Chapter 183

"Li Zhiguo, your stomach problem hasn't healed yet. It's been years!"

It just so happened that I met a guy named Tang Rude who had just come out of the factory. He was married, had a child, and grew a beard. Time is merciless.

"Alas! He was almost well, but it was a disaster year and he didn't have enough to eat, so he got sick from hunger again."

Li Zhiguo smiled and handed out a cigarette, "No, you left early."

"Hey, my wife is about to give birth, which is making things worse. I thought things would be better this year, but it turned out to be a severe drought. I don't know how the baby will survive after it is born."

Tang Rude complained bitterly that he had miscalculated the timing and his life would be difficult from now on.

"Okay, stop complaining, having more children is not a bad thing!
When your wife gives birth, let me know and I'll find some eggs for you."

Li Zhiguo was thinking about his old co-worker whom he had known for ten years, so he decided to help if he could and charge him the cost price!

"How much is it? Don't cheat me. I'm living a tight life."

As soon as Tang Rude heard it, he knew that it was not a good thing.

"The current market price is six cents a piece, and sixty eggs only cost three dollars and sixty cents. Forget it, I'll give it to you. Am I the kind of person who talks about money?"

Li Zhiguo felt that his dignity was insulted again. He was a good man and had never done anything bad. Instead, he was always willing to help others and had a good reputation in the hospital!
"Then we agreed on three dollars. I'll give it to Qin Huairu when the time comes. I won't tell you now. I'm in a hurry to go to the hospital. My wife is about to give birth."

Tang Rude ran away quickly. If he stayed any longer, he was afraid that three dollars and sixty would turn into thirty-six.

"This kid is a father, but he's not mature at all."

Li Zhiguo touched his chin, which was smooth. He had already celebrated his 29th birthday and was already 30 years old, so he had to pay more attention to his image.

After shaving his beard, when he walks on the street, people think he is a young man, still very young.

"Hey, Li Zhiguo, wait for Sister Qin to get off work, it will be soon."

Xu Damao pushed his bicycle out. The main gate was not open, so he had to push the bicycle through the small gate.

"Da Mao, aren't you going to show us the porn movie today?" Li Zhiguo threw the match over.

Xu Damao took it and quickly stepped forward to light his cigarette. He didn't smoke, he just liked to drink.

"What movie is playing? My status is different now. I will soon be promoted to a cadre position."

Xu Damao grinned and added, "But I still have to go to the countryside to show movies occasionally. I can get benefits. A bunch of mushrooms is not too little, and a chicken is even better."

"Okay, just be beautiful! By the way, how is your son doing lately?"

Li Zhiguo mentioned Chunyan's child, his illegitimate son Xiao Hongxing.

"It's fine. It's plump and smart. When I went over to see it yesterday, it could recite poems."

When Xu Damao talks about his son, he is extremely proud. Having a son means there is someone to take care of him in his old age, so he is not feeling empty. Otherwise, not only would he not be able to sleep every day, but he would also not know what to strive for when he opens his eyes.

"Da Mao, take good care of your son. He must go to college in the future."

Li Zhiguo had no intention of snatching his son back. There was no need. He had no shortage of people to take care of him in his old age. He didn't even expect to have several sons. He had his wives and concubines to support him!

"Of course, my son is very smart."

After chatting for a few more sentences, Xu Damao was in a hurry to go to Chunyan's parents' home, so he left first. He would go there to eat when he had nothing to do and then return to the yard. He would miss his son very much if he didn't see him for a day.

But he couldn't stay in the courtyard because he didn't dare to eat well. Even Li Zhiguo sent his two sons away, so he had to do the same.

Li Zhiguo looked at his watch and thought, I hope I don’t meet anyone I know again.

Then, Sha Zhu was seen coming out of the factory carrying a net bag.

"I say, idiot, you stole vegetables from the factory again."

Li Zhiguo shouted, but the guard at the front did not come out, so it was useless to ask.

"I didn't steal this. I saved it for myself during lunch."

Sha Zhu is not outdone either. He has now become a chef and has started to take apprentices. His status in the kitchen is quite high.

"Well, the cook will never go hungry in any year."

Li Zhiguo thought about it and decided not to mention Xu Huizhi's matter so as not to cause trouble for others.

"Hey, that makes sense!" Shazhu just stood there, swinging his lunch box around.

"No, you're not going back to the courtyard, do you want to smoke a cigarette?"

Li Zhiguo had just smoked, so he didn't take any action at this time.

"No, I'll stand with you for a while, don't worry. Yu Shui is on summer vacation, and he can cook by himself."

