Zhuang Zhixi swore that he, as a righteous young man, had no intention of sneaking a peek at these sordid affairs.
However, when he looked up, he happened to catch a glimpse of Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu's "sizzling" glance, which was so electric that it seemed to spark with lightning. He shuddered, finding it quite eye-burning, although the term wasn't in vogue yet, Zhuang Zhixi could already feel its meaning intuitively.
He let out a low "tch," though he was curious, he still had some boundaries. If others hadn't provoked him, he wouldn't expose their sordid affairs. But if someone did provoke him, then sorry, you do the first, I'll do the fifteenth.
Just as he was about to lower his head to continue eating, he saw Yang Lixin suddenly stand up and follow them out...
Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow: "This..."
If you were to talk about it, their courtyard really was full of extraordinary people. He had originally thought Yang Lixin was quite steady, but it turns out, he's not exactly a dim light. However, Zhuang Zhixi and Yang Lixin's relationship was still quite good.
Although Bai Fendou always said that Yang Lixin wasn't a true man from Beijing, not very manly.
But Zhuang Zhixi felt that Yang Lixin's lack of arrogance wasn't necessarily a bad thing, and everyone has their own little thoughts.
He silently smiled, continuing to eat, not meddling in others' affairs.
Anyway, it must be related to last night's incident. Although he didn't know what happened last night, Zhuang Zhixi knew that their family's Zhao Guihua must have been aware, and she wouldn't have stayed up for nothing.
He planned to inquire about it curiously when he got home in the evening.
Zhuang Zhixi hummed a little tune, happily engrossed in his own world, when he saw Director Song dash into the canteen, spotting Zhuang Zhixi immediately and coming over: "Xiao Zhuang, come with me."
Zhuang Zhixi: "???"
What?
He quickly closed his lunchbox and followed, asking: "Director, what's the matter? Why are you in such a hurry?"
Director Song: "Xiao He, the one who plays the movies, fell on his way to the countryside this morning, breaking his leg!"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Ah!"
Director Song: "I've seen him, and with a broken bone, it takes at least a hundred days to heal. He'll need a long rest, and the countryside movie showings can wait, but the Labor Day afternoon movie for the factory workers can't."
Normally, they could borrow someone from another unit, but that day every factory would be busy with their own affairs, so they couldn't help. We have to find someone to fill in. Director Song: "I've talked to Xiao He, you'll take his place. These days, you'll go to the hospital to learn from him for two hours every day. Absolutely can't mess this up."
Zhuang Zhixi finally understood the situation, though understanding didn't mean he wasn't nervous. He said: "Director, is this easy to learn? There's only half a month left, I'm already hosting and participating in performances, now I have to learn how to play movies. Even if I were a monkey, I couldn't do seventy-two transformations. I can't handle it all."
Director Song: "Do your best to coordinate your time, young man, take on more."
He was also in a bind. He would have preferred someone else from their propaganda department to learn this movie-playing skill, so they could cover for each other if needed. But Xiao He was hesitant and unwilling. After all, this was a skill, and he didn't want others to share the benefits. If someone learned it, they might replace him.
Although they each had their roles in the propaganda department, playing movies was a bit different from regular clerical work. There were perks to it; when they went to the countryside to play movies, which village wouldn't treat them well?
So Xiao He definitely didn't want to teach his craft, creating a rival for himself without even a teacher-student relationship. He wouldn't be doing a good deed for nothing. Xiao He definitely didn't want to, but if he dragged his feet and messed up the factory's plans, he knew the factory would likely make an example of him, so he made a quick decision.
He chose someone unexpected yet somewhat expected by Director Song—Zhuang Zhixi.
Zhuang Zhixi had no connections, so he couldn't be transferred to the propaganda department. Learning to play movies would only allow him to fill in, not replace Xiao He. As for filling in, Xiao He wasn't too concerned; it wouldn't give Zhuang Zhixi any advantage over him.
So he strongly recommended Zhuang Zhixi to Director Song. As a leader, Director Song didn't care about Xiao He's thoughts; he just wanted the matter to be resolved satisfactorily. After all, they hadn't had such a big event in years, and if they messed it up now, it would show their work wasn't up to par.
