Chapter 776

Yi Yi Zhonghai followed Liu Haizhong to the corner, his spirit listless. His desolate and frail silhouette was a heartbreaking sight.

Looking at his back alone, how could one see any trace of his former self?

Passion is like charcoal; it must be cooled, or the raging fire will scorch the heart.

—Shakespeare

After a hearty and thorough exchange, the affection in Yu Li’s eyes was as thick as honey, and she stared at Cao Cao Weiguo’s back with sweet, cloying love.

Cao Cao Weiguo put on his clothes and stood by the window to light a cigarette. With Yu Li, he had found both physical satisfaction and mental relaxation.

Yu Li wrapped her arms around Cao Cao Weiguo from behind, her fingers interlaced tightly with his. "What’s wrong? Is something on your mind? Or is there something you don't like about me?"

"Nothing, I was just suddenly enjoying this peace and ease. In my heart, you are already near perfect—gentle, virtuous, hardworking, simple, and understanding. It must be Heaven’s favor that has granted me your companionship."

Cao Cao Weiguo said with a sincere smile. As time passed, the affection between them grew ever deeper. Although they had not formed a formal family, they were, in reality, a couple in all but name, supporting each other through thick and thin, hand in hand.

Hearing this, Yu Li hugged Cao Cao Weiguo even tighter. "Cao Weiguo, being with you forever, growing old together—that is my greatest wish in this life."

Feeling her deep attachment and the supple softness against his back, Cao Cao Weiguo turned around. He saw Yu Li wearing only white floral-patterned thermal underwear, her curvaceous figure igniting his hormones once again.

Yu Li’s skin was fair and supple, her figure shapely, and especially her exquisite face and those eyes filled with lingering affection stirred waves in his heart that were hard to calm.

"Sister Li, we will be together forever, never to be parted for as long as we live."

Cao Cao Weiguo bent down to pick Yu Li up and strode toward the messy bed.

"Mm!"

With Yu Li’s soft moan, the second battle began.

……

Time flies, reluctant to part.

By the time Cao Cao Weiguo returned to Nanluoguxiang, the sun was already setting behind the mountains. The alley was filled with the scent of hearth and home; smoke rose from every household, and the aroma of various dishes drifted on the breeze.

"Cao Weiguo is back. You really are busy; the sun has already set before you return. It seems being a leader isn't easy."

Yan Yan Fugui, who guarded the "Southern Heavenly Gate" year-round, greeted Cao Cao Weiguo with a smile, his eyes darting toward the piece of streaky pork on Cao Cao Weiguo’s handlebars.

"Third Master, you are wise. I am currently tied up with miscellaneous tasks, pressed so hard I can barely breathe or stand straight. With the end of the year approaching, I have to run around everywhere, racking my brains to find supplies for the factory. You wouldn't believe it—just for a crate of eggs, I’ve nearly worn my lips thin. But since I take the country’s salary, I must be worthy of the country, the organization, and the people. No matter how difficult things are, I have to do them. I cannot betray the organization’s trust or let down the workers who contribute so hard to the country."

Cao Cao Weiguo poured out his grievances to Yan Yan Fugui, nearly drowning him in them. Yan Yan Fugui was left dumbfounded, his own bellyful of words scattered, not knowing how to continue the conversation.

After holding it in for a long time, Yan Yan Fugui sighed, "Cao Weiguo, I really didn't realize you were working so hard. I thought you big leaders just sat in offices drinking tea and reading newspapers. I didn't expect the work to be so heavy. It’s truly not easy."

Cao Cao Weiguo laughed, "Hey! What’s not easy about it? If it’s bitter, think of the Long March; if it’s tiring, think of the revolutionary predecessors. I’m just venting a little to you. I take the country’s salary, so no matter how tiring the work is, it’s my duty. Besides, to serve the people, I would gladly shed my blood."

Yan Yan Fugui said, dazed, "Cao Weiguo, no wonder you can be a leader. Your awareness is truly high—much better than my eldest son."

