[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-siheyuan-the-salted-fish-s-good-life":3,"chapter-siheyuan-the-salted-fish-s-good-life-siheyuan-the-salted-fish-s-beautiful-life-chapter-704":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Courtyard House: A Salted Fish's Good Life",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},2109891,3398,"Chapter 704","siheyuan-the-salted-fish-s-beautiful-life-chapter-704",704,"\u003Cp>It is easy to go from frugality to luxury, but difficult to go from luxury to frugality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, he was a well-known \"player\" in the social scene, with a group of buddies following him; his daily expenses for food, drink, and entertainment were not insignificant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes, a man with money is a hero, while a man without it is a wretch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had no money in his pockets, how could he go to the movies, find a girlfriend, or eat at restaurants?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he \"play\" without money?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And how could a \"player\" be called a player if he didn't play?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He and Li Li Kuiyong had become acquainted through a fight, and because of the incident with Lu Lei, the two had gotten to know each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It just so happened that Liu Shan also wanted to expand his connections, so he told Li Li Kuiyong to make more friends with the \"Little Bastard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few back-and-forth interactions, Li Li Kuiyong became close with Ding Ding Zhentao, and they gradually began calling each other brothers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once, by chance, Ding Ding Zhentao mentioned his difficulties to Li Li Kuiyong, and Li Li Kuiyong suggested they try peddling some dried fruits together to earn some pocket money to help with household expenses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These days, there is risk in peddling anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ding Ding Zhentao had been fearless since he was a child; his courage knew no bounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately asked Li Li Kuiyong to take him along to do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dried fruit wasn't anything particularly valuable, but the sheer volume and high demand made up for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially since the children of the big courtyards were never short on pocket money; things like walnuts, sugar-roasted chestnuts, melon seeds, and peanuts... Ding Ding Zhentao never had to worry about selling them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, Ding Ding Zhentao had made a fortune peddling dried fruit; having tasted the sweetness, he was now hooked on the crooked path.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Delivering coolness in the scorching summer, high-temperature condolences warm the heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the head of logistics and a good comrade who cares for his fellow workers, Cao Cao Weiguo braved the blazing sun, carrying two large watermelons to Factory Director Li’s home to \"deliver coolness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person who opened the door was Factory Director Li’s wife, Zhong Ling, dressed in a cool yellow spaghetti-strap dress that accentuated her plump and shapely figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo took a step back: \"Sister-in-law, I brought you two watermelons to help beat the heat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cao Weiguo, you really are thoughtful. Come inside quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling enthusiastically reached out, pulled Cao Cao Weiguo into the house, and casually slammed the door shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister-in-law, where should I put these watermelons?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just put them on the floor. Cao Weiguo, you haven't come to see your sister-in-law in such a long time; are you getting tired of me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo placed the watermelons on the floor: \"How could that be? I wish I could come chat with you every day, but work is just too busy, and I really couldn't get away. See, as soon as I had a free moment today, I rushed right over.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling beamed, grabbed Cao Cao Weiguo’s hand tightly, and said coquettishly with a fiery gaze: \"As long as you aren't tired of me. Sigh, you haven't been here in so long, and my old back pain has flared up again. Come into the bedroom and help me massage it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo looked around, feeling guilty like a thief: \"Sister-in-law, what about Brother Li? He’s not home, is he?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling smiled and said: \"Put your heart at ease; he went out to take care of some business.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the predatory look in Zhong Ling’s eyes, Cao Cao Weiguo couldn't help but tremble inside: \"Sister-in-law, Brother Li won't come back suddenly, will he?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling pushed Cao Cao Weiguo into the bedroom: \"I’ll lock the door from the inside; no one will be able to get in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister-in-law, don't...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo reached out to persuade her—if you lock the door, people can't get in, but he can't get out either, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the impatient Zhong Ling just smiled and locked the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo hesitated: \"Sister-in-law! It’s broad daylight! I’m scared!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling widened her peach-blossom eyes: \"Look at that little cowardice of yours. I’m here, what are you afraid of?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo: \"Sister-in-law, then... then help me with it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine! Looking at this situation, he had to get on this crooked boat whether he wanted to or not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he couldn't resist, he might as well let go and enjoy it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph! I must have owed you in my past life.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling gave him a sultry glare, then blushed and knelt down...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister-in-law! You’re so moist!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking down at the charming director’s wife, the \"upright gentleman\" Cao Cao Weiguo couldn't help but get excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling blushed and pouted: \"You only know how to bully me. Be careful, or I’ll have your Brother Li make things difficult for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo toyed with her: \"Sister-in-law, if I bully you like this, do you like it or not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling looked at him resentfully: \"You only know how to tease me. I like it very much, happy now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo leaned down and whispered: \"Sister-in-law, you’re so beautiful today, like a fairy. I want to look at you carefully, look at you closely, and imprint you in my mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Cao Cao Weiguo’s sweet talk, Zhong Ling was overjoyed: \"Then take your time looking; I like letting you look.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How many years had she been married? Where had she ever heard such romantic words?