Aunt Su was cursing under her breath again.
Her life had become unbearable. She had finally managed to buy some meat—supported by her old friend—and was proudly preparing to cook it to show off a bit. But just look at the smells wafting through the courtyard!
Disgusting!
Putrid!
The stench had overwhelmed her meat's fragrance, making Aunt Su roll her eyes in frustration.
It was infuriating how the pleasant aromas couldn't overcome the foul ones. But no matter how angry she got, others would continue eating whatever they wanted, which was truly aggravating. Though she felt quite upset, Aunt Su couldn't really make a scene about it.
That wasn't her character type, and besides, after her previous hospital incident, she didn't want to draw too much attention. She had cultivated a pitiful persona—if she became too prominent, how could she play the victim card in the future?
Aunt Su felt frustrated inside, but still enjoyed cooking and eating her meat.
It was quite the contradiction.
In this conflicted state of mind, Aunt Su quietly peered out her window and saw Zhao Guihua washing pig intestines. She sneered, then looked at her own meat, feeling pleased that it was much better than offal. Her mood instantly improved.
She softly hummed a little tune to herself.
Although Ming Mei had the afternoon off, she wasn't helping Zhao Guihua. Zhao Guihua knew her daughter-in-law was careless with housework. While that might not matter for other things, when it came to food... Zhao Guihua couldn't trust her with something that would go into people's mouths.
She had sent Ming Mei to pick up the children from kindergarten. These days, children were raised quite casually—even kindergarteners didn't usually need escorts, as the neighborhood kids would walk together. Today was an exception because of the rain.
The rain had been drizzling all day long.
By evening, everyone had returned from work, including Liang Meifen, but the rain hadn't stopped.
Zhuang Zhixi was terrified by his wife's actions. He said helplessly, "What's wrong with you? How did you get into trouble again? If something happened to you, I'd be so worried."
Though Ming Mei had done a good deed, as her husband, Zhuang Zhixi was naturally concerned about his wife. He didn't care about others; he just didn't want his wife to face any danger.
Ming Mei knew Zhuang Zhixi was worried about her and said coquettishly, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. If I couldn't handle them, I wouldn't have stepped in."
This earned her an eye roll from Zhuang Zhixi, who said sincerely, "I don't expect you to earn a big salary; I just want you to be safe. I'm not worried about you fighting one person, but I'm afraid they might seek revenge. After all, you don't know what kind of people they are, right?"
Ming Mei replied, "Well, my father and the others aren't easy to mess with either."
Seeing Zhuang Zhixi's expression darken further, she quickly added, "Alright, I know you're worried about me. I'll be more careful in the future, okay?"
She shook his arm playfully, and Zhuang Zhixi finally gave in, nodding reluctantly.
Ming Mei smiled and said, "Really, it's nothing."
She continued, "Sister-in-law was there too. By the way, sister-in-law, how's your mother?"
Liang Meifen, who had been feeling awkward about the couple's quarrel, quickly responded, "She's okay. At her age, the body is fragile, so there are some injuries, but nothing serious."
Liang Meifen was completely exhausted today. Things were already complicated enough, but when she returned to her parents' home in the evening to get her bicycle, she discovered that her father and brother had misunderstood, thinking the bicycle was meant for their family. Her brother was excitedly planning to ride it to his girlfriend's house to show off.
If Liang Meifen hadn't taken the key with her, the bicycle might have already disappeared.
This time, Liang Meifen didn't dare to be generous. She firmly refused her brother's request. This led to a conflict between the siblings, with her father yelling at her, calling her heartless.
Her brother accused her of not caring about sibling relationships.
This deeply hurt Liang Meifen. She had done so much for her natal family, yet her mother didn't understand her, and neither did her father and brother. It truly pained her.
Despite all this, Liang Meifen remained firm about not leaving the bicycle behind.
Though she could be muddle-headed at times, she knew that if she gave her mother-in-law's bicycle to her natal family, it wouldn't just be about divorce anymore. Her mother-in-law would surely use the receipt to sue them for "robbery," and she dared not underestimate her mother-in-law.
After being wronged at her parents' home, Liang Meifen returned with low spirits, but she didn't dare tell anyone in her husband's family, fearing they might notice. If Zhuang Zhiyuan knew her natal family had tried to claim the "three major items and one echo" and the "thirty-six legs," he would surely demand a divorce.
