Chapter 28

The Third Aunt’s eyes lit up. "Old Yan, you’re right. The benefits here are truly not small."

The Third Uncle wore a shrewd expression. "We’re just acting as the go-between. It’s a small investment for a big return. Once the matter is settled, our family might just strike it rich."

The Third Aunt said excitedly, "Then I’ll take Yu Li back to her maiden home tomorrow. Even if I have to drag her, I’m bringing Yu Yu Haitang back to the Sihe Academy."

The Third Uncle laughed. "I’m afraid you won’t need to drag her this time; Yu Yu Haitang will come running on her own. Go empty-handed tomorrow. Since we’re introducing such a golden son-in-law to Yu Yu Haitang, her parents will have to bring something to thank us."

The Yi Household

The First Uncle lay on his bed, sighing repeatedly, lamenting that he had misjudged the situation.

He had placed his bets on Seeing Shazhu, only to miss out on Cao Cao Weiguo.

Look at the two of them now.

One is nearing thirty and doing worse by the day, having even ruined his perfectly good job as a chef.

The other is in his early twenties and already a Deputy Director, looking even more impressive than he, an eighth-grade machinist.

If he had helped Cao Cao Weiguo more in the past, offering a hand when he was in need, would Cao Cao Weiguo not be grateful for his kindness?

Keeping Cao Cao Weiguo by his side in the future to provide for his old age—what a wonderful prospect that would have been.

But there is no medicine for regret in this world, and time cannot be turned back.

He has cared for Seeing Shazhu with the utmost devotion, treating him like his own son, and has already invested too much effort to just let go now.

As for Cao Cao Weiguo, he is capable and calculating; if he were to rush over and try to curry favor, Cao Cao Weiguo might not even think much of him.

If he wants Cao Cao Weiguo to provide for his old age, he must plan carefully for the future; it cannot be achieved overnight.

The First Aunt looked at her husband and asked with concern, "What’s wrong? Is something bothering you?"

The First Uncle shook his head. "Nothing, just a bit tired from work lately."

The First Aunt said with heartache, "If you’re tired, rest. Don’t wear yourself out."

The First Uncle sighed. "At my age, how can I rest? I should put in more effort while I’m still young, so I can save more money for our old age."

Hearing this, the First Aunt felt a pang of sorrow, her eyes filled with guilt.

It was because she was unable to conceive that her husband had no children of his own.

He couldn't enjoy the happiness of a family and still had to worry laboriously about their retirement.

The First Aunt said guiltily, "Old Yi, it’s me who has dragged you down. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have to work so hard."

The First Uncle took the First Aunt’s hand. "You’re overthinking it again. We’ve spent most of our lives together; why say such things? Having you by my side for this lifetime, I am content."

At dawn, a magnificent morning glow appeared in the east, and wisps of cooking smoke rose in the Sihe Academy.

After a simple breakfast, Cao Cao Weiguo pushed his bicycle out.

Xu Xu Damao hurried over, pushing his own bicycle. "Cao Weiguo, congratulations on becoming the canteen’s Deputy Director. I’ve already had your sister-in-law go to the vegetable market to buy meat. We’ll celebrate properly for you tonight."

Cao Cao Weiguo thanked him. "Thank you, Brother Xu. I’ve caused you and your wife to spend money again."

Xu Xu Damao said righteously, "You’re being a stranger again, brother. Can’t we brothers handle things like this?"

The two pushed their bikes out of the Sihe Academy together, leaving the other residents filled with envy.

Seeing Shazhu spat on the ground. "Pah! It really is fish finds fish, shrimp finds shrimp, and turtles find tortoises—birds of a feather flock together."

Liu Guangtian laughed and said, "Seeing Shazhu, is that sour grapes because you can’t reach them? Xu Xu Damao knows how to handle things and can get along with the leadership. As for you, your foul mouth has offended everyone."

Seeing Shazhu said disdainfully, "I rely on my real skills. I don’t care for those superficial tricks."

Yan Yan Jiecheng laughed. "Seeing Shazhu, what are your 'real skills'? Tightening screws or moving steel bars?"

Seeing Shazhu’s face flushed red with anger. "You two brats are just sycophants and opportunists, the same breed as Xu Xu Damao."

"Seeing Shazhu, what nonsense are you spouting again!"

The Third Uncle, pushing his bicycle, scolded him angrily.

Yan Yan Jiecheng was his son, after all; Seeing Shazhu’s words were asking for a beating.

Seeing Shazhu laughed. "Oh, did I say something wrong? Yan Yan Jiecheng and the abacus are brothers, after all."

"Seeing Shazhu, you bastard!"

The Third Uncle was so angry he nearly fainted, and Yan Yan Jiecheng rolled up his sleeves and charged at Seeing Shazhu.

"Seeing Shazhu, you’re looking for a beating!"

"Come on then! Let’s see if I don’t smash your abacus-loving self to pieces."

When fighting, don't hit the face; when exposing someone, don't expose their shortcomings.

With one mouth, Seeing Shazhu had thoroughly offended both the Third Uncle and Yan Yan Jiecheng.

Liu Guangtian watched the joke from the side.

This Seeing Shazhu is truly worthy of the name Seeing Shazhu.

His mouth is both foul and poisonous; he could anger someone to death.

Seeing that Seeing Shazhu had provoked public anger, Qin Qin Huairu slowed her pace.

She didn't want to be implicated by getting close to Seeing Shazhu at a time like this.

The First Uncle shook his head helplessly, thick-skinned as he tried to mediate the fight.

No matter how disappointing Seeing Shazhu was, he was still the one he had invested his hopes in for his old age. ===== CHAPTER 51 =====