Director Song: "Xiao He is willing to teach you, but you also need to study hard. Skills like these, the more you learn, the better."
Zhuang Zhixi was clear about the situation, but after a moment's hesitation, he nodded immediately: "Alright, Director, don't worry, I'll study hard."
Although all these tasks fell on an "outsider" like him, Zhuang Zhixi felt that Director Song was right. Learning this skill was always good, and others didn't even have this opportunity.
Opportunities like this weren't common.
"I'll take you there, don't worry, Xiao He will definitely teach you wholeheartedly, you don't need to worry about that," he reassured Zhuang Zhixi. Whether it was Zhuang Zhixi or Xiao He, if anyone played tricks on such an important matter, he certainly wouldn't let it slide.
Everyone understood this, so they all behaved.
"Even though you're learning to play movies, our work here can't slack off."
Zhuang Zhixi nodded, and as they walked and talked, they saw Yang Lixin looking utterly disoriented, almost as if he didn't see them as he drifted past. Director Song certainly didn't recognize someone like Yang Lixin, but Zhuang Zhixi curiously glanced at him, wondering what was wrong with him.
Didn't this guy just follow Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu's footsteps out?
Why the sudden change in expression?
On the other hand, Zhuang Zhixi was chatting with Director Song when Yang Lixin indeed followed Wang Xiangxiu out. Yang Lixin had his own considerations; he always felt that Bai Fendou had taken advantage of him in this matter.
He had thought carefully about his own plate, or rather, bowl, which indeed had a tiny crack, so small it was barely noticeable unless pointed out. He felt that such a small crack couldn't possibly have such a big impact.
He truly believed that a tiny crack couldn't possibly cause such a huge effect as a bicycle and a bicycle ticket.
Not just him, even his father-in-law, Li the Cook, thought it was absolutely impossible. Bai Fendou was definitely embezzling. What a dishonest person, just like Jinlai's father, most likely.
In short, both Yang Lixin and Li the Cook were in a bad mood.
Although they got a bicycle ticket, Li the Cook wasn't in a hurry to buy a bike. Instead, he arranged for Yang Lixin to keep an eye on Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu, and whenever they were together, he had to tail them.
They didn't believe that there was a cat that didn't like fishy food. Bai Fendou had done so much for Wang Xiangxiu, and Li the Cook's idea was to catch them in the act and then force Bai Fendou to reveal the truth.
That was their plan.
So Yang Lixin followed Wang Xiangxiu.
To be honest, Zhuang Zhixi saw that Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu exchanged glances, but Yang Lixin didn't see it. He really didn't see it. He followed Wang Xiangxiu because he hadn't seen Bai Fendou today.
That was normal; Bai Fendou hadn't slept well last night, so he was catching up on sleep during lunchtime and didn't come to eat. But Yang Lixin didn't know that, and seeing Wang Xiangxiu leave hastily without finishing her meal, he thought she was going to bring food to Bai Fendou, so he immediately followed...
It was a beautiful misunderstanding that would make Bai Fendou happy, but... things weren't as they seemed.
Yang Lixin quietly followed Wang Xiangxiu, watching her go to the small warehouse, his spirits immediately lifted.
Ah, ah ah, ah ah ah!
If there weren't something fishy going on, who would believe it? If you want to find Bai Fendou, just go to the security department. Why come to the warehouse? You, a woman, sneakily coming to an unused small warehouse—what are you up to? It's quite obvious.
Yang Lixin, upon seeing this situation, almost without hesitation, moved closer.
At the same time, Zhou Qun embraced Wang Xiangxiu. As soon as Wang Xiangxiu entered, she put down her bag and smiled charmingly, "Qun Ge~"
Her voice twisted and turned, soft and tender.
She coyly dodged, saying, "You rascal, aren't you afraid your wife will see? She's also in the factory."
Yang Lixin: "???"
Wife? Whose wife? Bai Fendou doesn't have a wife!
If Bai Fendou had a wife, would he be following you, a widow, around?