She was utterly exhausted, and Liang Meifen rubbed her temples.
Zhao Guihua glanced at Liang Meifen. She actually knew what was troubling her, but she wouldn't get involved in such matters. She wasn't playing the role of a kind mother-in-law, and Liang Meifen had a tendency to take a mile when given an inch.
If you treated her poorly, she would restrain herself;
But if you showed her kindness, she would start funneling things to her natal family.
She had seen it all in her previous life.
Zhao Guihua had no intention of being anyone's servant this life—she was busy enough. She said, "Eldest daughter-in-law, since your mother is injured, will you go take care of her these days?"
Liang Meifen shook her head, "I don't need to go. My mother can take care of herself, and besides, she's been discharged. She's recovering at home."
Zhao Guihua frowned, "Discharged? Wasn't she beaten up?"
Liang Meifen nodded, "Yes, the hospital recommended she stay longer, but my mother was worried about my father and brother. If she stayed in the hospital, who would take care of them? So she insisted on being discharged."
Zhao Guihua snorted and said, "Don't your father and brother have hands and feet? Do they always need someone to take care of them? What nonsense."
Liang Meifen's heart trembled at Zhao Guihua's tone, but Zhao Guihua didn't say more. Instead, she lost interest in the topic and said, "Well, since you don't need to care for your mother, let's go mushroom picking in the suburbs tomorrow."
Liang Meifen asked, "Alright, should we bring fishing rods?"
"Yes, let's see if we catch anything."
Ming Mei listened enviously and said, "I want to go to the mountains too."
Despite encountering a large snake last time, Ming Mei wasn't scared at all; rather, she was quite enthusiastic. She wasn't the type to be traumatized. Since childhood, Ming Mei had been this way—the more something scared her, the more she confronted it, until she wasn't afraid anymore.
Of course, if not for this unyielding personality, she wouldn't have become the big sister of the residential compound.
She really wanted to go, but she had to work.
Ming Mei said, "Work is truly a stumbling block on my path to relaxation."
Though she said this, she knew working was necessary. In these times, having a formal job was extremely important.
Somehow, Ming Mei thought of her dream where, fifteen to twenty years later, there would be a wave of layoffs, and even their machinery factory would close down in the 1990s. However, even then, their passenger station remained stable. It just underwent some reorganization. Ming Mei deeply felt that her job was truly secure.
"What are you thinking about? Dinner's ready."
"Coming!"
Braised meat, how lovely.
The family enjoyed a good dinner, and Old Man Zhuang unusually spoke up during the meal, saying, "Our family's eating well this year. I feel more energetic than before, and I've even gained some weight."
Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua were both naturally lean people, though finding someone fat these days was quite difficult. Even Madam Zhou Li, who came from a well-off family, was thin. The plumpest people in their compound were Li the Cook and his wife.
But they were just robust, not fat.
Besides, when had anyone ever heard of a cook starving?
So Old Man Zhuang was quite thin, but this year, with meat once a week and fish once a week, they were having two special meals every week. In just this short time, people could already see the difference.
Old Man Zhuang noticed it himself, and while others might not have noticed, it was quite obvious in the children. Both Little Tiger and Little Swallow had gained some weight, particularly visible in their cheeks.
Zhao Guihua replied, "Gaining some weight is good. At your age, you need to learn to take care of yourself."
Old Man Zhuang chuckled, feeling secretly pleased. He cast a somewhat boastful glance at his two sons, thinking that as their father, he had better judgment than them. In his view, while both of his daughters-in-law had their flaws, his wife was absolutely first-rate!
She was truly incomparable - just look at how caring she was toward him.
Old Man Zhuang's satisfaction completely missed its mark with his two sons, who were both rather absent-minded today. Even though the food was good, they remained distracted. One was in a daze, and so was the other.
Who knows what they were thinking about.
Old Man Zhuang's pride was like casting pearls before swine.
This was understandable, as both Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Zhixi were affected by today's events, each lost in their own thoughts.
Old Man Zhuang: "..." They really don't take their father seriously.
"Little Zhuang, Little Zhuang~"
Zhuang Zhixi immediately snapped back to attention, saying, "I'm here."
It was Yang Lixin who had come looking for him. Yang Lixin smiled and said, "Have you finished eating? Come out for a moment, I need to discuss something with you."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure!"