Shazhu just stands there like that, is he stupid?

Ding-a-ling! Suddenly, the factory bell rang, and soon, the workers with bicycles came out first.

"Sister Qin, here." Sha Zhu had sharp eyes and saw Qin Huairu at once.

"Shazhu, you are here too." Qin Huairu raised her eyes and saw Li Zhiguo, and immediately smiled.

This made Li Zhiguo shake his head. Oh my god, it seems that he has to find a way to solve Sha Zhu's lifelong issue, otherwise he will feel a little weak.

Suddenly, he understood Lao Cai a little. Why did Lao Cai get anxious when Xu Huizhen mentioned Sha Zhu? Anyone would be nervous, worrying that one day they would close their eyes and someone would take over.
"Sister Qin, I just happened to meet Li Zhiguo and we chatted for a while."

Shazhu was cheerful and in a good mood.

"Well, let's go together?"

Qin Huairu was also riding a bicycle, so it would be bad to leave Shazhu behind.

"okay!"

Sha Zhu consciously took Li Zhiguo's bicycle and took the boy back.

I didn't expect Li Zhiguo to get on the back seat of Qin Huairu's car and let a woman pedal. This is simply shameless.

"Silly Zhu, let's go."

"Hi……"

Sha Zhu watched the two of them go forward, and he had no choice but to follow them. This combination of three looked a little strange.

After returning to the yard, Li Zhiguo asked his wife to go back and cook first, and he went to Sha Zhu's room.

"Hey, Yu Shui, I'm cooking. I hope I didn't bother you."

"Don't delay, Brother Li. I'm already in a steaming pot. You can chat with my silly brother. I'll go to the next room."

When Yu Shui saw that they wanted to discuss something, he went out first. He was a very sensible child and didn't go astray.

"Li Zhiguo, you have something to talk to me about, why didn't you tell me when we were at the factory gate just now?"

Sha Zhu lifted the lid of the pot and put the lunch box inside to steam it for a while. He had to eat hot food even in the summer.

"That would be inconvenient, Silly Zhu. You are not young anymore. You are already 24 years old, 25 years old, and you are not planning to find a wife yet."

Li Zhiguo opened the cupboard and found peanuts inside. Cooks are different because they know how to look for them.

"Hey, I saved that for drinking. I couldn't bear to eat it."

Sha Zhu said so, but he knew he couldn't escape, so he had to take out the hidden wine and mix it with some peanuts.

Li Zhiguo took the bottle and said, "You're still eating peanuts, don't you want to get married?"

"Why don't I want to get married? I haven't met the right one yet."

Sha Zhu lived with Sister Huizhen for half a year and went on two blind dates, but he didn't like either one, so he moved back.

It has been delayed until now, and I have gotten used to living alone. I add a quilt in the winter and I am not cold.

"Your situation is quite difficult to deal with. You are not a child anymore."

Li Zhiguo thought about it but couldn't find anyone suitable for Sha Zhu. So, he decided to just eat some peanuts, drink a glass of wine and leave. He should also continue to take care of his health and not give Sha Zhu any chance.

"Hey, I told you you were here to mix drinks."

Sha Zhu cursed and his smile disappeared. Who doesn't want to get married? It's summer now and winter is not far away.

……

Siheyuan, backyard.

Qin Huairu had just steamed the staple food and cut the vegetables, waiting to put them in the pot. Since the beginning of the year, her mother moved into the three-story courtyard with her two sons.

She has returned to the time when she first got married into the courtyard, working during the day, doing housework in the morning and evening, and living a good life.

"Huai Ru, what delicious food should I make tonight?"

Li Zhiguo is back. Instead of introducing a wife to Sha Zhu, he should take good care of his health.

Although he is five years older than Sha Zhu, with his physique, he can still survive well after Sha Zhu is gone.

Qin Huairu replied: "Potato chips and a scrambled egg."

Don’t underestimate these two dishes, but it also depends on the time. They are already very good. We also have lard and vegetable oil at home, which are all good things.

People can go without meat for several months, but if there is no oil at all, it would be really terrible and they would feel weak all day long.

"Very good. I went to see Guan Xiang and Chao Yang this afternoon..."

Li Zhiguo briefly explained the situation and then said, "Bring Guan Xiang back to the middle of next month to train him. Otherwise, he will starve if he goes to the school cafeteria."

"Yeah! There's no rush."

Qin Huairu felt that the current situation was good. There were only two of them at home, just like when she first got married. Whenever she missed her son, she could go over to see him without causing any delay.