Yang Lixin, realizing later, quickly caught on—no, this isn't Bai Fendou.
If it were Bai Fendou, this conversation wouldn't make sense.
But the small warehouse had no windows, so he couldn't see, only listened intently.
Just as Yang Lixin was pondering who this man could be, the man spoke, leaving Yang Lixin stunned.
"That old hen who can't lay eggs, dares to control me?" Zhou Qun pinched Wang Xiangxiu, with a lewd smile, "I miss you."
Wang Xiangxiu: "You scoundrel... Do you think I don't miss you? Seeing you hurt, my heart aches so much. Feel it, it's throbbing with pain. But how could I dare to come to you? Your wife, Jiang Lu, would tear me apart. You're also heartless, saying you like my son. He just stole a little something from you; look how you beat him!"
Wang Xiangxiu complained coquettishly. She remembered this man had hit her son; other things didn't matter, but this did.
Zhou Qun's eyes flashed with disdain. This Wang Xiangxiu is a bit too audacious. Does she think she can manipulate him?
He patted her and said, "I don't care if my son steals from others, but not from my home. Even rabbits don't eat the grass near their nest. How dare your son steal from his wild father?"
Wang Xiangxiu was stunned, then blushed, "What are you talking about, wild father? That sounds so unpleasant... Ah~ Oh~"
Soon, sounds echoed from the small warehouse.
Yang Lixin: Who am I? Where am I? What's happening?
He never expected that the man meeting Wang Xiangxiu in the small warehouse would be Zhou Qun. Even if he thought about it a thousand times, it wouldn't be Zhou Qun. Although he didn't like Zhou Qun's pretentiousness, everyone knew Zhou Qun was deeply in love with Jiang Lu. So what's going on here?
Even if he said it, no one would believe it.
Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu have been secretly involved.
Oh, what about Bai Fendou?
In that instant, Yang Lixin felt he shouldn't blame Bai Fendou. The guy was too pitiful. He spent money and effort around Wang Xiangxiu, not even allowed to touch her hand, but look at them now. Not just touching hands, it's all... well, you know.
He pursed his lips, hesitating whether to call his father-in-law to come see, so the old man wouldn't disbelieve it.
Just as he hesitated and hadn't turned around, he heard rustling sounds inside, then quickly, everything returned to normal, as if the battle was over.
Yang Lixin: "???"
Oh, they're done?
So soon?
Yang Lixin was stupefied. He felt the whole thing couldn't have taken five seconds. It was over as quickly as a fart.
At that moment, Yang Lixin finally understood why Jiang Lu hadn't had a child!
At that moment, Yang Lixin also understood why Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu hadn't been caught.
He was so quick, how could they be discovered? Who would think such a thing could be done in seconds? From start to finish, including small talk, it didn't even take a minute. No one could accuse them of fooling around!
After all, who would expect such speed?
Seeing the two were about to come out, Yang Lixin quickly ran away. Walking back, he was in a daze. Today's information was too much.
He thought he knew everything about the courtyard, but now reality told him, there were things he didn't know.
He didn't see Director Song and Zhuang Zhixi coming towards him. With a vague step, he headed to the canteen.
Zhuang Zhixi, seeing his state, wondered what he had seen to be so shocked.
Director Song didn't care about Yang Lixin, considering him unimportant. He stopped and said, "I'm going to the restroom. Wait for me in the office."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay."
Director Song, busy today, ate hurriedly. His stomach wasn't good, so he immediately needed to use the restroom. Director Song left, and Zhuang Zhixi hesitated, looking towards the small warehouse not far away.
He felt a bit curious.
He didn't intend to watch the gossip, but... seeing Yang Lixin so shocked, he really wanted to know.
Curiosity killed the cat.
Zhuang Zhixi, not understanding this, hesitated for a second and quickly moved closer. Just as he arrived, he heard the door opening. Zhuang Zhixi was startled. He might get caught in the act of nosiness.
He arrived at the worst possible time.
Zhuang Zhixi didn't have time to feel sorry for himself. He quickly hid behind the nearest cover, though it wasn't very good. But it was the only place available.