He quickly wolfed down a few more bites, put down his bowl, and went out with Yang Lixin.
Zhao Guihua: "These boys must be up to something again."
She muttered, though not taking it too seriously.
Zhuang Zhixi followed Yang Lixin outside. It was still drizzling, and the two stood under the eaves. He asked, "Brother Yang, what did you want to see me about?"
Yang Lixin did indeed have something to discuss. He lowered his voice and asked quietly, "Did you see Bai Fendou today?"
Zhuang Zhixi shook his head: "No, why?"
Yang Lixin frowned slightly, then said, "Never mind then."
Zhuang Zhixi: "???"
He scratched his head, very curious: "Hey wait, if you're looking for Bai Fendou, why not just go to his house? Besides, you're being rather cryptic, I don't quite understand. What's up with him?"
Yang Lixin: "Nothing, nothing, I'll be going now."
Zhuang Zhixi: "...what's this all about."
Yang Lixin was acting strange, coming and going in such a hurry.
Zhuang Zhixi thought to himself that even though he was quite sharp, he couldn't figure out what Yang Lixin was trying to do.
But he could guess something was up.
He shrugged helplessly, turned to go back inside, muttering: "What has Bai Fendou done now."
Zhuang Zhixi wasn't particularly concerned about Bai Fendou's affairs - what did they have to do with him? As he was mumbling to himself, he looked up to see Ming Mei smiling at him. Zhuang Zhixi blinked, thinking to himself: Just you wait, I'll "deal with" you tonight.
As punishment for your "adventure" today.
Zhuang Zhixi: "Hehe..."
Ming Mei: "..."
That smile didn't look very innocent.
It wasn't until that night that Ming Mei truly understood what an "not innocent" person meant - he really wasn't innocent at all.
The physical activity that night left her more exhausted than a full day's work! It was ridiculous!
Zhuang Zhixi, however, was in a great mood. He boasted: "See? I don't need to eat pig kidneys to perform well."
Ming Mei pulled the blanket over her head - who wanted to hear about such things?
Zhuang Zhixi saw her reaction and laughed. Now that the weather was warm, they didn't need to light the stove. He got up in the dark to pour a glass of water, and as he was gulping it down, he heard the sound of a door opening outside.
Previously, they didn't use to close the main gate in their compound, as the constant opening and closing would have bothered old Bai and his son who lived by the entrance. However, since the recent theft incident, everyone now kept their doors closed.
Though closed, the doors weren't locked - they were just latched from the inside.
This way, people in the courtyard could open them directly, which was convenient. These days, people rarely had nighttime activities, so it didn't cause much disruption. However, the door latch made a distinct clicking sound each time it was opened or closed, which was particularly noticeable at night.
People back then weren't like those decades later who would develop neuroses from noise - most people didn't mind such things at all. Zhuang Zhixi was the same; he didn't think much of it, but hearing the sound, he glanced out the window, and what he saw made him exclaim in surprise.
"What is it?" Ming Mei mumbled from under the covers.
Zhuang Zhixi: "Bai Fendou just left carrying a bag."
Ming Mei sat up: "Carrying a bag late at night? What's he up to? Running away?"
Zhuang Zhixi laughed: "Do you think that's possible?"
"No, it's not possible."
Ming Mei lay back down but asked: "Do you want to go see what's happening?"
This time Zhuang Zhixi shook his head, saying: "I won't go. I'm not stupid - following him at this hour, I'd definitely be spotted. Besides, who knows what he's up to! Why should I risk getting myself into trouble just to satisfy my curiosity? We'll find out sooner or later anyway. I may be nosy, but I don't stick my nose into everything. Heading out with a bag at this hour, he's probably going to the ghost market. Let him court disaster if he wants."
In earlier years, the old city had turned a blind eye to the pigeon market, but now the pigeon market was gone, replaced by black markets.
But whether it was the pigeon market or black market, they mainly dealt in daily necessities that were closely related to people's lives.
The ghost market was different - it only opened at night, mainly selling antiques and other such items, or things that couldn't see the light of day. Generally speaking, these were items of some significance. Both buyers and sellers covered their faces, and sellers especially wouldn't show themselves, only placing a small candle or lamp on their stall, just enough to see what was being sold.
Those little lights looked like ghost fires, hence the name: ghost market.
