Chapter 88: Heavy Burdens; Ma Liang's Eyes (Requesting Subscriptions for the Launch)

Ning Weidong was taken aback; he truly didn't know, so he asked, "What's the situation?"

Who in the Manager could be so bold as to dare hit Wang Kaifeng! Wang Zipeng scanned left and right, then gloated, "Just this morning, everything was fine when work started, but I heard that after ten o'clock, when he went out from the Manager, half his face was swollen."

Ning Weidong raised an eyebrow; judging by that, it must have been a heavy blow.

Wang Zipeng added, "They say he was called into Manager Wang's Office, and he was like that when he came out."

Ning Weidong suddenly understood; after all that, it was Manager Wang who hit him, which made sense.

Last time, Wang Kaifeng acted without authorization, thinking his plan was foolproof.

It broke the temporary truce that both Li Weibing and Wang Guoqiang had agreed upon.

If he had won, that would be one thing, but Wang Kaifeng lost, and Xu Jinshan, who was treated as his trump card, died outright.

This put Wang Guoqiang in a very passive position.

This time, the beating was done in genuine anger; it's estimated that Wang Kaifeng won't be able to come to work for several days.

And this was also Wang Guoqiang's way of making a statement, effectively pressing Wang Kaifeng's face into the dirt.

The meaning was clear: "Old Li, look, my nephew doesn't know how to handle things, I've already disciplined him, let's turn the page on this matter."

Having said that, aside from being slapped and losing face, Wang Kaifeng was still the Deputy Division Chief of the Security Division; he hadn't lost any of his substance.

Ning Weidong was very curious about what Li Weibing's reaction to this would be.

While thinking, Ning Weidong changed the subject: "By the way, were the photos of the Manager leaders found yesterday?"

Wang Zipeng said, "Sigh~ find what? Don't know which person with itchy hands took them."

The two chatted idly for a while, then Wang Zipeng yawned, said he was going to the dormitory to take a nap, and swayed away.

Ning Weidong returned to the Office and spent another afternoon there.

It wasn't until the evening when he got off work that he rode his bicycle home.

But as soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw quite a few people gathered at the door of Wang Kai's house, mostly older women.

Just then, Lu Daye came out of Wang Kai's house, saw the crowd, and immediately scolded them with irritation: "Hey, what are you all gathered here for~ aren't you going to cook? Go on, get going~"

Most of the people scattered like birds and beasts after being shouted at.

But there were also those who didn't care at all, acting as if they hadn't heard Lu Daye's shouting; after all, it wasn't like a few years ago.

The Courtyard Elder had long since lost his authority; if they gave you face, they called you 'Elder', but if they didn't, you were just a retired old man.

Lu Daye didn't say much more; he knew his own mind and cherished his own old face even more.

Seeing that some hadn't moved, he didn't pull out the authority of a patriarch and just acted as if he hadn't seen them.

If he really pushed it, and some brainless old woman jumped out to curse at him, or worse, actually started a fight and scratched his face up, it really wasn't worth it.

Behind Lu Daye was Shi Xiaonan, carrying a piece of luggage.

At this moment, there were still tears on Shi Xiaonan's face; she had clearly just been crying, looking pitiful enough to stir one's heart.

Perhaps she had been watched by crowds too many times recently, so she had become desensitized; seeing everyone, she didn't have much of a reaction, only saying flatly, "Excuse me, everyone, please make way."

As people cleared a path, Shi Xiaonan carried her things out, came to the entrance, and happened to run into Ning Weidong who had just walked in; she nodded and then walked out.

This time, the old lady of the Wang Family didn't wail or try to stop her, nor did she faint.

Wang Kai followed out, looking numb with a face full of stubble, watching Shi Xiaonan's back with a complex and dazed expression.

"Xiaonan~" Seeing that Shi Xiaonan was about to walk away, he called out again.

Shi Xiaonan's footsteps paused, but it was only a pause, and then she continued forward, resolutely not looking back again.

Ning Weidong pushed his bike back to the side courtyard.

Just like yesterday, before he could park his bicycle, Bai Fengyu poked half her body out of the room and waved at him.

Seeing her appearance, Ning Weidong guessed that today must be good news.

Sure enough, as soon as he entered the door, Bai Fengyu didn't care about anything else and hugged his neck, planting a kiss on his face: "Weidong, thanks to you!"

Ning Weidong didn't stand on ceremony either, reaching out to hold her waist: "Tell me, what's the situation?"

Bai Fengyu pulled him into the inner room to sit down, her face showing a long-lost sense of relief.

Before, the money Ma Liang owed outside had felt like a giant stone pressing on her heart; now, this giant stone had finally been moved away.

Bai Fengyu smiled brightly: "I went to the food factory first thing this morning..."

Blah blah blah, Bai Fengyu talked and gestured: "That person felt guilty as soon as they saw me, and told me everything about buying the job from Ma Liang's parents."

Speaking of this, a look of hatred flashed in Bai Fengyu's eyes: "Those two old things, they sold the job for a full 1,600 yuan! And they even wanted me to pay back the 300 yuan Ma Liang borrowed before he left; they are simply black-hearted and rotten-livered."

