Chapter 1537: Chance Encounter at the Library

The summer heat is intense.

Cao Weiguo rode his "Double-Eight" bicycle to the Jingcheng Library. Due to the ongoing movement, the library appeared exceptionally desolate; one could barely see a few figures in the vast space.

When applying for a library card, the administrator was somewhat surprised to see Cao Weiguo's work ID and letter of introduction.

The work ID stated Cao Weiguo's age and position—a cadre at the department level in his twenties; was this not what they called a dragon among men?

Crucially, this Comrade Cao Weiguo, while not necessarily strikingly handsome, was certainly dignified in appearance, with a tall, upright frame, a spirited demeanor, and polite speech, making it hard not to develop a favorable impression of him.

Ignoring the bright-eyed librarian, Cao Weiguo took his library card and dove straight into the library. After finding the books he wanted to read, he went directly back to the service desk.

"Comrade Cao Weiguo."

As he was walking out with the books, two young women dressed in military-style civilian clothes walked over quickly.

Both women were holding books; they were young, pretty, with smiles like a spring breeze, and their entire beings radiated the aura of youth.

Cao Weiguo found the two women somewhat familiar: "Who are you?"

The woman with a single ponytail smiled and said: "I am Luo Yun."

The other woman said somewhat unhappily: "Comrade Cao Weiguo, I am Zhou Xiaobai."

Cao Weiguo's eyes lit up: "Luo Yun, Zhou Xiaobai, I remember now. What a coincidence, you've come to borrow books too."

Luo Yun nodded prettily: "Yes, school is suspended, and staying at home is just too boring, so we came to borrow a few books to read."

Zhou Xiaobai asked curiously: "Comrade Cao Weiguo, what books are you borrowing?"

Cao Weiguo showed the book to Zhou Xiaobai: "Have you read *Red Flag Spectrum*?"

Luo Yun said enthusiastically: "I have. This book writes about the 'Anti-Tax Cutting' struggle in the Central Hebei region and the patriotic movement of the students of the Baoding Second Normal School, showcasing the great journey of the Chinese people's revolutionary struggle. It's very good..."

Speaking of this book, Luo Yun was very happy that she had read it and began introducing it to Cao Weiguo in a steady stream, which made Zhou Xiaobai, standing to the side, feel somewhat uncomfortable, and somewhat agitated that Luo Yun could find common topics with Cao Weiguo.

After leaving the library, Luo Yun and Zhou Xiaobai pushed their bicycles, following on Cao Weiguo's left and right, chatting and laughing. Seeing that it was almost mealtime, Zhou Xiaobai proposed to treat Cao Weiguo to a meal to thank him for helping them deal with that gang of scoundrels earlier.

Unable to refuse such hospitality, Cao Weiguo was pulled into a state-run restaurant by the two. Zhou Xiaobai, acting wealthy and bold, ordered six meat dishes in one breath and also asked for a bottle of Daqu liquor.

"Cao Weiguo!"

Just as the three were eating happily, Zhong Yuemin, Yuan Jun, Zheng Tong, and a group of people walked in, glaring at Cao Weiguo with eyes that seemed ready to bite.

Cao Weiguo held his wine glass and said with a smile: "Yo, Zhong Yuemin, Yuan Jun, it's been a while. You look good. Young people really have good bodies; you recovered quite quickly. Why are you looking at me like that? Do you want to crawl into the dog cage again?"

"You!"

Dog cage!

Hearing these three words, the faces of Zhong Yuemin and Yuan Jun turned black. For them, this was both a nightmare and a supreme humiliation.

"Yuemin, don't pay attention to him, let's go."

Yuan Jun grabbed Zhong Yuemin's arm, fearing that Zhong Yuemin would act foolishly. He both hated and feared this guy Cao Weiguo; in a one-on-one fight, they were no match, and when it came to playing dirty, Cao Weiguo was their ancestor. He didn't want to be locked in a dog cage again; that was truly too terrifying.

Zheng Tong also grabbed Zhong Yuemin and persuaded him: "Yuemin, it's better to avoid trouble than to invite it. Let's go eat, don't stir up trouble."

Zhong Yuemin stared fiercely at Cao Weiguo, clenching his fists tightly, the veins on his forehead bulging. He irritably shook off the hands of Yuan Jun and Zheng Tong: "Not eating anymore, let's go."

"Yuemin!"

"Don't be like that, I was hungry a long time ago. Let's change to another place to eat, okay?"

Zhong Yuemin turned and left, and Yuan Jun and Zheng Tong hurriedly chased after him.

Zhou Xiaobai looked at the empty doorway, turned her head to look at Cao Weiguo, and asked: "Brother Weiguo, do you have a grudge against those people?"

Cao Weiguo smiled dismissively: "Can't call it a grudge. Those few are all small-time hoodlums. One time they were caught by us while fighting in a group with another gang."

Luo Yun: "Hmph, I don't think they look like good people, each one of them is ruffian-like. Brother Weiguo, you must be a bit careful; these guys are very wicked. Watch out for them playing dirty tricks behind your back."

Cao Weiguo smiled: "I know. Let's not talk about them. Let's eat; don't let them affect our appetite. This table of good dishes cannot be wasted; we must eat it all."

Luo Yun made a bitter face: "Eat it all? I'm afraid my stomach will burst! Xiaobai, why did you order so much?"

Zhou Xiaobai glared at Luo Yun: "You're blaming me? You didn't order any less of these dishes."

Cao Weiguo laughed: "Why are you two arguing? Don't worry, just eat your fill. Leave whatever you can't finish to me; I have a very big appetite."

Recently, he has been practicing martial arts diligently, consuming a lot of energy, and his appetite has increased accordingly. If he were to eat with abandon, another table like this wouldn't be a problem. The farmers work so hard to grow grain, how could it be wasted?

"Xiaobai, it really is you. I thought I saw wrong. Do you want to add a few dishes? My treat." ===== CHAPTER 1539 =====