Sellers rarely spoke, mostly just using hand gestures, only speaking when seriously negotiating prices. Whether the deal was made or not, whether you got a bargain or were cheated, once money and goods changed hands, that was it.
Try to find the seller again? Impossible!
Even if you found them, no one would admit to anything. That's how the ghost market worked - once the transaction was done, there was nothing more to say.
People from their old city knew about such places but rarely went there - only the extremely bold or those who specialized in that trade would go. So while Zhuang Zhixi knew such a place existed, he had never been there himself.
He lazily returned to bed, flopping down and embracing his wife: "Let's sleep!"
Zhuang Zhixi's speculation about Bai Fendou going to the ghost market wasn't groundless. First, leaving with a bag late at night was suspicious in itself, and secondly, there was Zhang San - yes, that Zhang San from their factory's security department.
Zhang San had approached Zhuang Zhixi today to ask about Bai Fendou.
Apparently, Bai Fendou had been collecting some old items, and Zhang San was asking Zhuang Zhixi if Bai Fendou had connections in that field. After all, Zhuang Zhixi and Bai Fendou lived in the same courtyard.
They had more or less grown up together.
However, Zhuang Zhixi knew absolutely nothing about it, and Zhang San left disappointed.
Zhuang Zhixi hugged his wife and said: "He really dares to do anything now."
Everyone knew this business was profitable - you could make enough in one deal to live off for three years, and even though these items were now considered part of the "Four Olds," everyone understood their true value, and some people were bold enough to deal in them.
But dealing in such things required expertise - even now, there were plenty of fakes.
If you thought you were an expert, you'd be wrong.
And if you thought there weren't any fakes in this era, you'd be even more wrong.
Zhuang Zhixi pulled up the blanket and said: "Let's sleep."
Ming Mei softly responded with a "mm," she was truly exhausted. Since getting married, she had taken on more physical activities... Although, although it was quite pleasurable, it was also really tiring! She made a small sound and found a comfortable position, curling up in Zhuang Zhixi's arms, quickly falling into dreamland.
Whatever needed to be discussed, it shouldn't be after their physical activities - she had no energy left!
While the young couple rested, the next morning during their washing up, Zhuang Zhixi happened to run into Bai Fendou. Seeing Bai Fendou's drooping eye bags, he smiled and said, "Good morning, Brother Fendou."
Bai Fendou grunted in response, carelessly brushed his teeth a couple of times for appearance's sake, then turned back home. It was obvious he hadn't slept well.
Zhuang Zhixi, on the other hand, had slept quite well. He got himself neat and tidy, then left for work with his wife.
Zhuang Zhixi: "Be careful at work, I'll pick you up when you're done."
Ming Mei: "No need!"
She waved her hand and said with a smile, "I might even get off work early. The boss will definitely be looking for me today about yesterday's matter."
Zhuang Zhixi said, "Then come pick me up after work."
Ming Mei: "..."
She rolled her eyes at him, "Have some shame!"
She had never heard of a man asking his wife to pick him up!
She snorted and rode away on her bicycle.
Zhuang Zhixi went to work with a smile, ready to start another day of slacking off.
However, today Zhuang Zhixi didn't succeed in slacking off. Just after he finished sweeping, he saw Director Li from the factory office coming over. Zhuang Zhixi greeted him with a smile, "Director Li, you've just left home and you're already looking for people?"
Director Li was Doctor Wang's husband.
Director Li didn't speak, but Doctor Wang scolded, "You chatterbox!"
Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Look at you, why are you scolding me?"
Director Li: "Don't joke around. I'm really here to find someone this time - you."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Me?"
Although he worked in the medical office, he was just a cashier. While he had good relationships with the aunties and older sisters there, he wasn't familiar with Director Li, who was the office director of a factory with thousands of workers - quite a powerful position.
They occasionally exchanged words, but that was only because of Doctor Wang. It didn't mean they were close.
So it was strange that he came looking for him. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Director Li, please tell me what you need."
Anyone can speak pleasantries.
Director Li smiled: "You're quite the smooth talker. It's like this - Labor Day is coming up soon, and that's our workers' holiday. The factory definitely needs to put on some programs. The Publicity Department is preparing several shows, but they're short-handed. Would you help out?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Me?"
He was quite surprised. Director Li: "Yes, you have a good appearance. The Publicity Department needs people, and I recommended you."
Zhuang Zhixi only paused briefly before nodding: "Alright, I'm fine with anything, but what about my work here..."
