Chen Men had spent all her money buying Capital Petrochemical stocks, and now she had only a little over 170 yuan left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But today, she was determined to treat Little Wang''s craving. Holding Little Lang''s hand, she walked up to a small vendor and asked, "How much for a whole crate of your c?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The vendor smiled, "You''re looking to buy wholesale, eh? That requires a deposit, and it''s quite high."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"How much?" Chen Men inquired.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The c bottles were worth more than the c itself, and the vendor, fearing Chen Men might be trying to scam him for the bottles, tried to deter her with the deposit amount, saying, "Fifty yuan for a crate. You can''t afford it, forget about it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A crate of c had 24 bottles, worth only ten yuan in total, yet he wanted a fifty-yuan deposit?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was clearly an attempt to swindle her. These small vendors weren''t as honest as they used to be years ago.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men immediately retorted, "Forget it then. The cpany charges you at most ten yuan for deposit. You''re being too greedy. I''ll just go to the corner store and get a box of Bingfeng instead. Their deposit is only three yuan."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Alright, ten yuan it is. But don''t you dare lose a single bottle. I''ll be passing by here the day after tomorrow, and you''d better return all the bottles," the vendor quickly conceded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
His drinks were expensive, and he couldn''t afford to lose business to Bingfeng at the moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men took out twenty yuan and was about to take the crate of c from the vendor when the crate suddenly moved on its own.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Hey, hey! How did this crate grow legs? It''s running away! The bottles will break!" the vendor cried out in panic.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"It''s me, I''m carrying it," came a voice. It turned out that Little Wang had lifted the crate with his head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If all those ss bottles had shattered, it would have been disastrous. The vendor, who had nearly died of fright, watched Little Wang run off at an incredible speed. He couldn''t help butugh. He then took two balloons from his cart and said with a smile, "Ma''am, your son may be small, but I can tell he''s destined for greatness. And he''s so filial too, look at him, not even letting you carry the crate. Here, here, let me give him two balloons."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Lang epted the balloons and held up three fingers. "Three," he demanded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Young man, balloons cost money too. Even if you buy them, they''re two cents each. I can''t give you any more," the vendor exined.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I''ll bite you," Little Lang said, about to jump up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Alright, alright, I''ll give you one more," the vendor said, thinking the child wanted the balloon for his mother. He handed one to Chen Men. "I roam the streets every day and see lots of children, but rarely any as well-behaved as your two sons. See you tomorrow."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang didn''t really understand why Chen Men wanted to buy c. He guessed she might want to sell it, but that wasn''t his forte.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Of course, he ran home quickly, but when he reached the doorstep, why hadn''t Chen Men returned yet?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This child had never been attached to Zhou Xueqin, after all, she had too many friends and rarely came home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But now that Chen Men wasn''t following him, why did he feel so anxious?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After waiting and worrying for a while, he finally saw Chen Men emerge from the market, holding Little Lang''s hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In her other hand, if he wasn''t mistaken, she was carrying eight chicken legs, each about the size of a small fist, tied together with straw. Hadn''t they just eaten KFC yesterday? Why was she buying so many chicken legs now? She couldn''t be nning to open a restaurant, could she?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He didn''t even realize that his concern for Chen Men had surpassed that for his own father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Go, get away from our house, quick!" Suddenly, with a loud bang, Zhaodi came out of Qin Yu''s house, looking as if she had been pushed out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Zhaodi seemed upset, but upon seeing her mother, she ran over with a smile. "Mama!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men bent down to kiss Zhaodi and asked, "What''s wrong?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Nothing, Mama. I don''t want to learn singing anymore," Zhaodi shook her head. "I don''t think singing is fun."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"What are you talking about, auntie? Zhaodi just touched my mom''s piano. That''s the school''s piano, what if she damaged it? She even wanted to jump on my mom''s spring mattress... My mom hasn''t even charged her tuition, and she..." Ningning suddenly opened the door and poked her head out to say.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Qin Yu rushed out and covered Ningning''s mouth. "Men, the child is just joking. It''s nothing. I let the child y the piano. Your Zhaodi has incredible talent, she ys so well."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Zhaodi wants to learn piano?" Chen Men was quite surprised.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I don''t want to learn," Zhaodi said, actually worried about her mother spending money.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In her previous life, Ningning hadter be a pianist, ying at grand banquets in a white fringed evening gown, sitting on stage like an elegant white swan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Zhaodi had been a money-obsessed businesswoman, over-dieting with a face full of e. Watching Ningning on stage, she had leaned on Chen Men''s shoulder and sighed, "Mom, Yan Ning and I have known each other since we were little. We were pretty simr as kids, but now she''s a white swan, and I''m an ugly duckling."