Zhuang Zhixi again lamented why he had come here to watch the fun. Knowing Yang Lixin had left, it must be over. Poor him, coming here unaware, now trapped.
Zhuang Zhixi hid behind a wooden board, holding his breath.
If you think about it, Zhuang Zhixi's luck was both bad and good. He quickly hid, and Wang Xiangxiu didn't come out as quickly as he thought. Instead, she and Zhou Qun cooed a bit more. She said, "Qun Ge, it's almost Labor Day, and the factory is busy with overtime. My body can't take it. Can you get me some meat coupons? To replenish my strength?"
She cooed, "Otherwise, I won't have the energy to be with you. You're so amazing, it's too tiring."
Zhou Qun, hearing this, showed some pride. He loved hearing such words, but he wasn't the type to give a woman everything she wanted. He coughed and said, "Didn't I give you money? You can buy some yourself. The factory's meat coupons are limited; how could I not take them home?"
Pausing, he added meaningfully, "You can ask Bai Fendou."
Wang Xiangxiu cursed inwardly, hating this stingy man, but said, "I have nothing with him. I treat him like a brother. You don't think I'd like him when I have you?"
Zhou Qun believed this, knowing after experiencing him, she wouldn't fancy Bai Fendou.
He was generous, but not at the expense of his own life. Jiang Lu was still useful.
He said, "That's different. Buy it yourself; I didn't not give you money. Three yuan can buy a lot."
Jiang Lu bit her lip, thinking why not five yuan? A stingy dog, with such a high salary, holding all the money, not willing to give her more. Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip. Just then, footsteps sounded from afar. Wang Xiangxiu, not having time to say goodbye, quickly moved away from Zhou Qun and left hurriedly, not even looking around.
This actually helped Zhuang Zhixi, as if she had left slowly, she might have seen him. Hiding here wasn't very secure.
Although Wang Xiangxiu left, Zhuang Zhixi didn't dare relax, as Zhou Qun was still there.
Zhou Qun stood still, letting out a cold snort, and said, "What a trashy piece of work. If it weren't for passing the time and showing Bai Fendou some color, do you think I'd even look at you?" Wang Xiangxiu was quite attractive, with a nice figure, standing out slightly plump among the crowd of skinny women, exuding a bit of charm.
She could be said to be better looking than Jiang Lu.
Zhou Qun sought out Wang Xiangxiu for this very reason.
However, although Zhou Qun still sought her for her looks, he inwardly despised Wang Xiangxiu. In his eyes, Wang Xiangxiu was no different from those half-closed doors of the liberation era. They were all in the same line of work.
He sneered, saying, "Once I hook up with Ming Mei, I'll dump you!"
Zhou Qun had thought it through thoroughly. He believed that a man like him, with a respectable job, good prospects, and a high salary, could afford to have more choices. Women like Ming Mei, who were naive and inexperienced, could be easily swayed with a bit of money.
Wasn't Wang Xiangxiu like that?
A little bit of money was enough to make her throw herself at him.
The green hat, not only firmly placed on the head of the deceased Su family's son, but also securely on Bai Fendou's head, was impossible to remove. He chuckled softly, feeling quite satisfied.
He became even more smug, the next target being Zhuang Zhixi.
Zhou Qun thought that among the people in their courtyard, Zhuang Zhixi had the best taste in wives. Zhuang Zhixi's wife had such a pretty face. With no one around, he let out a lewd laugh, unaware that Zhuang Zhixi's face had darkened.
"First, I'll bump into her on her way home from work," he muttered to himself. "Then I'll buy her some snacks, acting nonchalant. No one can resist that move..." Times were tough, and this was a very effective tactic. Didn't he use this to hook up with Wang Xiangxiu?
It wasn't hard at all.
Zhou Qun sauntered away, while Zhuang Zhixi glared coldly at his back, feeling as if ice were forming all over his body.
He really couldn't understand how there could be such a disgusting creature in this world.
Zhou Qun's affairs with Wang Xiangxiu were none of Zhuang Zhixi's business, but now Zhou Qun was targeting his wife? Despite his outwardly righteous appearance, he was so utterly despicable behind the scenes.
