Chapter 372: After the Meal

The Sihe Academy.

After dinner, Cao Weiguo was leisurely listening to the radio.

Officer Gu from the neighborhood office came to the Sihe Academy and ran into the Eldest Uncle, who was out for a stroll.

"Teacher Yan, is Cao Weiguo in the courtyard? I have something to find him about."

"Oh my! It's Officer Gu!"

The Eldest Uncle asked curiously: "Cao Weiguo is at home. What do you need him for?"

"A small matter. I'll go to the backyard first; we can chat again when there's time."

Officer Gu strode toward the backyard, somewhat nervous to find Cao Weiguo.

Officer Gu's name was Gu Qingyun; he was in his thirties this year and had been a soldier who participated in the Aid-Korea campaign.

After retiring, he was assigned to the neighborhood office, mainly responsible for the management of permanent and floating populations within the jurisdiction.

He had worked in the neighborhood office for several years but had never had any contact with Cao Weiguo.

He didn't know if the other party would mind him coming over so presumptuously.

"Is Comrade Cao Weiguo at home?"

"I am!"

Cao Weiguo responded when he heard the voice, and Officer Gu came to the door with a kind face.

"I am Cao Weiguo. Comrade, who are you?"

Officer Gu introduced himself: "Comrade Cao Weiguo, hello. My name is Gu Qingyun, and I work at the neighborhood office. Please forgive me for the presumptuous intrusion."

Cao Weiguo was slightly stunned: "Comrade Gu Qingyun, hello. May I ask what you need me for?"

Officer Gu said somewhat embarrassedly: "Comrade Cao Weiguo, I came here presumptuously this time to ask you for a favor."

Cao Weiguo laughed: "Hey, what's this about begging? Comrade Gu Qingyun, let's go inside and talk."

Enthusiastically welcoming Officer Gu into the room, Song Yulan generously poured tea and water.

Officer Gu stood up to thank him and explained his purpose: "Comrade Cao Weiguo, it's like this. My younger brother is getting married, and the family wants to host two tables of banquet."

"But the wedding date is right around the corner, and the ingredients can't be gathered in a short while."

"I heard you are a purchaser for the steel rolling mill, with wide connections and great ability."

"So I came over with a thick skin, wanting to ask you to help get some ingredients privately."

Cao Weiguo thought for a moment and said somewhat awkwardly: "Officer Gu, I often go to the countryside to purchase, but privately... this is somewhat..."

Officer Gu understood Cao Weiguo's concerns: "Comrade Cao Weiguo, don't worry. You know this, I know this, and what I want really isn't much..."

Six chickens, twenty jin of pork, fifty eggs...

Taking out this little bit of stuff was easy for Cao Weiguo.

What he was worried about was the risk.

However, Officer Gu was a sharp person and had long since made full preparations.

Cao Weiguo was also willing to build a good relationship with people from the neighborhood office.

After chatting for a while, Cao Weiguo nodded and agreed to help.

Officer Gu thanked him happily and hurriedly took money and coupons out of his pocket:

"Comrade Cao Weiguo, I will give you the money and coupons for buying the ingredients first. If it's not enough, you must speak up."

"No rush for this. It will be in time for you to give me the money after I bring the ingredients back!"

Cao Weiguo pushed the money and coupons back, firmly refusing to take the money in advance.

"It just so happens I'm going to the countryside to purchase tomorrow. If it goes smoothly, I'll send the things to you in the evening."

Officer Gu said: "Comrade Cao Weiguo, thank you so much."

After chatting for a while, Officer Gu said goodbye and left.

Song Yulan returned from outside and asked: "Weiguo, what did Officer Gu need you for?"

Cao Weiguo said casually: "Oh, asked me to help get some ingredients."

Song Yulan was suddenly somewhat proud: "My man is truly amazing; even an officer from the neighborhood office came to the door to ask for your help!"

The neighborhood office is in charge of community work; those are government staff members.

They are much better than those managing uncles in the courtyard.

Cao Weiguo pulled Song Yulan into his arms: "When has your man not been amazing?"

"Oh my! The door isn't closed yet!"

Song Yulan hammered Cao Weiguo shyly, blushing as she broke free from his hot embrace.

"Bang!"

"Now the door is closed!"

Cao Weiguo stood up to close the door and picked up his shy wife.

The Middle Courtyard.

After eating and drinking their fill, Qin Huairu used the remaining fish bones to boil a pot of fish soup.

She diligently brought it to the Yi family, saying it was to thank the Eldest Aunt for helping look after Huaihua.

After Jia Zhangshi was taken away, Qin Huairu had to go to work on weekdays.

Qin Huairu asked the Eldest Aunt to look after Huaihua during the day.

The Eldest Aunt had no children, and little Huaihua was quite cute.

Bored at home, the kind-hearted Eldest Aunt agreed to help.

Having eaten meat today, Qin Huairu, for the first time ever, invited the Eldest Uncle and Eldest Aunt to drink some soup.

First, to thank the Eldest Aunt for her help.

Second, to curry favor with Yi Zhonghai. ===== CHAPTER 374 =====