Chapter 211: Lying Flat

Seeing Zhao Ruyi like this, Ning Weidong couldn't help but smile. He was glared at by Zhao Ruyi, who complained, "You're fine, you took my spot, and you still dare to laugh!"

Ning Weidong chuckled and hugged her: "Alright, isn't it all my fault~"

Zhao Ruyi rolled her eyes and whispered, "That's more like it."

She then took off her trench coat, stretched, and said, "But you have to admit, the bank is really different from the factory..."

Zhao Ruyi chattered on about what she had seen and heard at her new workplace today.

Ning Weidong listened along, chiming in from time to time to provide emotional support.

Before long, Qin Huairu brought over the meal.

Zhao Ruyi was hungry too, and seeing her, she immediately said, "Aunt Qin, what are we eating tonight?"

Qin Huairu was all smiles, though it certainly wouldn't be appropriate to call her Manager Zhao now. Knowing Zhao Ruyi was at the Section Level, she changed her tune: "Section Chief Zhao, Manager Ning specifically said he wanted to eat garlic bolts just now, and I also stir-fried a tomato dish."

Zhao Ruyi turned to look at Ning Weidong: "How did you know I was craving garlic bolts?"

At this time, the status of garlic bolts in the vegetable world was still quite high, unlike in later generations where things like blue sails and formalin ruined the reputation of garlic bolts, making many people afraid to eat them.

Ning Weidong chuckled: "As if I don't know what you love to eat~"

Zhao Ruyi was delighted. Qin Huairu left, and while eating, she asked, "By the way, has there been a reply from the Soviet Union yet?"

She knew that bringing Ning Weidong in to replace her this time was mainly to advance the plan Ning Weidong had proposed, and she also knew the risks involved, so she couldn't help but feel a little worried.

Ning Weidong picked up two garlic bolts and said, "Not yet, but it should be soon, probably in these next two or three days."

Zhao Ruyi said, "I wonder what their attitude is over there."

Ning Weidong said, "Whatever their attitude is, it's not something we can control, so we might as well wait patiently."

Zhao Ruyi said "Mm," then changed the subject: "By the way, do you know about the thing between Xiao Wei and Aunt Qin's daughter?"

Ning Weidong said, "Who did you hear that from?"

Zhao Ruyi rolled her eyes: "Do I need to hear it from someone? That little girl came over the other day, and she and Xiao Wei were making eyes at each other. If you say there's nothing going on between them, even a dog wouldn't believe it."

Ning Weidong laughed out loud.

They say even a hero has a hard time resisting a beauty.

Ning Wei had been burned by women before and had quite a "heart sealed in cement" attitude, but who knew he would meet Huaihua and be conquered so quickly.

However, in Ning Weidong's view, this wasn't a bad thing.

Although this girl Huaihua was quite calculating, as long as she was sincere about living a life with Ning Wei, being calculating wasn't really a flaw.

As long as her heart was in the right place and she knew how to handle things inside and outside the home, there would be no problem.

From this point of view, Qin Huairu did a very good job. She wasn't a good person in the absolute sense, and she had wronged some people in some matters, but she was absolutely worthy of her late husband.

Ning Weidong said, "That girl is good. A few days ago, Liushen took a fall, and thanks to her, she took care of her throughout. Besides, you've long understood the situation in Aunt Qin's family; it can be considered a clean family background, and the girl is pretty, so she's a match for Xiao Wei."

Zhao Ruyi nodded slowly: "That's true, but Aunt Qin's family..."

Before she could finish, Ning Weidong understood what Zhao Ruyi was referring to.

It was true that Qin Huairu's family background was clean, referring to their political stance and class origin, but the situation in Qin Huairu's family was indeed somewhat complicated.

Ning Weidong waved his hand and said, "It's fine, it's all just trivial matters; Xiao Wei can handle it himself."

Zhao Ruyi nodded. Since Ning Weidong knew, she didn't delve any deeper.

After the two finished eating, they went to see a movie, and Zhao Ruyi sent Ning Weidong back before reluctantly heading home.

Ning Weidong stood in front of the gate of the Dazayuan, waved as he watched the jeep drive away, and then turned to walk inside.

It was nearly nine o'clock, not early anymore.

Some families in the Dazayuan had already turned off their lights and gone to sleep.

Ning Weidong hadn't ridden a bike back, so he didn't make any noise.

Arriving at the East Cross Courtyard, only the Bai family still had their lights on. Looking through the screen window, he saw the silhouette of Bai Fengyu buried in a book.

Ning Weidong couldn't help but stop, feeling slightly surprised that Bai Fengyu was so obedient.

Last time he told Bai Fengyu to study for a Secondary Specialized School Diploma, but because of his job transfer, he hadn't asked about it again.

Bai Fengyu, however, had taken it to heart, bought the textbooks, and started studying.

Ning Weidong withdrew his gaze and smiled knowingly.

Returning home, he took off his coat, plopped down on the sofa, and began to ponder tomorrow's affairs.