He was like a brick in the factory - ready to be moved wherever needed.
Director Li: "Stop pretending with me. Your medical office only gets two or three patients a day, collecting thirty or fifty cents. Anyone can fill in for that. I'll talk to your supervisor."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright then, when should I go over? Who should I look for?"
"Go find Section Chief Song. They're looking for a handsome young man to be an announcer, and I thought you'd be suitable. Plus, they really are short-handed, so you can help out."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure!"
Although he usually slacked off, he wasn't actually a lazy person. It was just that his current position was like that. Even if you wanted to work hard, there wasn't much to do! To be honest, as a young man, he definitely hoped to advance further.
But obviously, there wasn't much room for advancement as a medical office cashier, he could only accumulate seniority.
Initially, Zhuang Zhixi had wanted to work in the workshop, but with so many people competing for positions, he couldn't get in.
At that time, his most stable option was his current path. If he couldn't even get into the workshop, the Publicity Department, a cadre position, was even more out of reach. Now that he could help out, at least he could get familiar with people there, take it slow. Zhuang Zhixi smiled and went directly to the Publicity Department.
The Publicity Department was on the second floor of the office building. When Zhuang Zhixi arrived, he went straight to the section chief's office. Section Chief Song was busy, but when he heard Zhuang Zhixi had arrived, he nodded: "You must be Little Zhuang. Old Li said you're talented and good-looking, with thick eyebrows and big eyes - he was right."
He spoke quickly: "We're organizing a celebration for Labor Day and need a suitable host. He recommended you."
He looked Zhuang Zhixi up and down and said, "I think you'll do just fine, but don't just do this in the next few days. Help out with other things too. Our Publicity Department is really busy lately."
This matter had really caught them off guard.
Actually, these kinds of publicity events used to be held every year in the past, but in recent years, due to policy changes, they had stopped organizing them. Being too high-profile wasn't good. But unexpectedly, this year the higher-ups notified them to organize it again. After stopping for several years, suddenly starting again had left them a bit flustered.
Their Publicity Department wasn't very large, and to put on a show, they needed helpers. But they couldn't use workers from the workshop as that would affect production. So they could only look for people in non-essential positions, but there were even fewer people in such positions. All in all, they really couldn't find many people.
Section Chief Song: "This time we need to put on a show in the morning. See what you can contribute."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright!"
Since he was here, he wouldn't be pretentious. Although he had never done this before, he was willing to learn. He would follow along. Even if he was just filling in, at least he was a good-looking fill-in.
He wasn't the only one they had borrowed for this occasion; there were others too.
Most surprisingly, Zhuang Zhixi saw Old Man Bai, which was absolutely ridiculous. Old Man Bai seemed quite happy though, clearly pleased. He worked in the boiler room, and being borrowed for this meant much easier work.
Section Chief Song introduced everyone, saying, "Little Zhuang will be our announcer this time."
Everyone looked at Zhuang Zhixi's face and nodded in approval.
The reason they needed to find an outside announcer was that none of them looked quite right. Since leaders might come, they couldn't have someone who looked too odd - it would affect the factory's image.
Zhuang Zhixi got to know everyone, and then Section Chief Song continued speaking. This middle-aged man was quite impatient, never stopping: "This time we need at least a dozen programs to make it a proper show. What ideas do you all have? Speak up."
Everyone looked at each other, and one man with a mustache said, "Why don't we just show a movie? A two-hour movie would solve a lot of problems."
Section Chief Song glared at him: "You think I haven't thought of that? If the factory leaders agreed, why would I be doing all this? We will show a movie, but that's for the afternoon, for all our colleagues. In the morning, we still need to organize a two to three-hour variety show. Say something useful. So far we've decided on the chorus 'We Workers Have Strength' and 'The White-Haired Girl'. Oh right, Master Bai is here to play Yang Bailao."
"But who'll play Xi'er?"
All the women in their Publicity Department were married, and none were the right age to play Xi'er, a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl. None of them were suitable.
"Which of you looks young enough to make do?"
"You go."
"No, you should go."
"I can't, I look more like Xi'er's mother."
In short, although they wanted to be in the spotlight, they didn't want to pretend to be young - it was embarrassing.
Their factory was a large machinery factory, and even the Publicity Department mainly focused on worker activities. They rarely had such performances. They weren't like a professional performance troupe - those people were confident in their performances. They weren't like that; nobody really wanted to participate.