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Elegancees from artistic cultivation. Zhaodi, immersed in business, was surrounded by the stench of money. How could she have elegance?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ningning''s grace came from a privileged life and her mother''s careful nurturing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Qin Yu turned Zhaodi''s little face towards her. "If you don''t want to learn, why did you secretly y auntie''s piano, and y so well?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Zhaodi still shook her head. "I don''t want to learn."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men blurted out, "Why not learn? If you y well, you should learn. Mom will pay for it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Qin Yu let go of Zhaodi and said with a smile, "We''re neighbors, and I know you don''t have money. Dawei wants to rent your house, but I have an idea. I teach sses outside, charging 5 yuan per lesson, 150 a month, over a thousand a year. You can''t afford that. How about this: I''ll teach Zhaodi piano, and you sell us all six of your unusedrge rooms. We''ll count each room as two thousand yuan. Since our houses will be demolished sooner orter, I''m not taking advantage of you. You''ll have money to support Zhaodi''s piano lessons. What do you think?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her proposal seemed fair and considerate of Chen Men''s situation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But Chen Men immediately said, "I won''t sell the house. However, Qin Yu, I''ll rent you arge room for 5 yuan. If you want, I''ll rent you five rooms and make a separate entrance for you at the back. You can move things in and out without going through our house. How''s that?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When Yanguan Vige''s houses were demolished, this house could be exchanged for eight apartments. Chen Men would be crazy to sell it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Qin Yu was taken aback. "If that''s the case, I''m afraid I won''t have time to teach her piano for free."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Others charge 5 yuan per lesson, so you charge Zhaodi 5 yuan too."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In the future, Qin Yu''s lessons would increase from 5 yuan to 50, then to 200. Lv Erniu would be one of Qin Yu''s proteges. Chen Men could foresee this and was prepared for it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Children learning piano all need an electronic keyboard," Qin Yu added.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"An electronic keyboard is only about 40 yuan, right? I''ll buy it," Chen Men said decisively.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Knowing when to stop, Qin Yu smiled and said, "I''ll buy the keyboard. I promise I won''t overcharge you a penny."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A department store clerk''s monthly sry was only 40 yuan, so it was a considerable amount.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Mom, I won''t waste your money. I''ll study hard," Zhaodi sniffled. "Mom is so good to me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But she wasn''t bad either. Today was her first time touching a piano, and Qin Yu had praised her, saying she yed better than Ningning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
While Zhaodi was happy, Little Wang''s eyes were red with unshed tears, on the verge of crying.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Why was Zhaodi''s mom so good to her, while his mom went to care for other people''s children?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Carrying the chicken legs, Chen Men said, "Mom can be even better. Don''t you like KFC fried chicken? Today, I''ll fry you a whole basket of chicken, and we have c too. We''ll eat fried chicken with c, how about that?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
So all this c was for them to drink?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Auntie, too much c will upset our stomachs. C can rot our intestines, we should only drink it asionally," Little Wang quickly said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men said seriously, "When I was little, I drank three bottles a day and nothing happened to me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Only after they went inside did Little Wang realize Chen Men was lying. There wasn''t even c when she was little.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This woman actually dared to lie to him?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang carried the c, fuming. But as he fumed, the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned upward because Chen Men had picked up a kitchen knife and with a swift "pa!" sound, she opened a bottle of c, which was now fizzing right under his nose.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Please enjoy Coca-C," she said, handing the balloon to Zhaodi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Each of the three children had a bottle of c and a bright red balloon. The balloons all bore the same message: "Please enjoy Coca-C."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Meanwhile, Chen Men was replicating KFC''s fried chicken at home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She had made this in her previous life, but it was actually quite simple. First, marinate the chicken legs in cooking wine, white vinegar, and other seasonings, then coat them in a batter of egg, starch, and flour. The key was to use plenty of oil and patiently double-fry them. This would lock the moisture inside the chicken, making it tender when eaten.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Children all have baby teeth, so they can''t bite into meat that''s too tough. That''s why Chinese children, from a young age, be obsessed with this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As for Yan Zhao, after dismissing Yan Xishan, he looked through files until afternoon when the phone on his desk rang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"This is Yan Zhao."