. Zhuang Zhixi enjoyed the spectacle, loving the drama.
Ming Mei noticed Su Jinlai peeking around the Zhou's door.
Ming Mei: "?"
She tugged Zhuang Zhixi's sleeve, and he saw the boy. No doubt, Su Jinlai was up to no good. Zhuang Zhixi casually looked away, not interfering.
Zhao Guihua stepped out, shouting, "Zhuang Zhixi, you come back and just gossip? The family can't rely on you at all!"
Zhuang Zhixi quickly scurried home, "Mom, I'm here. Tell me what to do."
Zhao Guihua: "What do you think? Get in and eat."
Ming Mei whispered to Zhao Guihua, "Su Jinlai is probably planning to steal again."
She couldn't understand why Su's family didn't discipline him. A good child turned into a thief, always looking for opportunities to steal.
Ming Mei pouted, "If he steals, the Zhou's will erupt."
Zhuang Zhixi looked at his wife, "Not necessarily."
Ming Mei: "Huh?"
Zhuang Zhixi explained, "The Zhou's are in a delicate situation. Zhou Qun wants to stay low-key. If that's the case, they might just accept the loss."
Zhao Guihua: "A dog can't change its habit of eating shit!"
Su Jinlai's life would repeatedly see him in and out of trouble, unable to change his ways.
Zhao Guihua served the food, "Stop obsessing over others. Can't you be more ambitious?"
After saying that, she chuckled.
Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei exchanged looks, unsure why Zhao Guihua was laughing. She composed herself and said, "Alright, eat."
Every evening, the family discussed the day's events over dinner. Zhao Guihua mentioned today's incident, not feeling sorry for Madam Zhou, who had brought it on herself.
However, she spoke very seriously to Ming Mei, saying, "Tomorrow, you should go back to your parents' place and tell them what I said, to pass on a message."
Ming Mei: "Okay, go ahead, Mom."
Zhao Guihua: "There are quite a few troublemakers in our courtyard. Right now, they don't know your grandfather is in good condition, but once they find out, things will change. Madam Zhou Li and Aunt Su will definitely make their moves. I'm not worried about Madam Zhou Li; your grandfather definitely won't look at her, but you need to make sure your mother understands what kind of person Aunt Su is. So she doesn't fall into a trap. I think it's a good idea for your grandfather to find a partner. If he finds a suitable one, these two old hags won't be able to take advantage of him. But before he does, you must tell your mother to stay away from these two old widows, oh, and young widows too."
Upon hearing this, Ming Mei nodded vigorously, saying, "Don't worry, Mom, I understand. I can see through people with my sharp eyes."
Zhao Guihua: "I won't wait for you to have dinner tomorrow."
Ming Mei: "Got it!"
"Mom, do you have anything planned for tomorrow?" Zhuang Zhiyuan suddenly asked.
Zhao Guihua: "No, why? Do you have something to say?"
Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Can I borrow the bike and fishing rod? I'm off tomorrow, and I want to try fishing in the mountains."
These days, whenever he meets someone who knows how to fish, he diligently asks for advice. Not bragging, but he's like a master in theory now.
"I think I've got it!"
Since buying the fishing rod on the second day of the New Year, they haven't caught a single fish. Zhuang Zhiyuan feels it's time to show his true skills and break this zero record. Otherwise, it would be a waste of the money they spent on the fishing rod and bike.
Knowing his mother, if she didn't want to fish conveniently, she wouldn't have bought the bike so early. He understands his mother; she's careful with money! So Zhuang Zhiyuan is also eager.
"Make me two corn buns tomorrow, and I won't come back."
Liang Meifen hesitated, looking up at her husband expectantly, hoping he would take her along! Staying home with her mother-in-law is stressful.
She gave up her chores to her younger brother, and the neighborhood office can't arrange small jobs for her now, as they are overwhelmed with recent graduates and needy families. She has nothing to do at home, staring at her mother-in-law, feeling suffocated!
Liang Meifen looked at her husband, thinking how other couples can go together, why not them? She glanced at Zhuang Zhiyuan again, but he remained oblivious, like a wooden statue. Feeling wronged, her eyes reddened, but she quickly lowered her head to eat, afraid of being seen.
Zhao Guihua: "I'll make you a meat sandwich."
Zhuang Zhiyuan looked at his mother in surprise, saying, "A meat sandwich?"
Zhao Guihua: "You'll know tomorrow."
Zhuang Zhixi mumbled beside them, "So biased, why not make one for me? ... Ow!"
Zhao Guihua: "Shut up! Looking for trouble?"
The two children giggled, and Zhuang Zhixi made a pitiful face, leaning close to Ming Mei, saying, "Wife, my mom treats me like this, you have to care for me."
