Chapter 1816: Internet Addict Couple

"Ow…" Ye Yaodong winced, rubbing his aching arm back and forth.

"Go back inside."

"What's the point of going back now? Both of them are still gaming, yelling their heads off. You'd just sit there staring, can't even watch TV—how boring is that?"

Ye Yaodong pulled her closer, keeping his arm around her shoulders, half-shoving her outward as he coaxed her along.

"Just treat it like a casual stroll. We've got nothing to do back there anyway."

"Just a casual stroll?"

"Yeah, just a casual stroll—breathe some air, take a walk. We're bored either way, and going back is pointless. I hardly ever get free time—I just got here from home, and in a couple days, when you want to call me, you might not even find me."

"It's a shame we're not in the same city—if we were, we could just use a mobile phone anytime."

"Oh right, you reminded me—I forgot. Tomorrow, when I'm free, we'll go buy a mobile phone. That way, when I'm out networking or handling business, if anyone needs me, they can reach me right away. It'll be more convenient."

"It only works in this city—if you go somewhere else, it won't work. Isn't that a waste?"

"Waste what? I'm staying here anyway. At most, I'll make occasional trips to Shanghai or go home. Most of the year, I'm right here. If you buy one, when people can't reach me, they can still call the factory and ask for my number—important messages get through right away."

Lin Lin Xiuqing, hearing this, shifted her focus entirely to the mobile phone, forgetting she was being nudged outward.

"You've got a point—it really would make things easier. Otherwise, when you're out networking, nobody can get hold of you."

"Exactly. It's for convenience. Most bosses now have mobile phones. If I don't have one, it's hard to keep in touch—and that could mean losing clients."

"Then buy one. Tomorrow's free during the day—let's go buy it in the morning, when it's not so hot. Get it early and come back. How much does one cost? I heard it's like ten to twenty thousand?"

"Depends on the brand. I heard they're all around ten to twenty thousand. The better ones might be over twenty thousand? Plus all sorts of extra fees—you'll see when we go tomorrow."

"That's really expensive."

"How else do you think it becomes a status symbol? When you're out networking, just put your mobile phone on the table—people's voices change when they order food."

Lin Lin Xiuqing rolled her eyes and laughed. "You heard their voices change when they order food? How'd you know that?"

"Of course I did—they speak louder now."

"Then we can't let them outdo us. You buy one too, and when you talk, shout louder than they do."

"I don't do comparisons. If I wanted to, I'd have bought one already. A mobile phone isn't that big a deal."

Having seen smartphones, he thought the mobile phone was worse than basic phones, so he'd never bought one—he simply had no desire.

But now, having one really would be more convenient. Most bosses he knew already had one; buying one would make communication easier.

Two years ago he didn't buy one because nobody had one—he'd have bought it, but no one would call.

Now most bosses have gradually gotten one each. Though he looked down on them, he still needed to buy one and keep it on hand.

"I heard computers are out now—more expensive than mobile phones."

"Right, computers exist. Tomorrow, let's check if any are for sale. The factory really needs computers, especially for finance and sales staff."

Lin Lin Xiuqing stared in surprise. "You plan to give everyone one?"

"How could I? They've just come out—no need for everyone to have one. If possible, I'll buy two—one for finance, one for me!"

"Why do you need a computer?"

"As the boss, can't I have one? If there's a good thing, shouldn't the boss get it first?"

"So tomorrow we'll have to carry a bag of cash?"

"No need. Buy the mobile phone first. Just take a look at the computers—get a sense of them. No need to buy right away."

Lin Lin Xiuqing sighed. "There've been so many new electronic products these past few years—game consoles, computers, pagers, mobile phones."

"New things are everywhere—far more than these. We just don't pay attention, so we don't know."

"Hmm…" Lin Lin Xiuqing suddenly realized they'd walked farther and farther off the path. "Why are we walking here?"

"No problem. Just a casual stroll."

She shot him a glare. "You pick the loneliest paths—afraid of getting robbed?"

"Impossible. We're right near the factory. Robbed? Everyone around here knows our factory's full of ex-soldiers. No one's stupid enough to pick a fight here."