Zhuang Zhixi's expression grew even darker. He pursed his lips, feeling that some people really needed to be taught a lesson.
Otherwise, they wouldn't know the meaning of the saying, "Don't bite off more than you can chew," thinking they could mess with anyone.
Zhuang Zhixi let out a cold laugh and turned to leave this trouble-ridden place. However, as he turned, he froze.
Oh, it was like the saying, "The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind," and there was a live performance right here.
He had eavesdropped on Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu, and someone else had been watching him.
Fortunately... it was someone he knew!
Zhuang Zhixi immediately felt wronged: "Grandpa!"
Who would have thought it was Lan Sihai.
Lan Sihai looked at Zhuang Zhixi's expression and said, "Follow me."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay."
Zhuang Zhixi followed Lan Sihai to the empty front courtyard, found a tree, and the two crouched down. Lan Sihai took out a cigarette: "Want one?"
Oh, it was a Daqianmen.
Zhuang Zhixi shook his head: "I don't smoke."
He spent his money on snacks and meals, not on things that weren't edible or drinkable. So Zhuang Zhixi, unlike most men at the factory, didn't smoke. He squatted on the ground and said, "Grandpa, you heard everything, right?"
Lan Sihai hummed in acknowledgment. Having lived a long life and seen many ups and downs, he wasn't surprised by such things. He was very calm, completely different from Zhuang Zhixi, who was clearly inexperienced in the variety of human behavior.
Lan Sihai: "I've been in that warehouse all along."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Wow!"
So the old man had watched the whole thing?
Zhuang Zhixi was a bit curious, but also embarrassed, after all, gossiping with an elder about a neighbor's scandal was awkward.
But Grandpa Lan said, "You don't need to be so angry."
Having watched the whole scene, he naturally heard what Zhou Qun had said. The man actually wanted to covet his granddaughter. This made Grandpa Lan very upset. He had lived so long and never had anyone try to scheme against him. This guy really thought too highly of himself.
Grandpa Lan was still calm, but Zhuang Zhixi was truly angry. He said, "Grandpa, how can I not be angry? Look at what kind of person he is. We live in the same courtyard, and although we're a decade apart, we can still be considered childhood friends. But look at the disgusting things he's done. He's secretly scheming against my wife, and he underestimates her so much! A few snacks and he thinks he can buy her over. He really thinks too highly of himself. If I don't teach him a lesson, I'm not a man."
Grandpa Lan: "Teaching a lesson is indeed necessary, but you should think carefully about how to do it."
Zhuang Zhixi immediately said, "I'm not the type to wait three years to take revenge. I take it on the spot, no overnight waiting."
Grandpa Lan glared: "What do you mean, do you think I'm the type to wait? You little brat, can't you let me finish? My point is, if you're going to teach a lesson, do it thoroughly. But you can't just hit him. If you do, it'll blow up and implicate you. Even if you're teaching someone a lesson, you have to protect yourself. I'm good at this kind of thing."
Zhuang Zhixi: "..."
Grandpa Lan: "What are you looking at? This time, follow my lead."
Zhuang Zhixi: "..."
Grandpa Lan: "I can see that you're not a good bird either, but you lack social experience. You don't know how to read people's minds."
Zhuang Zhixi earnestly sought advice: "Grandpa, then what should we do? How should we teach him a lesson more appropriately?"
Grandpa Lan smiled slightly and said, "When you do something bad, you have to make good use of external factors. For example... isn't there a rumor that the public toilet in our alley is haunted?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Hey, what haunted? Outsiders don't know, but I do. It's just that my sister-in-law, Liang Meifen, often goes to the toilet to cry in secret."
In fact, not everyone in their family knew this. His simple-minded father and upright older brother were completely unaware of the origin of this story being Liang Meifen. But for Zhao Guihua, who knew everything about the family, and Zhuang Zhixi, who was sharp-eyed, there was no suspense at all.
Grandpa Lan, after hearing such a big secret, wasn't too surprised. Instead, he said directly, "That's not important. The important thing is that there is indeed such a rumor."