Ming Mei poked him, "You should also learn to fish, idle hands."
Zhuang Zhixi felt wronged; how was he idle? He also worked hard, okay? Why did everyone think that of him? He angrily bit into a mixed flour bun, saying, "You're all bullying me."
Zhao Guihua: "Hmph, did you keep an eye out for the sewing machine ticket?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, it's not that easy!"
Zhuang Zhiyuan was surprised, "Sewing machine ticket? Mom, do you want to buy a sewing machine?"
Zhao Guihua, remembering her decision was made when her eldest son was away, nodded, "It's convenient for mending things. Buying it early can be used sooner, no loss."
Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Then I'll also keep an eye out."
The family was lively, with Old Man Zhuang remaining silent throughout, as usual. After dinner, Zhao Guihua sent the two couples away and sat cross-legged on the bed, counting money.
Despite buying a bike and eating better, their savings were even higher than after the internal division. It's said that to get rich, one must be bold. Smuggling goods earned a lot. She sold fish for a few days, and since it was a no-cost business, the profits were quite good.
Not only did they add more meat to their diet, but they also bought an extra bike, with money still left over.
Zhao Guihua sighed, "Smuggling really pays."
Old Man Zhuang's heart trembled, quickly saying, "We can't always do this."
Zhao Guihua: "I know."
She rolled her eyes, saying, "Do you think I'm a fool? I have my calculations."
She hid the money, saying, "I wonder when we'll get the sewing machine ticket."
She had already planned, saying, "If the eldest can catch fish, I'll prepare one to give to Aunt Wang tomorrow. We've borrowed her sewing machine several times, so we should show some appreciation. After all, we still don't know when we'll buy one, so we'll have to keep borrowing."
Old Man Zhuang: "You're in charge of the household matters anyway."
Zhao Guihua calculated the days, knowing that even though they had a fish pond, if things didn't change, someone would discover it in two months, and it wouldn't be theirs anymore. They had to maximize fishing during this period.
Winter methods couldn't be used, and fishing wasn't effective. She said, "It's frustrating."
Old Man Zhuang: "Why?"
Zhao Guihua: "I want to catch more fish."
Old Man Zhuang didn't think so, saying, "Take it slow."
This didn't sit well with Zhao Guihua; she snorted, "What's slow? Others will find out sooner or later! It's not that hidden."
Old Man Zhuang thought it made sense. Zhao Guihua sighed, saying, "I wish I were a fisherman who could net fish."
"You can't say that. If you bring back too much, it's hard to handle."
Zhao Guihua: "A one-time thing would be fine."
Before summer, she had to find a way.
Although going to bed early saves electricity, it's still too early. Zhao Guihua started sorting leftover fabric strips, some soft and appropriately sized, which could be made into socks or aprons; if not, she planned to sew them into rags.
"Let Liang Meifen do the aprons and rags herself. It'll keep her busy." Zhao Guihua finished sorting, poured herself a cup of water, and drank it down. She said, "People are restless without work."
She looked out the window and saw Jinlai sneaking towards the Zhou's house under the moonlight. Knowing the Zhou's weren't home, he slipped in, careful not to steal money, as his grandmother had taught him that stealing money was a crime, but taking food was just a child being hungry, easily forgiven.
Jinlai followed his grandmother's advice, immediately searching the Zhou's kitchen. Despite their wealth, Madam Zhou Li was very stingy, even with herself, so there weren't many good things.
Jinlai opened the cupboard and found a small basket with six raw eggs.
Jinlai: "Not bad!"
He placed the eggs into his prepared bag, this little thief even knew to bring his own tools. After packing the eggs, he lifted the lid of the rice jar, inside of which were cornmeal. He remembered what his grandmother had said and knew he couldn't steal it all at once, so he immediately scooped a few ladles full. Then he continued searching and finally found some rice, only about five or six jin in total. He swallowed hard, unable to resist, and packed it all into his bag.
If it were cornmeal, he might have some restraint, but rice was different.
He really wanted to eat rice.
Jinlai wandered around the Zhou family house like a fish in the sea. Zhao Guihua peered out of the window, shaking her head like a rattle drum. It wasn't that she lacked experience, but she was truly speechless. If this child could channel his talent for stealing into other areas, he would have already succeeded.
Zhao Guihua was about to turn back when she noticed the curtains of Madam Su's house slightly moving. Their houses were close, so she could still see clearly. Was she... keeping watch?
However, it wasn't surprising. Both women in that household doted on the three boys excessively but couldn't teach them properly.
At that moment, the sound of a door opening startled several households. The thief Jinlai quickly crawled under the bed in fright. Aunt Su, who was keeping watch, also felt her heart leap into her throat.