As Ye Yaodong spoke, he glanced around—no one was there. The village lights were few; rural nights had no activity, and people usually went to bed early.

Now it was still long-day, short-night season, hot weather—people slept early and rose early. Farmers were already up by four or five in the morning, and fishermen? They'd be out at sea by one or two.

So he felt bold now—his left hand slid from her shoulder down her back, slipped under her armpit, and reached forward to grip her roundness.

Lin Lin Xiuqing squirmed. "The factory lights still reach us…"

"Dark under the lamp, don't you know? Bright places can't see us here. And around us now, there's no one. No need to worry."

"Why do you always have dirty thoughts? Isn't home enough for you? You need to go out in the wild?"

"I'm in my prime. I've been a Monk for over ten days—what else should I think about? Try new things while you're young."

There are no cameras now.

"This feels weird… I'm nervous, like I'm doing something wrong. Aren't you?"

"That's what makes it exciting."

Hearing her, Ye Yaodong felt even more excited—his body stirred, fully erect.

"Really out here? Let's go back to the factory?"

"We're already out. Trust me this once."

One felt fear, the other thrill—they tugged and pulled toward the darkness. When the moment became unavoidable, Lin Lin Xiuqing was terrified.

"Let's go back to the factory. Your office is fine."

"My office? You want it there? Not impossible. Tomorrow—I'll move you to the office tomorrow. Fulfill your wish."

Lin Lin Xiuqing pinched him. How was it her wish to be in the office? It was just a last resort!

If she had to choose, she'd rather be in the office than out here.

The couple walked deeper into desolation. When they returned, it was already nine.

Ye Ye Chengyang and Ye Ye Xiaoxi were still deeply immersed in their game, no one to interrupt them—they were having the time of their lives.

As for Ye Ye Chengjiang and the others, they had no chance to play at all—they didn't even know the siblings had returned.

Usually, when the two siblings came back, they'd head straight to their dorm to find them and play; the older ones never bothered to seek out the younger ones.

Last night, the siblings returned only in the evening twilight; by then, they'd already driven out to pick up goods, and when they came back, they immediately went to sleep, waking only at noon.

At noon, the siblings ate early and then stayed in their dorm playing games, going nowhere.

No one knew about it—wasn't that the same as having no one to compete with?

When Ye Yaodong returned, he tapped their desks. "It's nine. That's enough. Go sleep in the next room."

"Why?" Ye Ye Chengyang looked up, puzzled.

Ye Ye Xiaoxi asked too: "Aren't we sleeping here? Why do we have to move?"

"Because you're too loud playing games, and you both need to sleep earlier to reset your body clocks."

"Then why not just turn off the TV and go to sleep on time?"

"I don't want to sleep with you two. You're both old enough—go sleep in the next room."

Ye Ye Xiaoxi suddenly realized. "I get it—you're trying to kick us out so you and Mom can sneak off and play games!"

Ye Yaodong didn't deny it. "You've played all day—don't you want your eyes?"

"My eyes are fine."

"Keep playing like this and you'll go blind eventually."

"Then I'll sleep with Mom."

"You're too old to share a bed."

Lin Lin Xiuqing said: "Let them sleep here—it's only two nights anyway. The day after tomorrow, they're coming with me to Mo Du."

Ye Ye Chengyang: "No, don't."

Ye Ye Xiaoxi: "No, we want to stay longer."

Ye Ye Chengyang: "Dad, you won't even let us take the game console to Mo Du. We can only play here—we want to stay until school starts."

Ye Ye Xiaoxi: "Yes, we'll stay until school starts."

Ye Yaodong: "If you stay until school starts, you won't buy new clothes, new shoes, new backpacks, or stationery?"

Ye Ye Xiaoxi: "We will."

Lin Lin Xiuqing: "But you still need to go back early to buy them."

Ye Ye Xiaoxi: "Then just go back one day early."

"I don't have time to hang around here until the end of the month—I need to go back to collect my wages then."

"Then can you take the game console back with you?" Ye Ye Xiaoxi ventured.

"Dream on. If I won't let you play games, you won't play. Enough. Go wash up and sleep. Playing until this late and you haven't even bathed."