As Ning Weidong listened, his hands weren't idle, slipping under the hem of her clothes to grope around.

He quickly found his target.

He gave it a squeeze.

Bai Fengyu felt the pain and rolled her eyes at him, but she didn't dodge, continuing as if nothing had happened: "After confirming the situation, I went directly to the Ma Family in the afternoon."

Ning Weidong smiled; he quite liked this personality of Bai Fengyu's.

Yesterday they had agreed to go to the food factory today to confirm the situation.

After Bai Fengyu finished her business, she didn't wait for Ning Weidong, but made her own decision.

Some people don't like this, thinking that acting without authorization easily ruins things.

Others prefer it, believing this is called subjective initiative.

Ning Weidong was the latter, asking while playing with the ball: "What did the Ma Family say?"

Bai Fengyu curled her lips and said triumphantly: "What could they say? The two old geezers didn't admit it at first, but as soon as I blurted out the name of the person who bought the job at the food factory, they shut their mouths on the spot. I told them that half of this money belongs to me, and made them cough up 800 yuan."

Ning Weidong smiled and said: "And they just agreed?"

Bai Fengyu was in high spirits: "Of course they didn't agree, they even wanted to play the rogue with me. I said right then and there, if you don't give the money, fine, but don't regret it! I'll go to the Street Office immediately and expose the fact that Ma Liang ran off to Hong Kong; then the nature of the matter will change, the job will definitely be taken back, and they'll have to compensate the person the full 1,600 yuan."

In fact, once it was known that Ma Liang's parents had secretly sold the job, the outcome of this matter was already set.

If they didn't want to go down with the ship, they had to spit out half.

By the end of it, Bai Fengyu was overcome with a mix of emotions; she was clearly smiling, yet tears fell: "Ning Weidong, thank you. If it weren't for you, I... I don't know how much more they would have bullied me."

Ning Weidong gave a chuckle, feeling the heavy weight in his hand as he bounced it slightly: "Who are we to each other? Why say thank you?"

Bai Fengyu's face flushed red, and she bit her lower lip.

At this moment, Ning Weidong was sitting, and she was leaning against his thighs, discovering that Ning Weidong was already standing at attention without being told.

She was an experienced woman; how could she not understand?

Upon learning that the Ma Family had privately sold the job, the last shred of affection she had for the Ma Family was completely severed.

But this was truly not the right time; if they were truly reckless and someone heard the commotion, that would be the real trouble.

Moreover, Bai Fengqin would be home from school soon.

Bai Fengyu pressed down lightly and said shyly, "Ning Weidong, wait for another day, and I will give you everything."

Although Ning Weidong's physical reaction was intense, he was not impatient in his mindset; he had long passed that age, but this body was simply too vigorous, and there was no helping that. He then asked, "What are your thoughts on the next step?"

The Ma Family, fearing that Bai Fengyu would go to the Street Office to report them, had obediently handed over three hundred yuan that afternoon.

For the remaining five hundred, they promised to go to the bank tomorrow and give it to her as soon as they withdrew it.

With this money, Bai Fengyu at least wouldn't have to worry about paying off her debts tomorrow.

Hearing Ning Weidong's question, Bai Fengyu pursed her lips, looking as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

Ning Weidong said, "If you have any thoughts, just say them; don't be hesitant with me."

Bai Fengyu shifted her hips and said timidly, "Actually, I knew from the start that if I stayed home without a job, it definitely wouldn't work out in the long run. Before, I didn't have the conditions for it, and with debts hanging over me, how could I dare to think of anything else? Now... this is what I'm thinking: the Ma Family is compensating me eight hundred yuan. After paying off two hundred in debt tomorrow, plus the one hundred of yours, I'll have five hundred left."

Speaking to this point, Bai Fengyu turned her gaze away, revealing her snow-white side neck; her collar wasn't buttoned to the top, and half of her collarbone was still visible.

Bai Fengyu paused and said in a low voice, "I was thinking, could you find someone to help me find a job with this five hundred yuan? It doesn't have to be a permanent position; a Temporary Worker role would do."

Theoretically, five hundred yuan was not a high requirement for finding a Temporary Worker position.

But Bai Fengyu knew the market; nowadays, many people had money in their hands but couldn't trade it for a job.

Ning Weidong gave an "um" sound: "I'll ask around later."

Just at this moment, the sound of a door opening came from outside.

Knowing it was Bai Fengqin returning, Bai Fengyu hurriedly stood up and straightened her clothes.

"Sister~" Bai Fengqin called out crisply from outside. Before she finished speaking, she walked into the inner room and was taken aback to see Ning Weidong sitting on the edge of the kang.

Bai Fengyu explained, "Your Brother Weidong came over for something."

Bai Fengqin gave an "oh" and reluctantly called out "Brother Weidong."

Because Ning Weidong had previously refused to go on a blind date with her, it had always been a thorn in Bai Fengqin's heart.

But she also knew that Bai Fengyu still needed Ning Weidong's help, so she couldn't give him a cold shoulder.

Ning Weidong stood up with a smile: "Then if there's nothing else, I'll head back first."