Even Zhao Guihua was startled by the sudden noise, as she had been very focused. The little girl shuffled to the door in her slippers, banging on it and shouting, "Granny, Granny, save me!"
Her voice was sweet but urgent. Zhao Guihua quickly opened the door and saw Xiao Yanzi, the little girl, fearfully saying, "Granny, Brother's tummy hurts!"
Zhao Guihua hurried out and quickly reached the room where the siblings slept. It was a bunk bed, with Brother on top and Sister below, and a small desk was set up. The room was small due to being a small side room, so it wasn't very cold.
Zhao Guihua quickly approached, "What's wrong?"
Hutou was sweating profusely, crying, "Granny, my tummy hurts, am I going to die? Waaaah."
Zhao Guihua: "Where does it hurt?"
The others in the house also came out, wearing their clothes. Liang Meifen quickly went forward, hugging her son and crying, "Hutou, what's wrong? Don't scare your mom. If anything happens to you, what will your mom do? Hutou!"
Zhao Guihua frowned, "What are you wailing for? Quickly change your clothes and take the child to the hospital."
"Right, right, to the hospital."
Zhuang Zhiyuan quickly went back to change his clothes. Liang Meifen: "I'm going too."
"Granny, I want Granny, waaaah~" Children always seek the closest person when they are unwell. Hutou had been raised by Zhao Guihua, so he was closest to her. Zhao Guihua: "Granny will go too, we'll take you to the hospital."
The whole family quickly mobilized, with Xiao Yanzi also crying beside them, not knowing what to do. Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, you go with Brother and them, my wife and I won't go. There's no need for so many people, and someone needs to stay home at night. Xiao Yanzi shouldn't go, let her sleep in our room."
Zhao Guihua: "Alright."
The family was in disarray, but they quickly dressed Hutou and left with him, Zhao Guihua, Old Man Zhuang, and Zhuang Zhiyuan's couple pushing the bicycle. The Bai family, living in the front room, came out to ask, "What's going on?"
"The child isn't feeling well."
Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang didn't have time to explain and left in a hurry.
Xiao Yanzi was still crying, Zhuang Zhixi picked her up and said, "Don't cry, you'll stay with Uncle and Aunt tonight."
He carried the little one back to their room and then locked the doors of the other rooms. His mother Zhao Guihua had been watching the scene, and as her son, he had been watching too. Really, with such a child around, one couldn't relax for a moment, or things would go missing.
Xiao Yanzi was scared, clutching Zhuang Zhixi's clothes and saying, "Uncle, my brother won't die, will he? He'll be okay, right?"
Zhuang Zhixi gently patted the little girl, saying, "Of course, he'll be fine."
Aunt Wang from the back courtyard came over, knocking on the door and asking, "What's going on?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Hutou suddenly had a stomachache, not sure what's wrong, they've gone to the hospital."
He said, "Thank you for your concern."
Aunt Wang: "You're welcome, neighbors should look out for each other. Alright, you and your wife rest with the child, I'll go back." Without knowing the details, there was nothing more to ask, so Aunt Wang didn't stay long to disturb their rest, only saying, "If you need help, call me."
Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei both nodded, agreeing with an "Aye."
Aunt Wang came and went quickly.
Xiao Yanzi sobbed softly.
Zhuang Zhixi nodded, looking down to see Xiao Yanzi anxiously staring at the door. He swayed the little one, saying, "It's okay, your brother is so brave, he'll get better soon after seeing the doctor."
Xiao Yanzi nodded gently, murmuring, "Brother will be okay."
"Yes, Brother will be okay."
Ming Mei: "Xiao Yanzi, here are two candies for you, keep them. Tomorrow, you and your brother can each have one, okay?"
Xiao Yanzi's eyes lit up, quickly nodding, her voice sweet as she said, "One for Brother, one for Xiao Yanzi."
Ming Mei smiled, "That's right."
She put on her coat, saying, "I'm going out for a moment."
Zhuang Zhixi: "I'll go with you."
Ming Mei glanced at the child, shaking her head, "No need, you stay with Xiao Yanzi, I'll be fine."
In fact, she wasn't feeling well either, but it was different from Hutou's situation. She was having her period. Although she was physically strong and didn't suffer as much as other girls, she still felt a bit uncomfortable.
Zhuang Zhixi: "Wear more before you go out."
Ming Mei nodded. It was important to stay warm at this time. She pouted, putting on her padded jacket. Xiao Yanzi was placed on the bed by Zhuang Zhixi, sitting cross-legged and looking worried. Zhuang Zhixi tapped her little nose, saying, "What are you thinking about, Xiao Yanzi?"
"My brother!"
Zhuang Zhixi: "It's okay, Xiao Yanzi will see your brother tomorrow."
"Really?"