Ye Ye Xiaoxi sniffed her arm and clothes. "I'm not stinky—we didn't even sweat."

"It's scorching hot—no sweat means no bath? Your arms are sticky. Go wash up. No more playing."

Ye Ye Chengyang was still immersed in his game. "Just one more round."

Ye Yaodong couldn't stand his obsession—he snatched the game console. "I'll play for you. Go wash up."

He dared not protest, only watched.

Lin Lin Xiuqing urged again; reluctantly, they went to bathe.

The couple sat down naturally and resumed their game.

When the two emerged from their vigorous bath, the couple immediately sent them to bed—no more playing.

"Mom, you're not turning off the light or the TV—how am I supposed to sleep?"

Ye Yaodong turned around to defend Lin Lin Xiuqing. "Then tidy your beds and sleep in the next room?"

"No."

Now both fell silent—but didn't get into bed. Instead, they stood quietly behind the couple, watching them play. The couple only noticed when they turned around.

If the kids didn't sleep, these two wouldn't sleep either. If they played games, the children would stand behind them all night.

So they turned off the TV and the lights—no one played. Everyone went to sleep.

The couple each took their own bed—enjoyed themselves, then slept apart. In this sweltering summer, there was no need to cuddle up—too hot.

Since they'd already enjoyed themselves, they didn't insist on moving the kids out that night.

But the two children couldn't sleep at all. Thinking they couldn't take the game console back to Mo Du, they were heartbroken.

Earlier, the game had offered temporary comfort, letting them forget for a while. Now, lying still with empty minds, they remembered—and began thinking of bringing it up again.

Ye Ye Xiaoxi tossed and turned, the bed creaking. "Dad, I can't sleep. Can we take the game console back to Mo Du in two days?"

"No. I told you—you can play only when you come to the factory during holidays."

"That's too hard to wait for. We only get holidays for National Day and New Year's this year."

"So you'll be able to come back in about a month, right?"

"I want to play every day."

"Don't you need to study? Shut up and sleep. If you keep whining, I'll send you back tomorrow."

Ye Ye Chengyang whispered: "Can we stay until the 30th before going to Mo Du? Registration is on the 1st and 2nd—we go back on the 30th, just in time for registration on the 1st and preparing for school on the 2nd."

"Fine, barely acceptable. Go to sleep. If you say another word, you're going back tomorrow."

At least they'd gained a few days. The two dared not ask more.

The next morning, faint noise from the factory downstairs woke the couple one after another.

Upon waking, they instinctively turned on the TV and started playing games.

The sky was already bright; daylight streaming through the window far outshone the TV screen. As long as they stayed quiet, they weren't worried about waking the children.

But when the siblings woke up and saw their addicted parents, they exchanged glances—both wore expressions of helpless resignation.

Ye Ye Xiaoxi, still grumpy from just waking up, snorted, "You two woke up early in the morning to secretly play the game console, and you have the nerve to say I'm and my brother are addicted to games—you two are the ones addicted."

Ye Ye Chengyang also accused them, "We at least slept until we woke up naturally. You guys didn't sleep and crawled out of bed early to play games. You're the ones with the addiction—you don't even care about your eyes."

Ye Yaodong glanced back, "We're different from you. We don't have to go to school, so we don't have to worry about it affecting our studies."

"You don't worry about it affecting your studies, but I worry about you being addicted to games and not going out to make money!"

"Brat, you're worried I won't earn money? Worry about yourself going hungry! I could make money with my eyes closed."

Ye Ye Xiaoxi scooted over beside him and took a look, "Dad, you didn't wash your face. Your eye gunk is still stuck on your face. That's so gross. Mom too—you two woke up early in the morning and didn't even wash your faces. You definitely didn't brush your teeth either, just sitting there playing games!"

The truth is out, my goodness.

The game-addicted couple really did skip washing their faces and brushing their teeth just to play games first.

Ye Yaodong picked at the eye gunk on both sides, "Ahem, you kids go wash up first. Once you're done, we'll let you play. Then we'll go wash up."

"Pfft~ you've got some nerve talking about us."

Ye Ye Chengyang: "The pot calling the kettle black."