Bai Fengyu responded and saw Ning Weidong out.

Bai Fengqin, however, had sharp eyes and noticed the anomaly when Ning Weidong stood up.

Although the social climate of this era was conservative, Bai Fengqin had read the "Physiology and Hygiene" textbook and knew what was going on.

Pursing her lips, she stepped aside to the door, watched Bai Fengyu see Ning Weidong to the entrance, and as soon as she turned back to start cooking, she immediately reached out and grabbed her sleeve, whispering, "Sister, just now... did he bully you?"

Bai Fengyu was stunned and forced a smile: "You silly girl, what are you spouting nonsense about~"

Bai Fengqin insisted stubbornly, "Sister, don't cover for him. Just now~ I saw it, down there..."

Bai Fengyu looked helpless, knowing she couldn't brush it off, and sighed: "Fengqin, since you've brought it up, I won't hide it from you anymore."

As she said this, she pulled Bai Fengqin to sit down.

Bai Fengqin widened her eyes: "He really did bully you!"

She had only been guessing before, but seeing Bai Fengyu's reaction, she was still shocked.

Bai Fengyu said solemnly, "He didn't bully me; I seduced him."

"Ah~" Bai Fengqin looked incredulous: "But~ but~ why would you do that?"

"Why? What else could it be for, just to survive~" Bai Fengyu let out a long breath and took her cousin's hand: "Fengqin, I'm not as capable as you. You study well and still have hope. But me... ever since that wretch left me and ran off, look at the life I've been living! Ma Liang left behind three hundred yuan in debt when he left, and those two old fogies in the Ma Family secretly sold his job but didn't give me a single cent, and they even used these two rooms to threaten me, forcing me to pay back that three hundred yuan. I've done everything I could for their Ma Family; it's them who have wronged me..."

The more Bai Fengyu spoke, the angrier and sadder she became, and she began to cry again.

Bai Fengqin hurriedly hugged her: "Sister, I'm sorry, I..."

Bai Fengyu said, "Actually, I had selfish motives when I introduced you to Ning Weidong last time. If you two had worked out, you would have had security in the future, and I could have benefited from it too. Who would have thought you two weren't meant to be..."

Having reached this point, Bai Fengqin finally understood, and her mood became even more complicated. She hesitated: "But... can he marry you?"

Bai Fengyu raised her hand to wipe away her tears and simply spoke her mind: "Marry? I never planned to marry him; it's just about finding someone to rely on. If we were really talking about marriage, I'm a woman who has been married before; do you think he would marry me?"

Bai Fengqin was speechless for a moment.

Back when she was considered a maiden and a high school student with hopes of getting into university, Ning Weidong had still turned her down.

Ning Weidong left, not giving a second thought to being caught by Bai Fengqin.

If she saw it, she saw it; they hadn't been caught in bed.

Instead, Bai Fengyu's mention of using those five hundred yuan to get a job gave him a sudden inspiration, and he thought of someone else.

Last time, through Chu Zhongxin, he had met Zhang Dajun from the Suifu Border Police Station.

Ning Weidong had promised at the time to invite Zhang Dajun to Donglaishun for hot pot later.

But that was just polite talk at the time; after all, it was their first meeting, and they weren't very familiar with each other.

And Zhang Dajun's help that time wasn't for Ning Weidong's sake, but for the sake of Chu Zhongxin.

Ning Weidong was just calculating how to find an excuse to continue building a relationship with Zhang Dajun and become friends.

This matter with Bai Fengyu was just right.

If you want to become friends with someone, the simplest way is to ask them for a favor.

The matter cannot be big; it must be within the other party's capabilities. As long as the matter is accomplished, there is a reason to express gratitude.

Once the other party has handled the matter, they will also accept the gratitude with peace of mind.

This is how it is done.

Bai Fengyu's job falls into this category of matters.

Although finding a job is difficult, Bai Fengyu does not have high requirements; a Temporary Worker position is fine, and she is not trying to get something for nothing, as she is genuinely willing to pay money.

Five hundred yuan is not much, but it is not a small amount either.

It is perfect to use this as an excuse to call Zhang Dajun out.

Just at this moment, Wang Yuzhen came out of the house holding an enamel basin, and she was stunned when she saw Ning Weidong: "Why aren't you coming inside, standing there thinking about what? Go to the Cellar and get me a head of cabbage, and grab some pickled vegetables too."

Ning Weidong hurriedly said "Yes," and trotted off.

By the time Ning Weidong returned from the Cellar, Wang Yuzhen was already kneading dough, preparing to make pancakes.

Ning Weidong did not see Ning Weiguo: "Where is my brother?"

Wang Yuzhen replied while kneading the dough: "His work unit has an event today, so just the three of us will be eating tonight."

Ning Weidong acknowledged this.

Wang Yuzhen added: "Right, tomorrow night you should tidy yourself up properly, go to the bathhouse to wash, shave your beard well, and don't look scruffy when you meet the young lady the day after tomorrow. Also, your leather shoes... before the New Year, I bought your brother a pair of pigskin shoes, he hasn't really worn them, try them on after you finish eating..."

(Next chapter, 5:00 PM)

(End of this chapter)