Chapter 1229: What's So Interesting to Hear by the Wall Root

"What's going on? Are you moving house?"

Li Li Xuewu had just stepped off the vehicle when he saw a lively scene unfolding at the courtyard gate.

Some were unloading large cardboard boxes from a tricycle, while others were carrying bundles of timber into the courtyard.

Even more were the neighbors from Yan Yan Jiefang, standing at the gate to watch the spectacle, hands tucked into their sleeves, giggling and chattering.

Seeing Sha Zhu spotting his return, he smiled and greeted him, saying, "We've been waiting just for you."

"Waiting for me to do what?"

Li Li Xuewu sized up the packing crates on the tricycle and asked, "Waiting for me to help you move your stuff?"

"How would I dare use you for that—"

Sha Zhu patted the crate with a smile and said, "There's no shortage of hands today."

"Struck it rich, have you?"

Li Li Xuewu pointed at the electric fan and radio logos on the packing crate, teasing with a smile, "You look like a nouveau riche landowner."

"Well, there are plenty of nouveau riche landowners today."

Sha Zhu picked up the cardboard box containing the electric fan and walked toward the courtyard, saying as he went, "I'm definitely not the only one—"

"Wu Ge, why are you only just back?"

Shen Shen Guodong emerged from the courtyard looking slick and polished, his hair neatly combed and a small red flower pinned to his chest.

"Sister-in-law and the others have all arrived; I thought you'd be here too."

"You certainly look the part of a groom!"

Li Li Xuewu smiled, patted his arm in praise, and then explained, "I had some business at the Third Guard Regiment that delayed me."

Upon arriving at the Third Guard Regiment, he had arranged for Han Han Jiankun to go home and fetch Gu Ning and the others to come here for the banquet, while he himself went to attend a meeting.

By the time Han Han Jiankun went to fetch him and brought him back, it was already past seven in the evening.

Borrowing the light from overhead, he carefully examined his good brother, nodded with satisfaction, and said, "Starting a family and establishing a career brings comfort to our ancestors."

Hearing this, Shen Shen Guodong nodded, his heart filled with many emotions.

He had been a child without father or mother since childhood, raised solely by his grandmother.

For an old lady to raise a grandson, one must say she endured countless hardships and suffered immense bitterness.

Just as they were about to enjoy good days, the old lady lacked the fortune, passing away just like that.

Today is his great day; the old saying goes that starting a family and establishing a career are the two goals, and today he has perfectly fulfilled both.

It is just that there are no more relatives left with whom to share this joy.

"Alright, I spoke out of turn; this is a happy occasion."

Li Li Xuewu smiled, patted his brother whose eyes were filled with hot tears, and said, "Knowing you are living well and thriving brings joy to the elders too."

"Mm, I am happy."

Shen Shen Guodong wiped away a tear and broke into a grin, though it looked a bit ugly.

Those watching the spectacle at the gate all looked over and began teasing him.

Sha Zhu returned after making a delivery trip, saw him still standing there, and urged, "Hurry up, get into the courtyard; what, are you being shy?"

He waved his hands with a chuckle and said, "You all go into the courtyard first; no need to help me move."

"Who said anything about helping you?"

Li Li Xuewu looked at him amusedly and said, "At a time like this, don't say one tricycle's worth, even ten tricycles' worth wouldn't tire anyone out, right?"

"Then you see—"

Sha Zhu held his head high, lifted a large crate, and said, "This strength is exactly what I want; no one is to help me."

"You've really made a name for yourself!"

Shen Shen Guodong smiled, gave a thumbs-up gesture, and praised, "Buying everything at once, you're still the top dog in our courtyard."

"This doesn't count for much—"

Although Sha Zhu spoke modestly, the pride on his face was impossible to hide.

While he wouldn't dare claim to be the first in the courtyard to fully equip his home with appliances, he was close, especially with Li Li Xuewu living here.

The neighbors from Yan Yan Jiefang came to watch the spectacle because on the tricycle there was not only an electric fan and a radio, but also a refrigerator and a washing machine.

"A grand gesture; Sha Zhu is really showing off today!"