Zhuang Zhixi suddenly understood: "You want to use this rumor?"
Grandpa Lan nodded and said, "Exactly."
He said slowly: "When you deal with someone, it's not about physically harming them, beating them up or scolding them. Although it might make them uncomfortable, what kind of follow-up effect does it have? They might even seize the opportunity to play the victim. That wouldn't be worth it."
He spoke earnestly: "Come, since you're my granddaughter's husband, I'll teach you some tricks to deal with people. When you deal with someone, you have to attack their heart! For example, what does Zhou Qun care about the most?"
"Children, reputation," Zhuang Zhixi immediately replied.
He was aware of this.
Grandpa Lan: "He doesn't have children, so using that to attack him is useless. But reputation, that's something."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Expose his affair with Wang Xiangxiu?"
Grandpa Lan shook his head again, saying, "He's too fast, just a few seconds. By the time you call people, he's already done. But if you block him in advance, you'll implicate yourself. You still need to work here, and if you get involved in this and people start to be wary of you, it's not good. Colleagues are actually quite wary of exposing each other's faults. This isn't just gossiping, it's a big deal, and it's not good for yourself. No matter when, you have to consider yourself when doing something bad."
Zhuang Zhixi: "I've learned."
Grandpa Lan: "Alright. This time, just follow my lead. Watch how I do it, and you'll know how to attack the heart without killing."
Zhuang Zhixi: "..."
Grandpa Lan: "Damn it, they actually schemed against our family. They really didn't bother to find out who I am."
He coughed and said, "Do you have any way to get a white bedsheet?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, we have them in the factory clinic."
Grandpa Lan: "That won't do. If something goes missing from the clinic and people later connect the dots, it'll be problematic. What I mean is... forget it, I'll prepare it myself."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh no, I can get one. I have connections in the hospital. I can get a bedsheet without anyone knowing."
Teacher Xiang can help.
Grandpa Lan glanced at him: "So you're asking for help again, huh?"
Before Zhuang Zhixi could respond, he continued, "Didn't I tell you, when doing something bad, you can't leave any loose ends. Not even with someone you trust." He sighed, "You, you look clever, but you haven't really done anything bad."
Zhuang Zhixi: "..."
Wait, how many bad things have you done?
So experienced?
He thought he was quite cunning, but Grandpa Lan was hitting him from every angle. Zhuang Zhixi began to wonder if he was really just a simple, innocent person.
Lan Sihai: "Bedsheet, phosphorus powder, have Ming Mei come see me. Such a difficult trick, you can't do it, but Ming Mei can."
Zhuang Zhixi: "..."
He thought for a moment and nodded, "Alright!"
At the same time, he asked, "I'll find these things, otherwise I feel like I'm not doing anything."
Lan Sihai: "No need, I have connections."
Zhuang Zhixi: "..."
How long has Lan Sihai been in Beijing, and he already has connections like this? Zhuang Zhixi deeply felt that he was indeed a simple young man.
Grandpa Lan: "You go pick up Ming Mei today, and we'll go out for dinner tonight to discuss."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright!"
He also thought this was a good idea. There are too many eyes in the courtyard, it's better to discuss doing bad things outside.
Zhuang Zhixi: "This unlucky bastard, deserves a lesson."
Lan Sihai: "I don't care about others, but anyone who wrongs our Lan family will get their comeuppance!"
Zhuang Zhixi laughed. This time it wasn't the cold, angry laugh from before, but one with a bit of sincerity.
"Xiao Zhuang, Xiao Zhuang, Director Song is looking for you everywhere, why are you still chatting here? Master Lan, you're here too." Xiao Li from the propaganda department was looking for someone and finally found Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi slapped his head: "Look at my terrible memory, I forgot about Director Song!"
He immediately stood up: "Grandpa, I'll go first."
Lan Sihai: "Go ahead and take care of your business."
Zhuang Zhixi hurried away with Xiao Li from the propaganda department.