Cao Cao Weiguo: "Third Master, you flatter me. Brother Yan Jiecheng is also excellent. He works seriously at the factory and is diligent in learning. Many veteran masters praise him, saying he will soon become a backbone of the rolling mill. He is even an activist at the factory now. When he brings back a Model Worker award, you will be able to bask in his glory."

"Forget it!"

Yan Yan Fugui waved his hand: "Cao Weiguo, you just say nice things to make me happy. As his father, don't I know what my eldest is made of? A Model Worker? He’s been in the factory for so long and is still a Grade 1 worker; he hasn't made any progress at all. I even doubt if he’s my own flesh and blood. Look at me—smart since I was little, literate at five, reciting Tang poetry at six. Although I haven't made much of a name for myself, I am a glorious people's teacher, never falling behind in educating others. You tell me, how could a smart person like me produce such a pig-headed son? He fails the Grade 2 worker assessment time after time. It’s simply shameful; I can't even hold my head up in front of the old neighbors."

Yan Yan Jiecheng, who was on his way to the toilet, heard this and trembled with rage, his face looking as ugly as if he’d eaten dung. How could he, such an excellent person, be so worthless in his own father’s eyes?

Yan Yan Fugui continued: "Stupid and unaspiring is one thing, but he’s also full of little schemes, bringing his wife to demand a split from the family. Now the two of them live and cook on their own, they don't pay for food, and they don't care about their younger siblings. You tell me, I raised him with my own sweat and blood, I paid for his schooling, helped him get a wife—is it easy for me? Who would have thought I’d raise a white-eyed wolf? It’s enough to make me die of anger."

Hearing these words, Yan Yan Jiecheng’s face grew even uglier; there was not a shred of shame in his heart, only resentment.

Why did he demand a split?

Wasn't it because he suffered from oppression and injustice?

They were all sons, so why was he the one who had to take his hard-earned wages to buy daily necessities while his younger siblings ate for free? Why did he have to work like an ox at home, only to end up with nothing saved at the end of the year? Other workers could occasionally eat out, but him? He was so stingy he couldn't even afford a few drinks a year; all the money went to the family, and he got nothing.

Cao Cao Weiguo consoled him: "Third Master, look at you. You are a people's teacher; you shouldn't be so petty. Whether a family splits or not, they are still family. Besides, Brother Yan Jiecheng isn't young anymore, and he has a wife. It’s quite normal for a young couple to want to establish their own household. Don't be angry; if you ruin your health, you’ll just have to spend money on medicine—that would be a bigger loss. You have to look on the bright side. Even if you split, you all live in the same courtyard. If you need help, just call Brother Yan Jiecheng. As long as the children are filial, you will enjoy happiness whether you split or not. The good days are still ahead."

Anyway, nice words didn't cost anything. Cao Cao Weiguo was in a good mood, so he said a few more, and it really did make Yan Yan Fugui feel much better. He said with a chuckle: "You really are a leader; your ideological awareness is different. After hearing you say that, I feel much more comfortable. Fine, I’ll listen to you. I won't be angry; I’ll look on the bright side."

Cao Cao Weiguo laughed: "That’s right. Take a step back and the sky is vast; only when a family is harmonious can they live happily."

Yan Yan Fugui said: "Hahaha, that makes sense. My eldest is a bit slow, but his heart is decent—much better than Liu Liu Guangqi and Liu Guangtian from the Liu family. Of course, as a father, I’m also more decent than Liu Haizhong. Look at how Liu Haizhong educated his three children: one married into his wife’s family and never comes home, and the other two were beaten until they were alienated, meeting like enemies. Today, because of Old Yi’s business, Liu Haizhong beat Liu Guangtian and Liu Liu Guangfu again, and he was ruthless. By the way, do you know that Yi Yi Zhonghai is back?"

Cao Cao Weiguo looked surprised: "Yi Yi Zhonghai is back?"