They could fill in... no, perform as a group, but playing Xi'er wasn't going to work.
Section Chief Song's mouth was like a machine gun as he said, "Don't just stay quiet, acting like it's none of your business. This is a big event for our factory, and our Publicity Department hasn't had something like this for a long time. This is our chance to prove ourselves. Why are you all pushing and shoving and not speaking up?"
He called out: "Little Zhuang, you say something. You're one of our borrowed main forces."
Everyone's looks toward Zhuang Zhixi were full of mockery. Everyone knew he was just a cashier in the medical office, whose daily task was just flattering a few older sisters. He had flattered well enough that Director Li had recommended him here.
Some people looked down on such a flatterer, some wanted to build good relationships, and others were indifferent.
It was always the same - there were always people who looked down on such bootlickers, and others who thought they could become friends. You never know which cloud will bring rain.
Now, as soon as Section Chief Song called on him, everyone looked over. Zhuang Zhixi immediately spoke up. As someone from old Beijing, when others gave him face, he couldn't let them down. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing, and he wouldn't be able to get along in the future.
Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Since this is a Labor Day event, I think we could put on a few short plays. These take up quite a bit of time, and if we're in costume, we won't need to prepare as many other performances. Look at how few people we have - we're responsible for both on-stage and backstage work, with each person doing the work of eight! We can't keep up like this! We're all willing to work tirelessly, but singing requires practice, and if we have too many performances, our voices won't hold up. I know everyone in the Publicity Department is talented and willing to sacrifice all their rest time, but if we overwork our voices and let everyone down at the crucial moment, what then?"
"Yes, young Zhuang is right! There's too much singing, all big chorus numbers, and we have to perform in all of them. Our voices can't take it! If we lose our voices or get hoarse, we'll really be in trouble."
"I agree with Zhuang too, but what should we perform? We haven't even cast Xier for The White-Haired Girl yet."
"Well... we're not really at that level."
Section Chief Song said, "What do you mean you're not at that level? You're from the Publicity Department - this should be a piece of cake for you!"
Everyone exchanged glances - we're the Publicity Department, not a performing arts troupe, could you be a bit more realistic?
Seeing everyone's reaction, Section Chief Song said, "Look at you all, getting cold feet at the crucial moment..."
Everyone: "..."
Did you have to describe it in such a disgusting way?
Zhuang Zhixi raised his hand: "Chief, I have an idea."
Section Chief Song: "Go ahead."
Zhuang Zhixi: "We could perform a scene from a movie, choosing a memorable part that doesn't need much scenery. What do you think? We're showing a movie in the afternoon anyway, right? We could tie it in with that, and let the workers compare our performance with the film. See where we differ."
He smiled and added, "Who knows, they might find we're not lacking at all."
"Well said!"
"Indeed, we may not be trained, but with enough practice, we could be just as good."
Section Chief Song looked at Zhuang Zhixi with appreciation and said, "Zhuang's idea is excellent. Let's go with that. Now, let's discuss which scene to perform..."
Zhuang Zhixi's discussion went on all day, and they basically settled on seven songs and four short plays. While the songs were decided, they still needed to deliberate on the plays. As the host linking the segments, Zhuang Zhixi couldn't participate in the singing performances - there wouldn't be time between hosting duties - but he could take part in the short plays.
He could play minor roles that exit early, allowing him time to return to his hosting duties.
Everyone was discussing enthusiastically and energetically. This was the first time Zhuang Zhixi had been so busy at work, and although it had little to do with his actual job duties, it was quite fulfilling. Being good with words, he quickly became one with the Publicity Department.
Even those who initially looked down on him, while they hadn't grown to like him, at least weren't being passive-aggressive.
After all, everyone likes to hear nice words, and besides, Zhuang Zhixi wasn't all talk. His suggestions were well-received by everyone. They only had about twenty people, including four or five temporary transfers. If they were to sustain a whole performance with everyone singing in every number, it wasn't that they didn't want to entertain the workers, but their voices simply couldn't handle it. If someone lost their voice halfway through, what would they do?
So everyone thought mixing in some longer skits was quite a good idea.
At the very least, it solved a major problem.
However, before everyone left work, Section Chief Song also said, "If you have any good ideas for performances, you can write them down. Especially stories - if we use our own stories instead of movie scenes, that would be even more impressive."