"Zhiguo, go and rest first. I'll call you when the meal is ready." "Okay, I'll rest in the yard. It's cool."

As soon as these words were spoken, Qin Huairu hurried into the house to get a chair. After the man sat down, she handed him the fan.

She also had to clean up the house quickly so that she would have time to make clothes with the sewing machine in the evening.

Li Zhiguo leaned back in his chair, fanning himself gently. He missed Xiao Jingru because there was no one to fan her.

……

At the Qianmen Tavern, Pian Ye came to the tavern humming a little tune after get off work. He grabbed the hem of his shirt and started humming.

"Hey! Prepare lambs and fine wine to reward my army. Bring the horses and follow me to conquer Niulan Mountain... Hey!"

Pian Ye lifted the door curtain of the tavern, and as he walked, the thick envelope in his trouser pocket could no longer be hidden.

"Hey, Mr. Pian, you are a rare guest. I haven't seen you for a while."

When Xu Huizhen saw an acquaintance, she greeted him quickly.

"Mr. Pian, you came here today, have you recovered?"

Uncle Niu is sitting inside. He comes to drink two taels of wine every day, otherwise he feels uncomfortable.

"Hey! Master Niu, you are wrong. I was too busy recently, but I am done with it.

From now on, come and have a drink whenever you have time, we have money to spare."

Pian Ye bowed, greeted the other guests in the tavern, and then sat down next to Niu Ye.

Xu Huizhen came over and said, "Master Pian, as usual, let's order two taels of Niulanshan today?"

"Today I'm not going to order two taels, I'm going to order half a pound, with peanuts, pickles, and small rice noodle sausages. I have plenty of money."

Pian Ye looked very happy. It felt so good to have money in his pocket. This was exactly what he wanted.

"Oh, you got a pay raise, did Chen Xueru give you a pay raise or a bonus?"

Xu Huizhen found it strange. She knew very well the situation of Pian Ye's family. They relied entirely on that little salary, and they had a poor sister, so their life was very tight. He hadn't been to the tavern for two months.

"Neither, boss, serve the wine first."

The movie owner seemed to be smiling, saying that he had made a fortune today.

Seeing Xu Huizhen leave, Niu Ye couldn't help but whispered, "Pian Ye, what's going on with you? Have you found a way to make money?"

"No, it's a disaster year. People are starving everywhere. How can we get money? I'm lucky to have met a noble person."

Pian Ye waited for a while, and when he saw the food and wine being served, he quickly poured himself a glass and took a sip to satisfy his craving.

Uncle Niu is concerned about this. He is not having a good life either. Last year, he emptied out the family savings to buy four major items for his son's marriage, including two watches. Isn't this a rip-off?

If Xu Huizhen and Li Zhiguo had not given him a large gift, he would not have been able to sit here and drink today. But he couldn't drink for long either, as his family was poor.

"Pianye, what can you say?"

"Master Niu, hi, there's nothing much to say. Just Li Zhiguo. As soon as Master Li asked, he asked Chen Xueru to lend me 500 yuan, without interest or IOU. It was all based on my face."

Pian Ye lowered his voice, but this was the lobby of the tavern and Xu Huizhen pricked up her ears to listen. Originally, Zhao Yali was on duty tonight, but she had to leave for another shift in the afternoon because of something else.

"Ah! It was Master Li who lent you money!"

Uncle Niu suddenly realized that this was not surprising.

"Of course not. Don't think that Chen Xueru is so strong in front of us. She can scold people half to death with one mouth. But in front of Master Li, she is just a little woman. She has to listen to whatever he says. This is called one thing conquers another. In the great capital, we masters are still the masters."

Pian Ye ate two peanuts, so he doesn't get drunk easily. Tonight he drank half a pound, which was over the limit. He will have to drink for two hours.

"Master Li is really generous."

Uncle Niu gave a thumbs up, as he had received red envelopes before.

"That's right. By the way, Master Li also asked me to say hello to you on his behalf, saying that the heavens are not good, and if there are any difficulties, just tell him."

Pian Ye shook his head and found the feeling of his youth. At that time, his father was still alive and the family had money, so he lived the life of a rich young master.

"That's daring!"

Uncle Niu took it to heart. In addition to Xu Huizhen, he had another generous and face-giving option.

Although Xu Huizhen didn't hear it clearly, she roughly understood that Pian Ye was relying on Li Ge'er and clinging to his thigh.

But Brother Li always has a purpose for what he does and he won’t waste money.

As for Uncle Niu, it's okay. He has valuable antiques at home and belongings that can be sold. Brother Li also likes rare things, and he went to look for all the precious stones in her house.