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Yan Zhao, it''s me. Are you and the two kids doing well? The Men I introduced to you is quite good, isn''t she? She''s good to the children, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Did you receive a bonus? I''m in a really tight spot financially and need some money..." It was actually Zhou Xueqin, but today there was no hysterical arguing; her voice sounded quite gentle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao looked up at the envelope. The bonus had just arrived and hadn''t even warmed up in his hands. Sun Nutao couldn''t have gone around telling people, so how did Zhou Xueqin know?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"When we divorced, you took all of my military retirement money, a full 30,000 yuan," Yan Zhao''s eyes shed coldly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"But I urgently need some money now, 6,000 yuan. You must have it, right? Considering how naughty Little Wang and Little Lang were, and that I raised them too, help me out this once," Zhou Xueqin said again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao gripped the receiver, enunciating each word expressionlessly: "You can go ask Zhou Fulong, Wang Ding''an, or Chen Ping to borrow. They have more money than I do."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Zhou Xueqin on the phone suddenly went silent, because these men were all considered nouveau riche in Xiping City, and during the years when Yan Zhao was at the front lines, they all had very good rtionships with her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But her husband had returned, and those men had all seen Yan Zhao''s big name in the newspapers, so they no longer dared to associate with her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Don''t nder me," Zhou Xueqin was instantly enraged. "They were just friends. It''s not as dirty as you''re imagining."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Then who dislocated Little Wang''s arm, making the child wear a sling for three whole days? Who deliberately tricked Little Wang into drinking baijiu, nearly killing him with alcohol poisoning? And who lied to him, saying they''d give him one yuan for eachmb kebab, but in the end made the child eat until he vomited without giving him a single cent?" Yan Zhao pursued, but speaking extremely slowly: "Zhou Xueqin, tell me the names of those people."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
These questions made Zhou Xueqin''s hair stand on end. Actually, they were all just some of her friends who had too much to drink and were joking around, manhandling Little Wang without restraint when they were teasing him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She had scolded them too and made them apologize to Little Wang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Hadn''t Little Wang sworn up and down that he wouldn''t tell anyone about these things?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
How could he have told Yan Zhao everything?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She hung up the phone with a bang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lv Liang happened toe in and instinctively asked, "Boss, did someone report a crime?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Wrong number. Tonight we''ll do surprise inspections at every intersection, checking for speeding and overloaded trucks. I''ll leave this task to you," Yan Zhao patted Lv Liang''s shoulder. "I''m leaving work early."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lv Liang looked at the red envelope on the desk, full of envy: "Another bonus from the military, right? Those of us who haven''t been to the battlefield don''t get those."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"You can just as well earn awards in police work. Do a good job with your current tasks, and next year the award will be yours," Yan Zhao said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lv Liang smiled a bit. Surprise inspections were a good gig - just go out for a spin and you could ask the drivers for some money. A few hundred yuan at least. Who knows how long he''d have to wait to win an award.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Turning around, Lv Liang left, and Chief Sun came in: "You''re a new groom today, right? Hurry home early."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"We don''t even have a bed yet, so it doesn''t count as a new marriage," Yan Zhao said. "I still need to go set up checkpoints tonight."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Aren''t you not going?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I''ll be watching from the shadows," Yan Zhao said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Sun Nutao immediately realized this was Yan Zhao''s long-term strategy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At the Yanguan Branch Bureau, even though the two of them were leaders, they really didn''t know who was friend or foe, or who had already been corrupted by those nouveau riche. They were fighting a lone battle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They had to be careful every step of the way, otherwise it would mean being crushed to dust.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Remember to go buy a bed tomorrow. I''ve already talked to your sister-inw, she''ll be waiting for you at the department store," Sun Nutao said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After Yan Zhao left, he first rushed to withdraw the money from the post office before it closed, then saw that it was already closing time, but surprisingly the department store was still open, so he went in and looked around.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The department store now had several floors with a wide variety of goods - dazzling and overwhelming, just too crowded with people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, wherever Yan Zhao walked, people would spontaneously move out of the way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
On the fourth floor, he saw a spring mattress for the first time in his life. He looked at each bed for a long time before finally heading home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