"Alright, we'll all think about it."
As everyone was leaving, Old Man Bai had spent the whole day unable to get a word in, feeling his head buzzing. Although he had been happy when he arrived in the morning, since participating in the performance meant getting attention and not having to work during rehearsals, after a full day, he felt mentally exhausted.
It was a feeling others couldn't understand.
He couldn't join in others' conversations and barely understood what they were talking about. Since they hadn't started rehearsing Yang Bai Lao yet, he naturally had nothing to do. When Zhuang Zhixi came out, he walked with Old Man Bai, who wiped sweat from his forehead and said, "What a day!"
Zhuang Zhixi was quite curious: "Uncle Bai, how did the factory arrange for you to play Yang Bai Lao?"
Although Zhuang Zhixi's relationship with the Bai family wasn't particularly close, they maintained cordial relations. After all, as neighbors, they couldn't avoid interaction.
Old Man Bai replied: "The Publicity Department didn't have anyone suitable for Yang Bai Lao, and since the weather's warm now and we're not too busy, they borrowed me. They said I look exactly like Yang Bai Lao when I'm worried."
Zhuang Zhixi looked down and thought, well, that's actually true.
Uncle Bai did have the look of someone who had suffered greatly.
Thin, rough-looking, aged.
"You'll definitely play the role well."
Old Man Bai: "Did you need to tell me that? I'm known for my talent in our courtyard, most people can't compare."
This guy - give him an inch, and he'll take a mile.
Zhuang Zhixi laughed and asked, "Uncle Bai, I see all your talent is focused here, with none left for anything else."
It took Old Man Bai a while to react, then he spat: "You little rascal, you dare make fun of me."
Zhuang Zhixi: "You always misunderstand me. But speaking of which, when are we going to drink at your and Aunt Su's wedding?"
Although he was a bit of a sweet-talker, his words were somewhat pointed this time.
"I've been waiting to attend your wedding feast since I was a child, but still haven't gotten the chance. My teeth are falling out from anticipation. Look at me - I'm already married myself, but still haven't seen you bring home a new wife. What's going on? Are you and Aunt Su not planning to make it official?"
Old Man Bai's eyes widened, and he immediately said, "Watch what you're saying! You can't damage Aunt Su's reputation - she's a good woman. Don't be like the others at the factory, always saying she's pregnant. If she were that kind of loose woman, would I be interested in her? You don't know how principled she was back then. If anyone made even one inappropriate comment about her, she'd be ready to fight with a knife - all to protect her reputation. No matter how difficult life was, she stood firm. They're both widows, but look at Madam Zhou Li's reputation! She's never satisfied with taking advantage, who knows how many men she's met in the grove. Zhou Qun is probably clueless. Really, if you count them up, he probably has several unofficial fathers in the factory. During those years when his mother was working as a substitute, she spent plenty of time in the grove with men for money."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Holy shit."
Old Man Bai: "See? You really don't know anything."
Looking at Zhuang Zhixi again, Old Man Bai felt this young man was completely out of the loop. Thinking about how he possessed countless insider secrets, he smiled smugly, maintaining an air of superiority as he floated ahead.
Zhuang Zhixi quickly caught up and said, "Uncle Bai, is this true? How come I never heard my father mention any of this?"
Old Man Bai curled his lip in disdain: "Your father? That Old Man Zhuang who never pays attention to anything outside his own world. What do you expect him to know? His information network isn't nearly as good as mine. Even Li the Cook didn't know things as early as I did."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh my goodness."
He really hadn't expected this twist - his surprise wasn't fake, it was genuine.
After Old Zhou passed away and Zhou Qun was still young, Madam Zhou Li had taken over the job, then passed it to her son when he was fifteen or sixteen. All in all, it had been seven or eight years. Logically, with just two people in the family and a monthly salary, they should have been able to make ends meet.
And not just make ends meet, but live quite well.
How did it come to this?
Zhuang Zhixi scratched his head.
Old Man Bai glanced at him and said, "Don't be skeptical. You can ask your Uncle Li - Li the Cook and others all know about it. Your father, who just keeps his head down working in the workshop, wouldn't know these things. I can't understand what Zhou Qun's wife's family was thinking, finding such a family for their daughter and giving such a large dowry. If you ask me, isn't my son Bai Fendou much better than Zhou Qun? Our family has good values, and both parents work. Though my Bai Fendou's salary isn't as high as Zhou Qun's right now, he's ambitious and hardworking. Life wouldn't be much different."