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister-in-law! Didn't your back hurt? Let me give you a proper massage. The medical books say that where there is blockage, there is pain, and where there is pain, there is blockage. I’ll clear it for you, and then it won't hurt anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah! Mmm! Good! Clear it well for me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After an unknown amount of time, the treatment ended. The stuffy room was filled with a strange scent, and they had to open the window to ventilate and disperse the odor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the treatment, Zhong Ling was glowing, looking several years younger. With weak limbs, she pulled off the bedsheet and gave a charming glare to Cao Cao Weiguo, who was standing to the side eating watermelon: \"It’s all your fault; you’ve left me without the strength to even change the sheets. You don't even know how to lend a hand, just standing there eating watermelon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo laughed: \"Sister-in-law, I put in so much effort, I’m exhausted too. If I don't eat something, I won't have the strength to pedal my bicycle later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling blushed deeply and gave Cao Cao Weiguo a light kick on the calf: \"Hmph, you were like a wild bull just now, and now you’re tired? You don't know how to cherish your sister-in-law. Rude, heartless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo winked: \"Sister-in-law, wasn't it you who asked me to be like that? I was devoted to you; the sweat I shed could almost boil a pot of porridge. You can't just finish the sutras and then beat the monk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling angrily threw the damp bedsheet at Cao Cao Weiguo: \"Sharp-tongued! Are you looking for a beating?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After changing the sheets, the two of them played around as they left the bedroom, sat on the sofa, and chatted while eating watermelon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Near noon, Factory Director Li returned home carrying some pastries. As soon as he entered, he saw Cao Cao Weiguo: \"Cao Weiguo, you’re here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo hurriedly stood up: \"Leader.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Factory Director Li laughed: \"Thanks, Cao Weiguo. Why are you standing? Sit down. Don't be so formal at my house.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling picked up a slice of watermelon and handed it to Factory Director Li: \"Old Li, look at Cao Weiguo. It’s so hot, and he still thought about bringing us watermelon. How many of your subordinates can compare to Cao Weiguo?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Factory Director Li took a bite of the watermelon: \"So sweet. Cao Weiguo, you’re very thoughtful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo smiled: \"The leader and sister-in-law have been very kind to me; bringing two watermelons is nothing worth mentioning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling said: \"Old Li, didn't your factory just get two new cars? Cao Weiguo often goes to the countryside; it’s so hard for him to be out in the wind and sun. That old car is just sitting idle anyway. Why don't you assign it to Cao Weiguo? It can provide some shelter from the wind and rain, and he’ll suffer less.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Factory Director Li thought for a moment and said: \"That’s a good suggestion. Cao Weiguo, come to my office tomorrow morning to get the slip; that Changjiang 46 will be assigned to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo was incredibly excited: \"Thank you, leader. I will definitely work hard and strive to achieve even better results.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling laughed: \"Cao Weiguo, if I need to go far in the future, I’ll have to call you to be my driver. You aren't allowed to find me annoying.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo immediately said: \"Being your driver is my honor, sister-in-law. Whenever you need the car, just call me; I’ll be there at your beck and call.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Factory Director Li laughed and criticized Zhong Ling: \"What nonsense are you talking about? That’s a public vehicle; it’s not for you to use whenever you want. Besides, Cao Weiguo is busy with official business, shouldering the logistics for over ten thousand employees in the factory; how would he have the time to wait on you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling gave Factory Director Li a fierce shove: \"What does it have to do with you if I ask Cao Weiguo for help? This is at home, not at work. Stop putting on airs with me here; you don't have the qualifications to act like a big official in front of me. Go to the kitchen, wash the vegetables, and knead the dough. I’m going to make dumplings for Cao Weiguo in a bit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Factory Director Li took a step back and said: \"You tigress, you’re unreasonable. You... what kind of filling are you making for the dumplings?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo hurriedly said: \"Sister-in-law, the leader has been busy outside all morning. Let the leader rest; leave the washing and kneading to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling grabbed Cao Cao Weiguo’s arm: \"You’ve been tired all morning, just sit here and chat with me. Old Li can't always eat ready-made meals; he’s been spoiled like a master. If he’s spoiled any more, he’ll start having problems.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying this, Zhong Ling glared at Factory Director Li: \"What are you still standing there for? Go wash the vegetables and knead the dough. My words don't carry weight anymore, is that it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Factory Director Li forced a smile: \"I didn't say I wasn't going. Look at you, getting all worked up. Cao Weiguo, you chat with your sister-in-law; I’ll go wash the vegetables and knead the dough. We’ll have a good drink in a bit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling snorted coldly: \"At least you have some awareness. I’m making chive and egg dumplings for Cao Weiguo. You’d better wash those chives well; if I catch you slacking off, watch out for your skin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Got it, nag.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Factory Director Li said stubbornly, then turned around, grabbed an apron, and ducked into the kitchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling picked up a slice of watermelon and handed it to Cao Cao Weiguo: \"Cao Weiguo, eat some melon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo reached out to take the watermelon, inadvertently brushing the director’s wife’s hand: \"Thank you, sister-in-law.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Ling pouted: \"Don't be so formal with your sister-in-law. Besides the dumplings, what other dishes do you want for lunch? I’ll have Old Li go get them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao Weiguo smiled: \"The dumplings you make are enough for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1984,"2026-06-16T08:10:16.781Z","2026-06-16T08:22:08.249Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","c202558a24b4c88399a548679cf954b990b3a5398af8d292a1f4e72ddaae492e","siheyuan-the-salted-fish-s-beautiful-life-chapter-705","siheyuan-the-salted-fish-s-beautiful-life-chapter-703",843,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsiheyuan-the-salted-fish-s-good-life-cover.jpg"]