Lan Sihai still squatted under the tree smoking. He had finished lunch today and wanted to find a place to take a nap. The workshop could do, but there were people around and noises. He sleeps lightly, so he wanted a quieter place. People at the factory knew the small storage room was unused, so they told him about it.
Lan Sihai went there, found a comfortable position, and was about to sleep.
Just as he was about to, he heard footsteps outside, accompanied by sneaky laughter. Clearly not someone good, despite his age, Grandpa Lan moved quickly and hid in an empty cabinet.
But as soon as he hid, he regretted it. Why did he hide? He was just here to sleep, nothing to hide.
Now that he was hidden, if someone saw him, it would be hard to explain. But since he was already in, he could only hold his breath, hoping not to be found. Otherwise, his reputation...
He was thinking.
Then he heard the people who entered talking. No need to guess, it was Zhou Qun, recognized by Grandpa Lan.
After all, they lived in the same courtyard, familiar voice!
With no one around, Zhou Qun shed his hypocritical mask and was quite proud, boasting, "Bai Fendou, you want to show off with me? I'll sleep with your beloved."
He was quite proud of this.
Grandpa Lan in the cabinet smirked, not very manly.
He was thinking, Wang Xiangxiu entered, surprisingly fast. She was delayed for a while but arrived not late. The two quickly got cozy.
Grandpa Lan: "..."
He shouldn't have hidden, he should've let Zhou Qun see him sleeping here. Then Zhou Qun would've left.
Now, he didn't have to suffer this.
Although he's been married several times and experienced a lot, seeing young people so lively annoyed him. What the hell is this, huh?
He retracted the words "lively and vigorous."
Lan Sihai felt those words didn't suit Zhou Qun at all. This was so quick?
Zhou Qun now embraced Wang Xiangxiu and said, "When are you going to marry Bai Fendou?"
If Wang Xiangxiu married Bai Fendou, it would be even better. Then he would truly have put that green hat on him!
Wang Xiangxiu wasn't important, Bai Fendou was.
Wang Xiangxiu was buttoning her clothes, hearing this, she turned back in surprise, coquettishly said, "What nonsense are you talking? I won't marry him, I don't like him. You know, my heart is only for you."
Testing my loyalty to you?
I'll say what you want to hear.
Zhou Qun is generous, giving several yuan each time, and doesn't require much effort. She still wants to keep this person.
Testing me?
I won't fall for it!
"My heart is only for you, didn't I say? Between me and him, it's like brother and sister. I know he likes me, but so what, I don't like him. I will never do anything to betray you."
Zhou Qun looked at her: "You..."
Wang Xiangxiu was wronged: "Do you still doubt me? Don't you know my heart?"
She looked pitifully: "I still love you so much."
Zhou Qun awkwardly said: "Look, why are your eyes red? I know you like me, I was just asking casually. Bai Fendou is deeply in love with you."
"Deeply in love or not, I don't care for him." Wang Xiangxiu was a bit pretentious: "Besides, if he really likes me, he shouldn't be dating, he should wait for me forever. But he didn't, how can I trust him? I don't love him, and without trust, I can't be with him. If he truly loves me deeply and sincerely, I might consider giving him a chance, but he's not pure! I don't love him, just want him to be pure and good to me. If he can't give his whole heart, how can I be with him. I'd rather be with you without a name or status."
Zhou Qun sneered, he knew Wang Xiangxiu well. They've slept in the same bed.
He saw through her, Wang Xiangxiu wasn't a good person, she was dragging Bai Fendou along but not marrying him. Because if they married, she couldn't make money from others, she wanted a whole forest, not just one tree like Bai Fendou.
But she wouldn't let go of Bai Fendou, this fat sheep.
Even Zhou Qun had to admit Wang Xiangxiu's ruthlessness, thinking this woman was a viper.
But it was Bai Fendou who suffered, and he was happy. This way, Bai Fendou staying single forever was good. Who asked him to hurt his kidney. This was a deep grudge!
Better to let him seek and never get, stay single forever, really satisfying.
He smiled and said, "Remember your words, don't marry him."
Wang Xiangxiu's eyes flickered, she coquettishly said, "Alright~ I'm devoted to you, you better remember my good."
