Chapter 33

Neighbors should be as close as family, helping and supporting one another.

Cao Weiguo's household conditions are good, and he has the joyous occasion of buying a bicycle; according to custom, he should treat everyone to a celebration.

If everyone sits down together for a meal, it would be a happy occasion and would also strengthen neighborly bonds.

After Jia Zhangshi's persistent instigation, the Eldest Uncle was swayed.

Cao Weiguo said with difficulty: "Eldest Uncle, you should know my situation. To buy this bicycle, my savings have almost been emptied. The remaining money is all being saved to take a wife; I truly have no strength to host a dinner."

Cao Weiguo scoffed at the Eldest Uncle's request for a treat.

If he had money, he would rather give it to Deputy Factory Director Li in exchange for benefits than throw it into the courtyard to be wasted.

Especially since there is a group of ingrates in this courtyard!

He would rather feed his food to pigs than give it to those ingrates to eat.

The Eldest Uncle said: "Weiguo, a meal doesn't cost much. You don't need to make anything fancy; just whip up a few dishes, and everyone can be happy together."

Cao Weiguo said bitterly: "Eldest Uncle, please let me off. I really don't have the money to treat guests."

The Eldest Uncle still wanted to speak, but Cao Weiguo spoke first: "Eldest Uncle, you are an eighth-grade fitter; I know you have money. How about you lend me twenty yuan? Once I get the money, I'll go buy food and host the treat."

The Eldest Uncle quickly said: "Hey, well, if there's no money, then forget it. You go ahead and cook."

Having said that, the Eldest Uncle walked away quickly, fearing that Cao Weiguo would take the opportunity to borrow money.

In this day and age, who doesn't value money more than their own life?

Even if the Eldest Uncle has money, he isn't willing to lend it out.

"Pah, what kind of person is that!"

Cao Weiguo spat in annoyance, sneered, and turned back into his room.

Want to take advantage of him?

In your dreams!

The Eldest Uncle left the Cao residence and told Jia Zhangshi that the treat was off.

Hearing that Cao Weiguo wouldn't host the treat and that she couldn't take advantage of him, Jia Zhangshi cursed:

"That black-hearted, stingy beast only cares about his own good food and drink; he doesn't know how to look after the neighbors in the courtyard."

The Eldest Uncle sighed: "Cao Weiguo lives by himself; life isn't easy for him either. Let it be."

Jia Zhangshi said: "If life isn't easy, how could he have money to buy a bike? He just doesn't give you any face and doesn't want to look after neighbors in need."

The Eldest Uncle's expression also turned ugly, and he walked home with his hands behind his back, feeling unhappy.

Feeling stifled, the Eldest Uncle spoke to his wife about the matter, his words filled with dissatisfaction toward Cao Weiguo.

He felt Cao Weiguo was selfish and cold, and didn't respect him as the Eldest Uncle.

The Eldest Aunt is a kind-hearted and honest person. Hearing her husband's words, she instead advised him: "Old Yi, it's not that I'm criticizing you, but you know the relationship between Cao Weiguo and the people in the courtyard. After his parents passed away, no one in the courtyard helped Cao Weiguo, and he doesn't associate with the people here. How could he be willing to spend money to treat them? Let it be; don't make things difficult for him."

After the Eldest Aunt said this, the Eldest Uncle kept a straight face and said nothing.

The logic was sound!

But in his heart, he just felt unhappy, as if something was stuck in his chest. ===== CHAPTER 35 =====