"Of course. If your brother needs to stay in the hospital, Uncle will take you to see him; if not, you'll see him as soon as you wake up tomorrow." Zhuang Zhixi comforted the child. He had a good relationship with his nephews and nieces.
While Zhuang Zhixi was comforting the child, Ming Mei went out. The one with the worst mood in the courtyard was undoubtedly Jinlai. He had been happily stealing, doing well, when suddenly the Zhuang family caused a disturbance.
His grandmother and mother were right; this family was utterly unkind, evil to the core. Not helping their family was already unforgivable, but they even caused trouble during his thieving, truly despicable!
He was furious but didn't dare move, fearing he'd be discovered. If found out, it would be disastrous. The recent events were still fresh in his mind. He stayed still, listening intently to what was happening outside, secretly anxious. If they delayed any longer, he might not finish stealing before the Zhou family returned. Jinlai was in a hurry.
When he heard it was Hutou who wasn't feeling well, he felt a perverse pleasure. He hated all the kids in the courtyard; why did they all have fathers and mothers while his family didn't?
Why?
He wished all the children would have a hard time, then he'd be happiest. Hearing that Hutou had gone to the hospital, he laughed with delight, hoping the boy would die. But he quickly covered his mouth, not daring to make a sound, lest he be discovered. He crawled out from under the bed, planning to steal some more goodies before leaving.
But just as he crawled out, he heard the sound of a door slamming shut, and quickly ducked back under: "Damn it!"
Even a child could curse.
Ming Mei emerged, her back bent and her hands tucked into her sleeves, she quickly walked out of the courtyard. Ever since rumors of ghosts started circulating vaguely, people didn't go to the bathroom at night much anymore, and they would definitely try to make do.
But Ming Mei didn't care. To be honest, it wasn't because she was a firm atheist, but because... she didn't feel like there was anything to be afraid of.
Her master had once said, even ghosts are afraid of evil people.
She could fight; if there really were ghosts, she'd be bold enough to throw them into the cesspool—just like how Bai Fendou fought Su Jinlai!
Go eat shit!
What was there to be afraid of!
Ming Mei arrived at the bathroom, and at that moment, Zhou Qun and his wife Jiang Lu were also approaching the alley. Zhou Qun had had a bit too much to drink and was unsteady on his feet, swaying. Jiang Lu supported him, saying, "Slow down, take it easy. Look at you, drinking so much, I couldn't even persuade you. When we get home, I'll make you some tea to get rid of the alcohol."
Zhou Qun was a bit tipsy and snorted coldly, "You with your woman's perspective, if I didn't drink, how could I have made a good impression on the factory director? Do you know how hard it is for me? If I don't strive, how can I climb up? If you want to live well, you can't let go of any opportunity. Or do you think my efforts are useless? Hehe, I know, I know that's what you think. What's the point of my efforts when I don't even have a child? And my mother is a hindrance, an old hag..."
Ming Mei was about to come out when she heard the term "old hag." She was shocked, raising her eyebrows and immediately leaning against the wall, eavesdropping with her ears pricked up. If Jiang Lu had said that, it wouldn't be surprising, because Madam Zhou Li treated Jiang Lu really badly.
But Zhou Qun was Madam Zhou Li's own son.
Madam Zhou Li treated Zhou Qun as if he were precious, holding him in her hands and fearing he'd break, putting him in her mouth and fearing he'd melt. How could Zhou Qun say that?
Zhou Qun: "None of you make it easy for me, you all..."
Jiang Lu's eyes reddened with guilt, whispering, "It's my fault, I couldn't give you a child, it's all my fault..."
She lowered her voice: "If, if I really can't have a child, I'll find you a woman..."
Ming Mei heard this and was furious, what was Jiang Lu saying?!
Did she have a problem?!
As a woman herself, Ming Mei was furious, while Zhou Qun, the beneficiary, was delighted.
Even so, he could still pretend.
Zhou Qun's heart stirred, the corners of his mouth curling slightly, yet he still pretended to scold, "What are you talking about! I'm not that kind of person, don't think so poorly of me."
Jiang Lu: "It's my fault, you're not young anymore, everyone else has children, but you don't. I know you're suffering..."
How could she not be suffering? She truly hated her useless body, why couldn't she have children? Where was there a woman who couldn't have children? Jiang Lu said with a sob, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry to the Zhou family."
Ming Mei thought, this Jiang Lu, really has a muddled mind!
She snorted heavily in anger, and it just so happened that Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu had reached the bathroom side... Hearing the woman's angry snort, Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu turned pale, instantly thinking of countless ghost stories, they screamed, "There's a ghost!! Help!!!"
And they ran off quickly!
Ming Mei: ???
A ghost?
She instantly realized, was it about her?