Zhou Qun nodded: "Am I not good to you? Every time, haven't I treated you well?"
Wang Xiangxiu: "I know you're sincere to me."
The two of them indulged in a couple more affectionate exchanges before Wang Xiangxiu decided it was time to leave. "Let's go back," she said. "If we stay here any longer, others might notice something's off."
Zhou Qun nodded in agreement and they both headed out the door. Once they were out and the door was securely closed, Lan Sihai, the old man, emerged from the cabinet. He furrowed his brow, standing by the door, ready to wait until the couple was far enough away. But to his surprise, although they did walk far, he overheard Zhou Qun expressing his interest in his granddaughter. This... was the old man courting disaster, wasn't he?
He stepped out, and Zhou Qun, unaware of his presence, left with a smug look on his face. However, Lan Sihai spotted his grandson-in-law hiding in the corner.
It was clear that the drama between Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu had quite an audience today.
Although Lan Sihai didn't show much concern for Zhuang Zhixi, he actually quite approved of his grandson-in-law. The young man wasn't so rigid and conventional. Lan Sihai didn't particularly like conventional people.
So, he decided to take the young man along for a "revenge mission." He wanted to show Zhuang Zhixi the harsh realities of the world and the true meaning of the phrase "old and cunning."
With his hands behind his back, he returned to the workshop...
So what if it was just Zhou Qun?
Didn't he want to save face?
Lan Sihai was determined to tear that face off and stomp on it, leaving Zhou Qun with no face to show to anyone in the future.
*******
Every day at work was a hard day's work.
Ming Mei, after finishing her shift, pushed her bicycle out the door, ready to ride fast and free.
As she approached the gate, she saw two familiar faces. Ming Mei was taken aback and then smiled, waving, "Grandpa, Zhixi ge."
She hurried over and asked, "Why did you both come to pick me up?"
Ming Mei's smile was radiant, filled with joy.
Zhuang Zhixi ruffled her hair and said, "Because I missed you, so I came to pick you up."
Ming Mei's smile grew even brighter. "How much did you miss me? A lot?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, a lot."
Their eyes sparkled, and Lan Sihai, standing beside them, couldn't help but think, "These young people nowadays are so frivolous and slick."
However, Ming Mei seemed to enjoy it. She said, "Then how much did you miss me? A lot?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, a lot."
Their eyes were both shining brightly. Lan Sihai coughed, "You two, pay attention to the public image. This is outside, stop fooling around! Let's go, I'll treat you to dinner."
Ming Mei: "Ah?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Let's go, let's eat like a rich man."
Ming Mei pinched Zhuang Zhixi's waist, causing him to yelp, "Ah!"
Ming Mei: "How dare you talk like that, this is my grandpa!"
Zhuang Zhixi immediately showed a very apologetic expression and said, "I was wrong just now, Grandpa, please forgive me."
The old man gave them a sidelong glance and said, "Stop making a scene, hurry up and get on the bike, or there won't be any good food left."
"Right, right, right."
"Where are we going to eat?"
Lan Sihai: "Donglaishun."
Ever since he came to Beijing, he had fallen in love with Donglaishun.
"Oh, that's great, let's go, go, go!"
Zhuang Zhixi carried Ming Mei on his bike, while Lan Sihai rode his own. It was clear they were family. Lan Sihai's cycling style was identical to Ming Mei's, fast and smooth.
Zhuang Zhixi: "Hey, I can't keep up with Grandpa?"
He sped up.
Ming Mei: "Faster, faster! Zhixi ge, can you do it?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Watch me catch up in a second."
"Stop bragging and hurry up!"
The three of them, on two bicycles, quickly sped off.
Ming Mei's laughter was particularly crisp. She shouted, "Zhixi ge, did you tell your mother we're going out to eat?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, I had my dad pass the message. Don't worry."
Ming Mei was delighted: "I love eating out the most."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Who doesn't..."
Ming Mei: "Ah, stop chatting, ride faster, or you'll fall behind again. You can't even catch up with Grandpa, that won't do!"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Watch me!!"
He pedaled furiously...