As soon as they entered the courtyard, before even passing through the floral gate, they heard Yan Yan Fugui's voice, sour with envy, saying, "How much money must this have cost?"

"No matter how much it cost, it's none of your calculation."

Sha Zhu came out from inside the courtyard and said jokingly, "You'd better calculate what your family is missing and discuss with Comrade Ge Ge Shuqin about buying them."

"What is there for me to discuss with her—"

Yan Yan Fugui clasped his hands behind his back, tilted his small neck up, shook his head, and said, "Besides, our family isn't missing anything, unlike you."

Sha Zhu's previous remark was clearly meant to mock him.

The reason he wouldn't let anyone help was that Sha Zhu wanted to build up this momentum.

Those who used to criticize him and look down on him should see whose life in this courtyard is better than his.

He also wanted the neighbors to see; those who looked down on him before and weren't willing to marry their daughters to him can just wait to regret it.

As for Yan Yan Fugui, he was also acting out of spite.

He was very envious that Sha Zhu had the financial means to purchase these items, and at the same time envious that Sha Zhu was an employee of the Red Star Factory, qualified to buy these electrical appliances.

Today, the employees of the Red Star Factory truly gained some perspective; someone who previously didn't look like much suddenly produced a whole tricycle load!

Refrigerators, washing machines, electric fans, electric irons, televisions, radios, and other electrical products were available in unlimited supply; however much you wanted, there was that much available.

This happened only once before the New Year, lasting just two days; anyone who wanted to buy had to rush within this timeframe, for once you miss this opportunity, it's gone forever.

For those who didn't need electrical appliances, there were also kitchen utensils, Daily Necessities, non-staple foods, and so on.

During these two days of the solar new year, Red Star Factory had specifically relaxed labor discipline controls, giving workers more time to purchase internal goods.

What is this called? Export turned domestic sales.

"Hmph, what's there to be proud of—"

Watching Seeing Sha Zhu carry a refrigerator into the courtyard, Yan Yan Fugui curled the corner of his mouth and muttered, "It's just for storing leftovers."

Yan Yan Jiefang, coming out of the room, heard this, frowned, wanted to say something but stopped himself.

Seeing Li Li Xuewu and Shen Shen Guodong walking toward the Li residence, he actively went up to meet them.

"Li Ge—"

He called out, and seeing Li Li Xuewu turn around, he politely said, "I'd like to consult you about something."

"Just say it, why so polite."

Li Li Xuewu sized him up, saw him walking over with a slight limp, nodded and asked, "What's up, are you looking to buy appliances too?"

"No, our family doesn't need those."

Yan Yan Jiefang smiled, then asked seriously, "I wanted to ask you, does our factory sell that three-wheeled motorcycle to individuals?"

"Oh, you want to buy one?"

Li Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and replied, "As long as it's a product from our factory's tertiary industry production, there are no sales restrictions."

"But what do you want to buy a three-wheeled motorcycle for?"

As if he had guessed Yan Yan Jiefang's intention, he reminded him, "There's no restriction on individuals buying, but using it for business operations is another matter."

"What do you want that thing for!"

Before Yan Yan Jiefang could continue, Yan Yan Fugui, having overheard, walked over and blurted out with a clang.

Frowning, he snapped sarcastically, "You've saved some money and don't know what to do with it; you even want to ride a motorcycle, what use is buying that thing!"

"Using a motorcycle to collect scrap! Are you burning with arrogance—"

"Mm, oh, I was just asking."

Yan Yan Jiefang smiled awkwardly; interrupted by his father, his face was filled with stiff impatience.

Ignoring his father's words entirely, seeing Li Li Xuewu looking at him, he explained, "That day when I went to pick up Ge Ge Shuqin, I saw that model of light Red Bull motorcycle."

"The one with a load capacity of 500 kilograms, without a canopy, right."

Li Li Xuewu casually recited the basic specifications of that light three-wheeled motorcycle model Yan Yan Jiefang had taken a fancy to.

"It costs twelve hundred; do you have the money?"

He paid no heed to Yan Yan Jiefang's self-esteem, stating bluntly, "If you want to buy it, just take your money to the shop and look."

"Buy what buy, where would he get the money!"