But Mr. Pian is already extremely poor, what else can he gain?
……

"Li Zhiguo, lie down. I brought you some flour."

In the backyard of the courtyard, there came Yan Bugui, who looked 90% like Pian Ye, except that he wore a pair of glasses.

"Piece... Uncle, what's the matter?"

Li Zhiguo was almost falling asleep. When he opened his eyes, he almost called the wrong person.

If he didn't know that Yan Bugui's ancestors were all poor, he would have suspected that Yan Bugui and Pian Ye Qiu Guangpu were twins who had been separated for many years.

But is there a possibility that they are really twins and one of them was taken away? This is not uncommon. In wartime, anything can happen.

However, he didn't intend to say much about this matter. If they recognized each other, wouldn't it be like cutting off one side's roots and letting others raise their son in vain.

"Exchange for white flour. Didn't I tell you that I would exchange thirty-six kilograms of white flour for corn flour, and you would pay the difference of thirty cents."

Yan Bugui thought that this single transaction would yield a profit of ten yuan and eighty cents, and he had come at a great time.

“Really changed!”

Li Zhiguo sat up and whispered, "Your family of six doesn't eat fine grains, can you bear this?"

"Why can't you bear it? The villagers eat coarse grains every day and still have to work, so they live well, right? Coarse grains nourish people.

It's summer vacation now, and all six members of my family are lying down. Jie Cheng has been lying down for more than a year and has gained weight.

Li Zhiguo, you have no money left and can't afford to change it?"

Yan Bugui felt something was wrong. Wasn’t it very straightforward to exchange grain in the past? It had been going on for many years.

"How can I be without money? I can earn money just by lying down.

I'm worried about your family... Never mind, it's useless to say anything. If I don't switch, you have to find someone else."

Li Zhiguo had no choice but to shout, "Huai Ru, come out for a moment."

"Come here."

Qin Huairu had just cooked the potato chips, so she quickly wiped her hands on her apron and trotted out.

"Huai Ru, bring 40 kilograms of corn flour to the third uncle. There are 40 kilograms in the bag in the cabinet. Take this bag of white flour back and put it away."

"okay!"

Qin Huairu didn't ask the reason and just left with the flour. She still had some strength left.

Yan Bugui said hurriedly: "That's not right, I only want to exchange 36 kilograms."

"Okay, Third Uncle, the remaining four pounds of cornmeal will be my advance payment for tutoring. When Guan Xiang comes back at the end of next month, you can give him some intensive tutoring.

Here are eleven dollars, don’t give me the change. Also, if you are really short of food at home and can’t afford it, just tell me.”

Li Zhiguo actually had nothing to worry about. Yan Bugui was a good planner and overeating would never happen at home. The amount of food eaten each day was all planned.

"Oh, thank you, uncle."

Yan Bugui was overjoyed. After getting the money, he waited for a while and saw Qin Huairu delivering the food. He happily carried the food and walked away with more energy.

He quickly carried the food home and closed the door.

"Boss, have you changed it?"

The third aunt was still lying in bed. Dinner was postponed for an hour. She would be hungry for a while and eat steamed bread later before going to bed.

"Of course not, Li Zhiguo is trustworthy in this regard.

He also gave four pounds of corn flour and two cents as extra tuition for Guan Xiang. See, this is what generosity is all about.

He has a big shortcoming, which is that he doesn't cheat the poor or those who have good relationships with him.

The worse my life is, the more I have calculated against him.

This month we have four more pounds of corn flour at home, so we have to change our plan. We can save four more pounds of grain and sell half of the flour to him next month without having to exchange it. We can earn an extra four dollars and fifty cents, which, combined with the original amount, will be fifteen dollars.

Where can you find such a good thing? Just like Li Zhiguo, you can make money by lying down."

Yan Bugui was so happy that he couldn't stop smiling. He thought, just wait and see, until the eldest boss Yan Jiecheng gets a job and turns over all his salary to him to save, then life will be good.

Li Zhiguo was eating at this time. There were two steamed buns and a bowl of flour in the winnowing basket. The door was closed, but one still had to be careful.

He and Qin Huairu had a daily ration of eight taels, two-thirds of which was coarse grains, which was already considered good.

At this moment, Qin Huairu reached out to take the steamed bread, but was stopped by Li Zhiguo.

"Keep the steamed bread and steam it tomorrow. We don't have cornmeal at home."

"It's okay. Steamed bread is delicious too."

Qin Huairu took a cornmeal steamed bread and broke it in half out of habit, thinking it would be a waste to eat it all at once.

(End of this chapter)