By the time he got home, the children had already eaten a round of fried chicken.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Though delicious, it was greasy. Zhaodi and Little Lang each gnawed on one piece before resolutely refusing to touch any more. But there were still six big pieces left, with skin so crispy it fell off, and juicy when you bit into it. But the two of them wouldn''t eat it, and Chen Men wouldn''t eat it either. What a waste.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Seeing his fathere in, Little Wang ran over: "Dad, quick,e here. Today we have... fried chicken that she made."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It''s so delicious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men was in the bedroom taking off Little Lang''s pants, measuring his little bottom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Oh right, she had also seen Yan Zhao''s underwear hanging in the corner.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Boxers, washed very clean, but crooked with many patches sewn on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The butt wasn''t worn through, but the crotch area had been worn to fuzz, with traces ofrge needle stitches that looked like two ferocious grasshoppers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If you took these out, probably even the most unkempt Old Man Yan in the vige would think they were too tattered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Both father and son urgently needed underwear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Smiling as she came out of the bedroom, she nearly bumped into Yan Zhao who was walking towards her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Do you like spring mattresses?" Yan Zhao asked right away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Spring mattresses?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men was stunned for a moment. This term would disappear in the future, but right now spring mattresses were a novel thing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
How did Yan Zhao know about spring mattresses?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After all, Yan Zhao rarely came home, and when he was home he hardly spoke. Zhaodi also came over, tilting her head up curiously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Or do you prefer solid wood beds, or box beds? Whichever you like, that''s what we''ll buy," Yan Zhao said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Lang and Zhaodi watched Chen Men intently, wanting to hear her choice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Meanwhile, Little Wang was still troubled by why no one would eat such fragrant fried chicken.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Originally, because food was so precious, he wanted to save it for his little brother and father to eat. But now that others disdained it and were unwilling to eat, perfect - he would eat it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
One bite of fried chicken, one sip of c.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He ate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang used to only be able to taste the deliciousness when he ate alone in hiding, but now as he ate angrily in front of everyone, it tasted even better.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
And he himself waspletely unaware that this was the first time he could taste the deliciousness of food without having to hide.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Spring mattresses must be very expensive, right?" Chen Men had to consider carefully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It''s actually just a soft bed. The reason it''s popr is because ordinary people had never seen such a thing before, and it''s soft andfortable to sleep on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A reborn wealthydy couldn''t sleep well on a hard kang bed every day either. Chen Men asionally wanted to mix things up by sleeping on a bed, but she needed to know how much a spring mattress cost. If it was too expensive, she definitely wouldn''t buy it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Four or five thousand, I suppose. I happen to have 6,000 yuan here. You keep it first, and we''ll go buy a bed tomorrow," Yan Zhao said as he handed over the envelope.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It had already been withdrawn as cash, 6,000 yuan in a thick stack.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Four or five thousand for one bed? That''s robbery! Chen Men''s heart was roaring. The prices in this era had a blood feud with her. It was so difficult just to sleep on a soft bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She was about to refuse when Qin Yu knocked twice on the door and came straight into the courtyard: "Oh right, Men, didn''t you want to transfer the two kids to a different school? The principal gave his word, there happen to be two spots avable, but the price is extremely high."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men hadn''t yet told Yan Zhao about wanting to transfer the children''s schools.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He and Lu Jingyu were two extremes. Lu Jingyu put education above everything else, willing to do anything to educate children well. Though he was a scumbag, he was a scumbag with foresight and grand aspirations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As for Yan Zhao and his two sons, it could only be said that he was content just to let them live.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Moreover, he was a rigid and conservative person who handled things by the book.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Let alone not having money, even if he did have money, Chen Men feared he wouldn''t do something like using money to buy school enrollment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