Zhuang Zhixi's eyes flickered as he smiled and said, "You're right."
However, he didn't say much more as he could see the medical office ahead. He said, "Uncle Bai, I need to go..."
"Zhuang Zhixi."
Zhuang Zhixi looked up and heard the security guard call out, "Your wife is here to pick you up."
Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing, not feeling embarrassed at all, and immediately replied, "I'm coming!"
He waved goodbye to Old Man Bai and quickly ran towards the entrance. Old Man Bai felt even more indignant - among all the young men in their compound, some were living with their wives' families, some had poor family values, some were just pretty boys, but his son was the most impressive and dignified.
Why was finding a match so difficult?
Old Man Bai felt increasingly dissatisfied.
How unfair heaven was!
While Old Man Bai was wallowing in self-pity, Zhuang Zhixi was unaware of it. He ran to the entrance and saw his little wife happily standing there, bouncing slightly, clearly in a good mood.
Zhuang Zhixi called out, "Wife!"
Ming Mei looked up with a sweet smile: "I'm here to pick you up from work!"
Although she had said she wouldn't come, Ming Mei had nothing to do after work, and since it wasn't far from home, she came directly: "There's about ten minutes left, I'll wait for you here."
Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Those ten minutes don't matter... oh wait, I need to go back and tidy up. I haven't been to the medical office all day." After a pause, he said, "Why don't you come with me?"
Ming Mei: "Eh?"
Her big eyes blinked rapidly: "Aren't outsiders not allowed in?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "I'll talk to someone. Just don't wander around - come straight to the factory medical office with me, we won't go anywhere else."
Ming Mei nodded: "Okay."
Zhuang Zhixi went to communicate with the staff, and since he wasn't a workshop worker and wouldn't affect production, they didn't make things difficult for him. He led his wife to the medical office, and upon entering, Doctor Wang and others were stunned, then smiled and said, "Little Zhuang, where did you find such a beautiful girl? Is this your wife?"
Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow proudly: "This is indeed my wife. Let me introduce you. This is my wife Ming Mei, she works at the bus terminal. Wife, this is Sister Wang from our medical office, whom I've mentioned before - she's really nice. This is Nurse Sister Zhao, this is..."
Ming Mei greeted everyone with a sweet smile.
Doctor Wang laughed: "You two really make a perfect couple. I always heard people in the factory saying Little Zhuang married above his station. I wondered how that could be since Little Zhuang is so handsome, but now I see they weren't lying. Your wife is absolutely radiant. But such a beautiful wife deserves someone like Little Zhuang - you're both so good-looking, like a painting come to life, truly well-matched."
Zhuang Zhixi struck a proud pose and said, "Of course we're well-matched! I'm known as one of the most handsome men in all four corners of the city. I'm more than worthy of my wife."
Ming Mei's smile grew even brighter as she pinched his waist.
Zhuang Zhixi: "Ow!"
Everyone couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Zhuang Zhixi complained pitifully: "Wife, can't you let me show off a little in public?"
Ming Mei replied softly and sweetly: "Go ahead, show off!"
Everyone laughed even more heartily...
Ming Mei blinked, thinking that Comrade Zhuang Zhixi's work environment was really quite nice.
Everyone was so kind.
Doctor Wang: "Oh right, Little Zhuang's wife, how did you come here? Aren't you supposed to be at work?"
At this time, it should have been working hours, and although it was almost time to get off work, it would still take time to come from her workplace.
Ming Mei: "I had the afternoon off. I went to the police station, then came straight here."
She still spoke in her soft, sweet voice: "I caught a bad person on the bus yesterday, so I went to check on the situation this afternoon."
Zhuang Zhixi immediately looked at Ming Mei, who understood his concern and quickly said, "Don't worry about me, I'm fine."
It was then that everyone remembered the rumors, the vague whispers circulating, that Ming Mei, Zhuang Zhixi's wife, was quite formidable in fighting.
No one knew who started the rumor, but it existed.
She looked like a delicate young woman, so they hadn't thought about it when they saw her, but hearing this, they suddenly remembered. The rumors seemed to be... true?
Ah... you really can't judge a book by its cover!
