Chapter 558: Taking the Kids Ice Skating

Department store.

Lu Ying saw her younger brother walk in, put down what she was doing, and asked impatiently, "How's it going? Regarding the soy sauce matter, did your leaders agree?"

"Agreed."

Hearing her brother's words, Lu Ying happily cupped Lu Cheng's face and said, "My little brother is truly great; whenever my good brother takes charge, everything gets done without fail."

Lu Cheng, annoyed, pulled his sister's hand away: "Don't be so cheesy!"

"What's wrong? You look all gloomy, and I haven't offended you!"

The soy sauce matter was handled for his sister, so Lu Cheng should be happy, but thinking of Captain Lei inevitably dampened his mood.

"I'm fine… By the way, sis, this time our director directly approached a logistics department chief. You must absolutely ensure the soy sauce's quality; otherwise, I'd be a petty person, and tarnishing our director's face would be a big deal."

Lu Ying understood that in matters like this, if any problem arose, the intermediary would be the most embarrassed.

"Don't worry. If even one bottle is bad, I'll compensate with five bottles; I can't let my brother be in an awkward spot."

Lu Cheng then recalled something: "When the time comes, I'll get you two bottles of Mao Tai. When you see that chief, give them to him without saying they're from you, so he won't think it's a bribe and refuse. Just say they're from me, a simple token of gratitude."

Lu Ying knew that in that Siheyuan, her brother had hidden several hundred bottles of Mao Tai.

"What about your director?"

"Our director doesn't need anything. I just need to finish the job; that's better than giving him any gifts."

Lu Cheng didn't mention the factory construction; the main point is this has to be reported to the department leadership, and he has no confidence whether it will succeed.

Lu Ying then asked, "Where are you heading later?"

Lu Cheng glanced at the two playing children and said, "I'll take the two kids home first. I've specifically applied for a day off, so I don't have to ride with the convoy, and I'll stay in the Capital City for a while."

The main issue is the computer work that must be resolved, so Lu Cheng can't leave for now, and Tang Qiusheng also agreed to let him take a few extra days off.

Lu Ying took a letter from the counter and said, "That's perfect; later you can mail this letter."

"Who is it addressed to? It can't be Wu Zhekun, can it?"

"No, it's for our big brother. I just want to ask him whether he'll return to the Capital City for the New Year."

He took it in his hand, glanced at it, and indeed it was a letter to big brother.

But mentioning Wu Zhekun, Lu Cheng couldn't help asking, "So you and Wu Zhekun haven't been in touch lately?"

Since Ning Ning went to the Wu family and Wu Zhekun went to study at the military academy, Lu Cheng hasn't contacted him since.

Lu Ying was in a similar situation: "He did write to me, but the conversation never touched Ning Ning, and I don't know how to reply."

Lu Cheng smiled; he hadn't expected that old Wu still hadn't given up.

"If you don't go back, won't you become the one pining alone?"

Lu Ying sighed, "Actually, Wu Zhekun is a good person, but when I think of his family background, I feel it's unsuitable…"

Lu Ying, waving her hand irritably, said, "Never mind, never mind, let's drop it. By the way, Lu Cheng, when the New Year comes, accompany me to the Wu family; I want to see Ning Ning."

Lu Cheng slipped the envelope into his coat pocket and said, "You can just go yourself."

"Come on, go with me. After all, Ning Ning isn't really my concern. So what identity should I use, so it doesn't look like I'm trying to ingratiate myself with his family?"

Lu Cheng shook his head, a bit helpless; his sister's temperament is just too strong‑willed.

Even in matters of the heart, it's the same.

So whenever Mom pushes his sister into blind dates, Lu Cheng always sides with her, because he knows that if the other party can't tolerate her personality, even marriage won't bring happiness to either side.

Mounting his bicycle, Lu Cheng took the two kids and headed back to the Da Za Yuan.

He guessed that within a couple of days, the Lin Family would send someone to pick up the children.

On the road, Lu Cheng pedaled and casually asked, "Do you like the Capital City?"

The little girl on the crossbar ahead was completely wrapped in Lu Cheng's coat.

It was clear she shook her head inside the coat.

"How could you not like it? The Capital City has roast duck, hot‑pot lamb, and the department store has so many tasty foods…"

A soft, baby‑like voice came from the coat, "There's no dad here."

Lu Cheng didn't know what to say; the kids missed their dad so much that even at an age when they're greedy for food, nothing could outweigh dad.

Seeing that it was still early, Lu Cheng turned a corner and went to the Shichahai Ice Skating Rink.

He'd been saying he'd bring Yang Yin ice skating, but these past few days he's been busy, so he can only wait until Yang Yin's vacation; today he'll just take the two kids out for a while.

Arriving at the rink, Lu Cheng stopped his bicycle and lifted the two kids down.

Looking at the unfamiliar surroundings, the kids' expressions were a bit dazed.

"Uncle, aren't we supposed to go home?"

"No rush; play here for a bit, and we'll go home when it gets dark."

The kids lacked balance, so they couldn't skate on blades, but they had their own way of ice‑riding.

It's the homemade ice cart: find an old wooden board, cut it into a square that can hold a child sitting cross‑legged.

Under the board, two parallel wooden strips are nailed on the sides to serve as the sliding base.

To reduce friction, two thick iron wires are fixed beneath the wooden strips; a meticulous person would use round iron tubes.

Thus the simple little ice cart is ready; the child sits cross‑legged on it, holding a thick rebar—or a thicker wooden stick, with a nail hammered into the head, pushing hard against the ice; the cart then slides forward.

Lu Cheng, having a contact, borrowed two small ice carts, then lifted the kids onto them; after a brief tutorial, the children quickly learned how to operate them.

On the rink they happily slid around, briefly forgetting the sorrow of missing dad.

A passerby nearby, dressed in a cotton jacket with both hands in the sleeves, found it odd to see Lu Cheng playing with two little kids.

"Yo, Lu San'er, long time no see— you've got kids now."

Lu Cheng turned his head and said, "To your grandpa—just a friend's kids."

"Alright, you're busy…"

Lu Cheng waved his hand; at this moment the little girl, perhaps lacking strength, fell far behind the little boy.

Guoguo, wait for me… uncle…

Eh, coming. Lu Cheng walked over, bent down, grabbed the back of the wooden board, and pushed forward hard.

Whoa, it's so fast… uncle, I still want to push, make it quick…

Lu Cheng again had to exert all his strength, pushing forward hard; this time the ice cart slid straight out several dozen meters.

If it were other kids, they'd already be screaming in fright, but the little girl laughed gleefully the whole time.

Uncle, keep pushing, it's so fun…

Lu Cheng helplessly patted his hands; one could tell the two kids' personalities were completely opposite.

The little girl was bold and especially wild, while the little boy beside her was careful the whole time, actually quite steady.

They played until it got dark, hardly anyone left on the ice rink, but the little girl still hadn't had enough and didn't want to leave.

Lu Cheng could only promise to bring them back the next day to play, and then he managed to coax them away.

Returning to Da Za Yuan, Chen Xianglan had already prepared the meal; seeing Lu Cheng leading one in his hand and carrying another on his neck, she frowned slightly.

San'er, when will someone come over there to pick up the kids?