Seeing no one paying him attention, Yan Yan Fugui forcibly interjected, "He takes a fancy to everything; others are buying refrigerators, and you've taken a fancy to one too—"

Shen Shen Guodong could clearly see that Yan Yan Jiefang was about to lose his temper; the smile on his face had vanished, and this was still in front of Wu Ge.

On his own great joyful day, he couldn't let this family ruin it.

"So, once you're done packing, just head to the outer courtyard."

He waved his hand at Yan Yan Jiefang, saying, "I'll go back inside with Wu Ge for a moment, then we'll head over immediately to start the banquet."

Yan Yan Jiefang was a neighbor in the courtyard compound and worked at the recycling station; how could they not invite him when holding an event?

Even though this wedding was kept simple, they couldn't leave out someone they saw every day.

However, whether intentionally or not, he did not invite the Third Master.

Once Yan Yan Jiefang understood his hint, he followed Wu Ge into the room.

"You have money to burn, is that it?"

Seeing the two leave, Yan Yan Fugui, in a bad mood, jabbed his son with his elbow and cursed in a low voice, "What do you want to buy a vehicle for!"

"None of your business—"

Reminded by Shen Shen Guodong, Yan Yan Jiefang also knew to restrain himself.

Regarding this father of his, he had ten thousand complaints, but bottled up in his heart, he could never speak them out.

There was simply no opportunity to speak, and his father never gave him that chance.

It was always Laozi, always lecturing; even though they had separated households now, he still didn't treat him like an adult.

Scolding and lecturing right in front of outsiders; that he could restrain himself until now showed Yan Yan Jiefang was mindful of his dignity.

It wasn't just about filial piety; Ge Ge Shuqin had also told him not to create conflicts with the family, and absolutely not to argue.

If they couldn't live together, then they should each live their own lives and gather together less.

If it really came to blows or arguments, no matter the reason, the son would always be in the wrong.

The neighbors knew his family situation, but no matter how wrong his father was, he was still his father.

So at this moment, Yan Yan Jiefang only suppressed his voice to reply with one sentence, not intending to say anything more.

But Yan Yan Fugui had been holding in his anger, suppressing his fire; seeing those neighbors working at Red Star Factory moving new things into their homes one by one, how could his heart feel good?

Shen Shen Guodong was holding a wedding event; although he said it was a small affair, accepting no gifts and inviting no outside guests, was he, as the Third Master of the courtyard, not on the invitation list?

Instead, his son received an invitation; tell me, wasn't he angry?

Just earlier, when Seeing Sha Zhu was moving things into his home, his face had been smiling, but in reality, the fire of jealousy was about to shoot up to the roof.

"What do you mean 'none of my business'! I am your father!"

Yan Yan Fugui pointed at his son and lectured, "If I hadn't managed you, could you have grown this big? If I hadn't managed you, you would have starved to death outside long ago."

"That's right; if you had 'managed' me, I nearly would have starved to death out there."

Unable to hold back any longer, Yan Yan Jiefang snapped back at his father, then left the floral-gate doorway without looking back, heading toward the row of southern rooms.

Yan Yan Fugui stood rooted to the spot, seething with anger; he wanted to chase after and curse, but since they were holding an event, what would it mean if he went?

Cursing his son at their own doorstep was one thing, but chasing after him would change the meaning entirely.

He dared to take his anger out on his own son, but he wouldn't dare trouble Li Li Xuewu or Shen Shen Guodong.

In the past, one could say these people from the Bai Courtyard were a fallen family, scrap collectors; nowadays, who on the streets dares to say such words?

Leaving aside how many small collectives Shen Shen Guodong established with the neighborhood committee's support, and how many households depend on him for their rice bowl, just consider his current status.

Hey, just thinking about Yan Yan Fugui makes me angry!

Tell me, he is a people's teacher, yet he ranks lower than a scrap collector?

Why didn't the neighborhood committee think to absorb him?

In terms of educational level and years of service, where is he not superior to that young fellow Shen Shen Guodong?

"Nepotism, hmph—"

Upon returning home, he sat down at the eight-immortal table in a huff, not even glancing at the meal upon it.

Hou Hou Qinghua emerged from the inner room, glanced at him, and said, "I told you not to make yourself disliked; even if he is your biological son, he will still annoy you just the same."