He had spoken on the phone with Li Yuanchao this afternoon, and they had agreed to meet at a club in the suburbs tomorrow afternoon.

Previously, Zhao Ruyi had been the one to negotiate with the Li Family siblings, but now Ning Weidong definitely had to take over this relationship.

While thinking, Ning Weidong went to the kitchen to boil a pot of hot water, preparing to wash his feet later.

Coming out of the kitchen, he habitually turned on the radio, which happened to be rebroadcasting the news.

Ning Weidong stiffened slightly; the radio was playing news about Afghanistan.

As expected, just a few hours ago, the Soviet Union had officially announced that it would take action, completely abandoning the policy of fostering proxies, and had officially begun direct intervention.

Ning Weidong narrowed his eyes and subconsciously reached for a cigarette, but grabbed nothing.

His cigarettes were in his coat pocket.

Realizing this, he decided not to smoke and stood next to the radio, listening carefully.

This timing was a few months earlier than the world before he transmigrated, but the situation wasn't much different.

However, the radio only reported this news briefly and didn't go into great detail.

Soon, it began to return to domestic news.

Ning Weidong pursed his lips, pondering the next steps.

He had a premonition that after confirming the action against Afghanistan, there should be a reply from Natasha's father soon.

Just at this moment, there was movement at the door. Bai Fengyu slipped in, and seeing Ning Weidong, she smiled and whispered, "I saw your light was on."

Ning Weidong turned back and said, "Were you studying at home just now?"

Bai Fengyu gave a soft "Mm."

Ning Weidong went up to her and said, "You're quite diligent."

Bai Fengyu said with a straight face, "If you tell me to study, I will study seriously."

Although he knew there was an element of flattery in Bai Fengyu saying this, hearing it still felt pleasant.

Ning Weidong said, "You study on your own first. Two or three months before the exam next year, I'll help you find a teacher for a crash course; it shouldn't be much of a problem."

Bai Fengyu nodded obediently: "Weidong, don't worry, I will definitely study hard."

Just at this moment, the kettle in the kitchen let out a whistle.

Bai Fengyu hurried to turn off the heat and asked, "What are you boiling water for?"

Ning Weidong followed her over: "I'm going to soak my feet."

But he was blocked outside by Bai Fengyu: "You go back and sit down, I'll serve you."

Ning Weidong smiled; he didn't put on airs and sat back down on the sofa.

Before long, Bai Fengyu came out carrying an enamel washbasin, her sleeves rolled up to her elbows, revealing two lengths of fair, translucent forearms. The basin was steaming; she set it down in front of Ning Weidong and pulled over a small stool from the side to sit on.

She reached out and grabbed one of Ning Weidong's feet, first pulling off his sock, leaned her nose in without the slightest bit of disgust, and then looked up and teased, "It really stinks~"

It was clear to see that she truly loved Ning Weidong, otherwise she would never be this natural.

Ning Weidong laughed: "You're criticizing me? Later I'll smell yours to see if it's stinky or fragrant."

Bai Fengyu gave a "Tch" and buried her head to pull off the other sock.

Having already tested the water temperature, she placed Ning Weidong's large feet into the basin, splashing water onto his ankles and calves while helping him knead the muscles of his lower legs.

Ning Weidong leaned back on the sofa; although Bai Fengyu was earnest, her technique was very clumsy, yet it was precisely this clumsiness that was even more provocative.

Especially since she was bowing her head, and from Ning Weidong's angle, he could just vaguely see inside her shirt collar.

Even though the two had long since had relations, it did not hinder that glimmer of hidden temptation in this moment.

Bai Fengyu soon noticed that Ning Weidong was having an abnormal reaction.

There was no helping it; a body in its early twenties is simply full of vigorous vitality.

Bai Fengyu's mischievous streak came up, and suddenly she had a flash of inspiration.

With a sneaky smile, she reached out and gave a swift grab.

Ning Weidong hadn't expected her to dare to do such a thing and let out an "Aiya," causing Bai Fengyu to shrink her hand back, followed by a "giggle" of wicked laughter.

Ning Weidong felt a slight sting, glared at her, and said, "Hey~ are you trying to tear the roof off the house~"

Bai Fengyu stopped laughing and hurriedly lowered her head, pretending to wash his feet seriously, feeling some regret in her heart. What was wrong with her just now? Why tease this bull? She was afraid she would suffer tonight...

The next day at dawn.

Ning Weidong opened his eyes.

It was a cool, frosty morning; he was covered by a thin quilt, and beside him, Bai Fengyu was curled up under the covers, eyes closed and still fast asleep.

Yesterday, she had finally been unable to hold on and had fallen into a deep sleep; she still hadn't woken up, and she hadn't been able to go home in the second half of the night either.

Ning Weidong moved slightly and turned on his side to look at her.

This was the first time he had carefully looked at Bai Fengyu while she was asleep.