So she had nned to discuss this matter with Qin Yu herself, without telling Yan Zhao.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"You should go back first, we''ll discuss it another day," Chen Men said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Qin Yu had actually deliberately chosen a time when Yan Zhao was home toe over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When Chen Men was married to Yan Xishan, they often argued about money.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Every time Chen Men spent a penny, Yan Xishan would try to control everything. It wasn''t because he didn''t have money or was stingy, but rather the unpleasant attitude of a nouveau riche. Although he had money, he hadn''t received enough respect and attention from others outside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He was always looked down upon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Whenever his wife asked him for money, it was an opportunity for him to show off that he had money.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He would seize the chance to interrogate her and talk about how hard he worked to earn money outside, seeking a kind of selffort from his wife.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When Yan Zhao came, Qin Yu didn''t yet understand what kind of person he was. Actually, she wanted to test him for Chen Men, to see what Yan Zhao was like.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If Yan Zhao was also petty like Yan Xishan, Qin Yu thought Chen Men should just transfer Zhaodi alone and not bother running to school for someone else''s son.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After all, the transfer fee was indeed very expensive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Are you Yan Dawei''s wife?" Yan Zhao thought for a moment and said, "It''s Dongfang School, right? How much is the enrollment fee?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Hello, Captain Yan." Qin Yu smiled and extended her hand to shake Yan Zhao''s, but he showed no intention of shaking it, so she just brushed her hair instead. "To be honest, our Dongfang School provides good education with low tuition fees. We even have a cafeteria for lunch. All the kids in the city want to transfer to our school, but we don''t usually ept ordinary children. I heard the principal only agreed because it''s your family''s children. It''s 2,600 per child, and I haven''t overcharged a penny."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Two thousand six hundred?" Chen Men eximed instinctively, but then closed her mouth, realizing times had changed and transferring schools now cost this much.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao didn''t hesitate at all: "Enroll them, I''ll pay."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Qin Yu was stunned for a moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao immediately took the envelope, counted out 5,200, and handed it to Qin Yu: "Thank you, you''ve gone to a lot of trouble."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Not knowing where Yan Zhao got the money from, Qin Yu couldn''t help but say, "Just based on your attitude as a couple, I won''tment on other aspects, but I''m sure your children will be well-educated."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Regardless of whether a person is rich or poor, if they''re willing to invest in their children''s education, the future won''t be too bad.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Qin Yu, you can rent my house, but the person standing next to me is the captain of our detective squad. You can''t engage in any illegal activities," Chen Men felt she had to warn her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Qin Yu waved her hand: "Men, I''m leaving now. Tomorrow I''ll have Dawei pay you the rent. Don''t worry, we''re renting the house of the detective squad captain, we certainly won''t do anything illegal. Let''s have a pleasant cooperation."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She hadn''t realized before that Men was actually a woman with a soft exterior but a strong character, with a particrly good personality.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
While she had previously only seen Men as a neighbor, now Qin Yu sincerely felt that Men was a woman worthy of her respect.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao was actually quite nervous inside. The refrigerator was bought by Chen Men, and she had also paid for the cement and sand. In the few days he had been here, he hadn''t contributed to the cost of rice, flour, or oil.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He didn''t know what Chen Men''s personality was like, but women all wanted what others had.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The house was already upied by Yan Xishan, so it was impossible not to buy a bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But after paying for the two children''s school transfers, he couldn''t afford a spring mattress for now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, he felt Chen Men should understand. She seemed much easier to talk to than Zhou Xueqin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He thought if he exined, she should understand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But just then, Zhaodi timidly called out, "Daddy."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
That call was crisp, sweet, and natural.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Daddy, are we going to buy a spring mattress now? Like the one in Ningning''s house? She jumped on it and showed me, it was like dancing in the sky," Zhaodi''s voice was soft, filled with suppressed excitement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Lang pointed at next door and tattled, "Ningning jump, sister watch, not let me watch."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When Ningning was jumping on the spring mattress, Zhaodi at least had the privilege to take a look, but Little Lang didn''t even have that privilege.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"We''re not buying..." Before Chen Men could finish her sentence, Yan Zhao immediately interrupted her: "We''ll buy it, tomorrow."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men thought to herself, we''re done for. A spring mattress costs four or five thousand, and she only had 800 yuan in hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Were they going to put on ck stockings as a family and go rob a department store?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Daddy, daddy. I have a good daddy, who cooks with a ng ng ng, who washes clothes with a swish swish swish..." Zhaodi jumped up and pped her hands, singing and dancing from one end of the courtyard to the other.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Lang also sang along: "I have a good daddy, that daddy doesn''t scold people..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
These naughty kids had directlyposed a song about their daddy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao turned back and said to Chen Men: "It''s the first time the child has called me daddy. We can''t disappoint her."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0