"He used to be a biological son; now he has a wife and has forgotten his mother—"

"Go on, go on, what are you talking about—"

Yan Yan Fugui truly held grievances against his son, but he held not a single grievance against his daughter-in-law.

Look at how Yan Jieli ignores him, his words striking straight at his lungs, yet Ge Ge Shuqin is not like that.

He had also heard that Ge Ge Shuqin restrained Yan Jieli from arguing with him, and inwardly he sighed that this daughter-in-law was indeed sensible.

Especially regarding that affair during last year's Spring Festival, he knew clearly that his family had wronged Ge Ge Shuqin.

Scheming against his daughter-in-law had long become his disgrace; who behind his back did not criticize him for it?

He planned to transfer the deceased eldest son's job to the second son, yet the eldest daughter-in-law, protected by the factory, took over the position one step earlier.

Then the second son, at this very moment, became blinded by greed and wanted to marry his sister-in-law.

Tell me, wasn't that a spectacle? Everyone said his family was too calculating, failing one scheme only to hatch another, determined not to let that job slip away.

But in reality?

He knew the situation in his heart: Yan Jieli made a life-or-death scene with the family, demanding to move out and find his own path.

Under such circumstances, if Ge Ge Shuqin had truly let her second brother-in-law leave, she would have been unable to remain in this home, in this courtyard.

A widow who had just lost her husband, raising a child born with deficiencies, where could she possibly go to live?

Therefore, when Ge Ge Shuqin saw that the Yan family made no move to chase him out, she knew they were forcing her to make a choice.

To put it bluntly, wasn't this precisely the kind of thing done by Teacher Yan, who excelled at scheming? She had no fate but to accept it.

By taking in Yan Jieli, whom his family had driven out, she fulfilled the Yan family's desire to preserve that job.

Whether Yan Jieli knew of the filth and ugliness within this, Ge Ge Shuqin did not know, but she had long resigned herself to her fate; what else could she say?

However, apart from the unpleasantness of an elder sister-in-law marrying a younger brother-in-law, in reality, Yan Jieli's kindness toward her truly surprised her.

After seeing hope in life, her attitude toward her father-in-law also changed.

Though life was not wealthy, whenever the couple prepared something delicious, they would still offer a portion to their parents-in-law; whether much or little, it was the sentiment that counted.

Only within this courtyard did no one speak ill of Ge Ge Shuqin anymore, which also dispelled much of the resentment held by Yan Yan Fugui and Hou Hou Qinghua.

Of course, a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are forever natural enemies.

Yan Yan Fugui felt his son was a scoundrel and unfilial, while Hou Hou Qinghua did not believe the son was at fault, only that he had been led astray by his wife.

Thus, the two of them often bickered over this matter, and Hou Hou Qinghua was especially furious that Yan Yan Fugui favored the daughter-in-law.

Yan Yan Fugui drooped his eyelids and said with heavy resentment, "Unwilling to be governed, hmph, sooner or later he will suffer for it."

"Just you wait, still trying to mix with those people!"

Resting his elbow on the table, he grew angrier as he spoke, pointing toward the outer courtyard and saying, "Just tell me, is that any good thing?"

"If it weren't for Li Li Xuewu and that bunch propping him up, do you think a scrap collector would ever have any face in the neighborhood?"

"What good does saying this do?"

Hou Hou Qinghua carried the rice basin into the room and said irritably, "All day long it's just this; if you're unconvinced, go to the neighborhood committee and demand some face for yourself."

"Is that what I mean?"

Yan Yan Fugui naturally knew he lacked such face, but that did not prevent him from sitting at home and throwing a tantrum.

He slapped the table and complained, "I am talking about Jieli; they treat him like a mule, yet he is still smug about it!"

"What are you noisy about in there?"

Liu Liu Guangfu came out from the rear courtyard, glanced at the Yan household, and couldn't help but mutter a remark.

Coincidentally, Li Li Xuewu and Shen Shen Guodong emerged from the Li family room, accompanied by Chen Chen Xiaoyan's mother, Li Shun, and others.

