Chapter 64: Treasure Hunting at the Pigeon Market

The Sihe Academy

Early in the morning, a sedan broke the tranquility of the Sihe Academy. ===== CHAPTER 115 =====

Amidst the envious gazes of his neighbors, Cao Cao Weiguo got into the car and left.

Since it was the weekend, most people were home resting.

Being picked up by a car first thing in the morning became the talk of the neighborhood.

Yan Yan Jiecheng said enviously, "Cao Cao Weiguo is incredible. It hasn't been long, and he's already riding in a car again."

The Third Master looked at Yu Li, "Eldest daughter-in-law, you should spend more time with Song Song Yulan when you're free."

"Chat with her, talk to her, and build a good relationship. It'll be good for our family."

Yu Li said unhappily, "I don't have anything in common with a country girl. We can't even hold a conversation."

The Third Master said, "If you have nothing to say, find something. It gets easier after the first time."

"Song Song Yulan was a country girl before she married Cao Cao Weiguo."

"But she married him, and now she's the Director's wife."

"So many people want to curry favor with her but don't have the chance."

The Third Mistress said, "Song Song Yulan has been making clothes lately. Eldest daughter-in-law, if you go over and lend a hand, she'll definitely welcome you."

The Third Master said shrewdly, "That's a good idea!"

"Our family can also use the Cao family's sewing machine while we're at it."

"Maybe we can even pick up some fabric scraps."

Yan Yan Jiecheng also chimed in, "Wife, you're just sitting around anyway."

"It wouldn't hurt to go help Song Song Yulan."

"I've been looking for a chance to ask Cao Cao Weiguo to help me solve my work problem."

"If you build a good relationship with Song Song Yulan, it'll help me too."

He was still a temporary worker, with low pay and exhausting labor.

He had always wanted to change jobs, but he had neither connections nor money, so he never had the opportunity.

Seeing Cao Cao Weiguo doing so well, he set his sights on him.

With her parents-in-law and husband all pushing her,

Yu Li had no choice but to bite the bullet and go curry favor with Song Song Yulan.

The Second Master snorted jealously, his old face drooping.

Cao Cao Weiguo, a junior, was thriving.

Yet he, the Second Master, was frustrated and had yet to hold any official position.

Liu Guangtian said with a smile, "Dad, why don't you give Cao Cao Weiguo some gifts?"

"Ask him to put in a good word with the leaders above for you. Maybe you'll be promoted."

The Second Mistress said unhappily, "Where would we find spare money for gifts?"

"Besides, asking your father to give gifts to a junior..."

"If word got out, where would your father put his face?"

Liu Guangtian curled his lip, "No matter how junior he is, he's still a leader."

The Second Master was tempted, but he couldn't bring himself to do it, and he was too stingy with his money.

"Hmph! I am the Second Master of this courtyard!"

"Asking me to give Cao Cao Weiguo a gift? He doesn't deserve it!"

"Only a brainless, spendthrift fool like you could come up with such an idea."

The Second Master snorted angrily, turned around, and went back into his room with a gloomy face.

It was all Cao Cao Weiguo's fault; his good mood for the weekend was completely ruined.

The Cao Residence

After breakfast and feeding the two chickens, Song Song Yulan began sewing clothes.

Because she was a beginner, her stitches often went astray.

"Sister Song Yulan, you're busy."

"Sister Yu, please, have a seat."

Seeing Yu Li come over, Song Song Yulan quickly stood up to greet her.

Yu Li said with a smile, "Sister Song Yulan, I heard you're making clothes."

"I had nothing to do at home, so I thought I'd come over and lend you a hand."

Song Song Yulan said happily, "Thank you, Sister Yu."

Yu Li looked at the brand-new sewing machine and couldn't help but feel envious.

She had always wanted a sewing machine.

But she and her husband had no money, and her parents-in-law wouldn't help.

Yu Li asked, "Sister Song Yulan, how does this sewing machine work?"

Song Song Yulan brought over a chair and set it down, "Sister Yu, sit."

"The machine is good, but I'm too clumsy; I still can't use it well."

Yu Li didn't sit in the chair Song Song Yulan had provided, but instead sat in the chair in front of the sewing machine.

"Let me try."

Sitting before the machine, she touched the high-quality fabric.

Yu Li said enviously, "This material is really good."

"Da-da-da-da..."

The sound of the sewing machine rang out. Yu Li sewed skillfully, her stitches dense and straight.

"Sister Yu, your skill is amazing!"

Song Song Yulan looked at Yu Li with admiration, her eyes shining.

"Practice makes perfect. You'll get better the more you do it."

"The presser foot is very important. Different feet have different effects. You need to practice and study this more."

"Pulling the fabric and feeding it..."

Yu Li explained as she sewed, and Song Song Yulan benefited greatly.

"Sister Yu, try the peanuts I just boiled."

These were fresh peanuts Cao Cao Weiguo had brought back yesterday, and Song Song Yulan had boiled a pot early in the morning.

"These are fresh peanuts! You can't even find them on the market yet."

Yu Li looked at the boiled peanuts on the plate in surprise, thinking to herself that Cao Cao Weiguo was truly capable.

"Mmm, they smell so good. What seasonings did you put in?"

She peeled one and put it in her mouth, her eyes lighting up as she savored the taste.

Song Song Yulan said happily, "I put in salt, chili, star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, scallions, ginger, and garlic. It's a recipe Cao Weiguo taught me."

Yu Li said with a smile, "No wonder they're so delicious."

Song Song Yulan brought over the peanuts and began pouring tea.

Her enthusiasm and simplicity made Yu Li feel favorably toward her.

Eating the boiled peanuts and drinking the fragrant tea,

the two women chatted and laughed.

Yu Li said enviously, "Sister Song Yulan, you are truly blessed."

"Look at this life you're living—prosperous and full of flavor."

Thinking of her life at the Yan family, where they were so stingy that even pickled vegetables were divided by the stalk.

Not only that, but she had to pay for her meals and rent every month.

Everything was calculated clearly; it didn't feel like a family living together at all.

Yu Li held her teacup and looked around the room:

"It's so good to marry a capable man."

Although most of the furniture in the room was old, there was plenty of it, and everything was complete.

Especially that fully stocked kitchen; there probably wasn't another family in the whole courtyard that could compare.

After eating half a plate of boiled peanuts and feeling satisfied, Yu Li diligently helped Song Song Yulan with her sewing.

As she worked, she continued to teach Song Song Yulan techniques.

Xihai ===== CHAPTER 116 =====