Just after looking for a while, he discovered Bai Fengyu opened her eyes for a moment, looking dazed as if her brain hadn't started up yet.

It wasn't until two or three seconds later that she reacted, let out an "Ah," and said, "Why are you still here~"

She had forgotten that it was she who had come to Ning Weidong's place last night.

Ning Weidong gave a chuckle and reached out to touch her.

Bai Fengyu suddenly reacted, sitting up abruptly as if she had been electrocuted, muttering "It's over."

Hearing the sounds of people getting up early to brush their teeth and greet each other in the courtyard outside, she didn't know what to do.

Early in the morning like this, if she really walked out of Ning Weidong's room, the courtyard would surely explode.

Some things that people guessed, or even knew privately, were one thing, but bringing them out into the open was another.

"What to do~ what to do!" Bai Fengyu's mind was a mess; she regretted falling asleep. She looked at Ning Weidong with a resentful expression, raised her hand to pat his arm, and said crossly, "What are you laughing at? What should I do~ I'm worried to death."

Ning Weidong said, "What are you worried about? Wait until everyone has left for work or school, then you can find a chance to slip out."

Bai Fengyu thought about it and realized that was the only way, but she still felt bitter; she pinched Ning Weidong's waist and complained, "You just love to torment me~"

Ning Weidong was thick-skinned and didn't care at all.

He got up, left the bed, and washed his face and brushed his teeth.

Bai Fengyu also calmed down and simply didn't get up, watching Ning Weidong busy himself inside and out, which suddenly gave her a feeling of 'home.'

Unfortunately, this was ultimately just a bubble and a phantom.

Soon Ning Weidong was finished, came back to kiss her, and hurried out the door.

Bai Fengyu let out a long breath and shrank back into the quilt.

After another while, the time passed eight o'clock, and it became quiet outside.

Those who worked or went to school had all left, and only the elderly and women who didn't work were left in the Dazayuan.

This was the perfect time to take the chance to go back; it was only a few steps from Ning Weidong's door to her house, and if she moved quickly, the probability of being seen was low.

But Bai Fengyu suddenly didn't want to leave; she closed her eyes, planning to sleep a little longer, and didn't want to go to work in the morning either. Anyway, it was like this now; she was just going to give up.

On the other side, Ning Weidong had come back in Zhao Ruyi's car last night, and his bicycle was left at his workplace.

He walked over early in the morning and arrived at the Siheyuan near Nanluoguxiang just before nine o'clock.

However, no one would watch his arrival and departure times.

As he entered, Old Man Zheng at the gatehouse greeted him.

Ning Weidong smiled and nodded, and just as he was about to walk inside, Qin Huairu rode her bicycle back from outside.

Hanging on the left and right sides of the bicycle's rear rack were two baskets, filled with vegetables just bought from the market.

Beside her followed a man in his forties, who must have accompanied Qin Huairu to buy groceries, as his bike was also loaded with quite a lot.

Ning Weidong paused slightly and couldn't help but take another look, having already guessed who the man was.

Seeing Ning Weidong, Qin Huairu got off her bike, beamed, and called out, "Manager Ning."

Ning Weidong nodded and said with a chuckle, "Aunt Qin, just bought groceries?" As he spoke, he looked at the other person.

Qin Huairu hurriedly introduced, "Manager Ning, this is my husband He Yuzhu; he works in the Rolling Mill cafeteria."

Ning Weidong nodded, "Hello, Master He." It was just as he had expected.

The man opposite him was much like the Foolish Column in his impression: tall and sturdy, yet his eyes revealed a touch of petty-bourgeois shrewdness and cunning.

However, since Ning Weidong was Qin Huairu's superior, he didn't say anything unnecessary, instead bowing and scraping as he called out, "Manager Ning."

Ning Weidong didn't say much more to them; the only reason he had stopped earlier was to get a look at this Foolish Column.

Having seen him, that was that, and he turned and walked into the inner courtyard.

Foolish Column stretched his neck to take a peek and whispered, "That's the new manager you were talking about?"

Qin Huairu glared at him, signaled toward the guard station, and only after busily moving the groceries into the kitchen did she say, "This Manager Ning is Manager Zhao's husband; his background is very deep..." As she spoke, she glanced toward the door: "I heard Manager Zhao's father is at the level of 'Great Leader'~"

In their household, Great Leader was not an adjective, but a specific pronoun.

Previously, Foolish Column had been to that person's home to cook a few times and had left a very good impression on that Great Leader.

Hearing this for the first time, Foolish Column couldn't help but gasp.

He dared to act like a hooligan among the neighbors, but he wasn't truly stupid; he knew who could be offended and who could not.

Qin Huairu added, "By the way, about that matter I told you yesterday, what do you really think?"

Foolish Column clicked his tongue, looking troubled: "Let me think about it some more; being a State-owned Worker at the Rolling Mill is, after all, an iron rice bowl!"

Qin Huairu said, "I know, but this really is an opportunity..."

(End of chapter)