Chapter 38

In the evening, Lu Yuan came out of the Lifting Sky Bureau.

All the paperwork was done, and Lu Yuan also received the Lifting Sky Bureau's certificate, just like the small certificate from the Forging Bureau, with the Lifting Sky Bureau's steel seal stamped on it.

As for rewards and such, one has to apply for them.

Because the Great Zhou Dynasty, to avoid official corruption as before, even if an official spends just a single coin, they must report and apply for it.

Not knowing how many days it would take, Lu Yuan planned to wait until next month's payday to collect it together.

Lu Yuan led his horse out of the gate; the captain who saw him off was someone Lu Yuan now knew by name—Lü Xin.

Originally there were two and a half stars on his head, but after Lu Yuan gave him a boost, it became three stars.

"Brother, then come on the third of next month, come early, and I'll have our team members teach you properly."

Lü Xin said with a smile from the side.

This is the great-grandson of Director Liu, so naturally one should be courteous; moreover, Lu Yuan's abilities are indeed admirable to Lü Xin.

Lu Yuan laughed while exchanging pleasantries; after they stepped out, they unexpectedly bumped into an acquaintance.

This acquaintance was no stranger—it was Wang Ping, whom Lu Yuan had intended to find today.

Wang Ping was leading a team, escorting a person, waiting outside the Lifting Sky Bureau.

Upon seeing each other, both Lu Yuan and Wang Ping were stunned.

Both were a bit dazed.

Ah... this??

"Uncle, come."

Outside the gate of the Lifting Sky Bureau, Lu Yuan struck a match and lit a cigarette for Wang Ping.

Wang Ping now felt somewhat honored and surprised, nodding repeatedly.

After lighting Wang Ping's cigarette, Lu Yuan used the same match to light one for himself.

Just now I asked—Wang Ping's team had captured a suspected spy, a type of person they couldn't interrogate, so they had to hand him over to the Lifting Sky Bureau.

I never expected the two of them to run into each other.

Likewise, Wang Ping now knew Lu Yuan's current identity and what he had done today.

Lu Yuan said it himself.

They've already bumped into each other, everyone saw it, so trying to deceive would be pointless.

Besides, there's no need to lie; what Lu Yuan just said about the Lifting Sky Guard being dangerous was merely a pretext to deceive.

Actually, the Lifting Sky Guard is quite safe.

Moreover, the spies inside Huangcheng mainly gather intelligence; they aren't into assassination.

Even if there were assassins, it wouldn't involve Lu Yuan.

At the Lifting Sky Bureau, Lu Yuan is basically a connection hire—he works one day a month teaching martial arts.

On what basis could a spy target him?

Furthermore, these spies won't last many years; they're waiting for the Great Zhou emperor to sweep away the enemy nations with a single gesture.

These spies probably can't even find their organization anymore.

Since they can't find their organization, and the spies aren't idiots, they naturally won't insist on dying together with their country.

By then, a change of identity will turn this bunch into honest citizens.

Besides, Wang Ping couldn't go shouting Lu Yuan's identity all over the street, so that's what he said.

"Uncle, I have to go home; my wife is about to get off work, and if she doesn't see me she'll get worried."

After saying that, Lu Yuan turned around and produced half a side of meat and a bottle of scattered liquor, saying:

"I originally intended to come see you at noon today, but you weren't home, nor was your wife, so I couldn't deliver the goods; now that we've met, you can just take them back."

Wang Ping looked at the items Lu Yuan produced and felt somewhat honored and surprised; if it had been the former Lu Yuan giving them, he would have just accepted.

But now he is a Lifting Sky Guard, and moreover an internal guard—a reserve cadre.

To give gifts to a petty official like himself.

Wang Ping really didn't dare to accept them.

Seeing Wang Ping's reaction, Lu Yuan grinned and said:

"Uncle, I said before, regardless of all that nonsense, you are my uncle; this nephew giving you a few things is no big deal—it's also thanks for your help last time; otherwise there would have been trouble that night."

At this moment, Wang Ping's gaze toward Lu Yuan was somewhat different; he now felt that this kid was truly capable.

He is truly a good child who repays kindness, and his words are pleasant to hear.

In the end, Wang Ping accepted them, while Lu Yuan swung onto his horse and, looking at Wang Ping, said:

"Uncle, I'll be off now; when you have time, I'll come to your house for a drink."

Wang Ping's team had just taken that suspect into the Lifting Sky Bureau; they still needed to finish paperwork, make a record, etc., and wouldn't be out for a while, so Wang Ping had to wait.

Lu Yuan didn't wait; he headed home early. Earlier today he had told Su Liyan that, to celebrate her entry into the Forging Bureau, they would eat dumplings tonight.

Well... actually, it was Lu Yuan himself who wanted to eat them.

Wang Ping, meanwhile, nodded repeatedly and grinned, saying:

"Fine, Uncle, you're always welcome to come; when you do, I'll have my wife fix you something delicious!"

Lu Yuan smiled, nodded, adjusted the reins, and in a puff of smoke vanished.

Wang Ping stood watching the direction Lu Yuan disappeared, sighing that this kid was truly capable.

However, he then hesitated, looking at the half side of meat in his hand, feeling puzzled.

Well... was that meat and wine just hanging on the horse earlier??

Where did this great-nephew of mine pull them out from??

Forget it, I'm not thinking about it anymore—tonight I'm in for a treat~

I haven't seen any meat in half a month~

…………

When Lu Yuan returned to the Siheyuan.

At this moment, everyone in the courtyard was filled with righteous indignation over Lu Yuan's outrageous behavior today.

How can it be this dry?!!

Is a grown man going to lose face or not?!!

Make his own wife go to work?!!

Of course, letting his wife go to work isn't shameful.

But the problem is, if a woman goes to work, either the family has dual incomes, or the man is seriously ill, bedridden, or deceased.

But look at Lu Yuan's appearance—he doesn't look sick at all!!

This might fool Su Liyan, that naive village girl, but it won't fool the Siheyuan residents, who have a hundred tricks up their sleeves.

Especially when everyone saw Lu Yuan come back carrying three or two catties of meat.

"You still have money to eat meat?"

A resident stared at Lu Yuan, astonished, and said:

Lu Yuan, meanwhile, raised his eyebrows and said:

"What are you talking about? These days are getting better and better; I've worked at the Forging Bureau for over three years—can't I have some savings?"

That's true, but the problem is, you brat, aren't you not working anymore?!!

Didn't you give your position to Su Liyan?

Now Su Liyan is just an apprentice worker, earning only twenty bucks a month—how can you be eating better than before?

This is nonsense!!

Not long after, Su Liyan came running back with a bundle on her back, her little face all red and utterly adorable.

Seeing Su Liyan like that, the people in the courtyard couldn't help but ask:

"Su Liyan, what's in your bundle?"

Su Liyan stopped, pursed her lips, and smiled:

"It's the work clothes my husband left at the factory; I took them back to wash, and I can still wear them later~"

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.

No... Lu Yuan isn't going to work anymore either, and yet Su Liyan has to wash his clothes?!!

Before the crowd could react, Su Liyan spoke with a happy smile:

"Auntie, I won't chat more—I need to hurry back and cook for my man; he's about to starve~"

Having said that, Su Liyan hurried off again.

The people looked at each other.

And... Su Liyan still has to cook?!!!

Now Su Liyan has to tidy the house, wash clothes, go to work, and cook for Lu Yuan?!!

Lu Yuan really just stays at home doing nothing but playing?!!!

Instantly, everyone had the same thought.

Lu Yuan is simply not human!!!

(End of chapter)