Just now, Shen Shen Guodong had returned home with Li Li Xuewu to invite Li Li Xuewu, acting as a family elder, to co-officiate their wedding alongside Chen Chen Xiaoyan's mother.

To speak vaguely, it could be understood as bowing to heaven and earth.

In reality, during this year and this period, where would anyone arrange the relevant procedures for bowing to heaven and earth?

It was simply both parties sitting together to express blessings to the newlyweds and offer corresponding exhortations.

Marrying in the evening was done this way in ancient times.

Shen Shen Guodong had also consulted Li Shun, who had returned for the New Year, and asked several knowledgeable people, confirming it violated no taboos.

Li Li Xuewu paid no heed to how his brother handled the wedding, caring only for the wishes of Shen Shen Guodong and Chen Chen Xiaoyan.

He provided whatever scene was needed, but after a year of tempering, Shen Shen Guodong had matured considerably and become much more steady.

The wedding proceedings were very simple, with the banquet held right here in the large courtyard.

First, a brief ceremony took place at the Li home, marrying before the witness of relatives and pledging lifelong commitment to each other, after which the banquet commenced to entertain the guests.

Once the evening banquet concluded, the couple escorted Chen Chen Xiaoyan's mother home, marking the completion of the affair.

Li Li Xuewu supported his brother but had no intention of serving as the master of ceremonies.

He intended to invite his father, Li Shun, and his mother, Liu Yin, to officiate this wedding in the capacity of Shen Shen Guodong's godfather and godmother.

But Shen Shen Guodong thought it over, asked Li Shun's opinion, and insisted on inviting him to serve as the master of ceremonies.

That is why he said to return early today, to show support for his brother at this event.

While the Li family was bustling with activity, Lao Lao Biaozi, Yang Yang Erhai, and others each offered their congratulations, while Li Li Xuewu, together with Chen Xiaoyan's mother, gave the couple both admonitions and blessings.

Shen Shen Guodong, along with Chen Xiaoyan, bowed to his mother and also bowed to Li Li Xuewu.

Li Li Xuewu knew what his good brother was thinking, but having no intention of claiming credit, he shifted half his body aside to avoid the bow.

Shen Shen Guodong believed that his current situation was entirely due to Li Li Xuewu's care and guidance, so his heart was filled with gratitude.

Lao Lao Biaozi and Yang Yang Erhai present at the scene shared the same sentiment; among the many people at the recycling station, who did not agree with this point?

Without Li Li Xuewu, where would today's good life come from, or the opportunity to hold one's head high?

In these times, junior high graduates were everywhere, while the range of jobs available to high school graduates was scarce.

Given this contrast, could they not be grateful for such an opportunity?

However, Li Li Xuewu did not need this gratitude of theirs; if they truly wished to maintain this brotherly friendship, they could not interact from the perspective of elders and juniors.

This year, gradually relaxing restrictions on Lao Lao Biaozi and others, allowing them to make mistakes and grow, served precisely this purpose and logic.

Especially for those who had married, whether Wen San or Lao Lao Biaozi, having established families and careers as adults, did they still need his admonitions?

"Why didn't your father come?"

Shen Shen Guodong smiled and greeted Liu Liu Guangfu, saying, "I even called him when I got off work tonight."

"He has already eaten and is listening to the radio now."

Liu Liu Guangfu explained briefly, then clasped his hands and said, "Congratulations, Brother Shen, on your great joy today."

"My father said that since I will now head the household, matters like this are for me to handle."

Seeing Shen Shen Guodong wave back at him, he smiled and offered this explanation.

Li Li Xuewu looked at the two with amusement and said, "Fine, you are all heading households now; didn't Second Uncle say he was getting old?"

"Hehe—" Liu Liu Guangfu chuckled lightly, nodded, and said, "He spoke quite a bit to me, sighing with emotion at home."

"He is proud of you, isn't he—"

Li Li Xuewu introduced him to Lao Lao Biaozi, saying, "He works with Shen Guodong at the Sewing Society."

"Mm, I heard about it. Do you smoke?"

Lao Lao Biaozi smiled, nodded, sized him up, took out a cigarette, and offered one to him.

Liu Liu Guangfu, knowing how to speak properly, accepted it with both hands and replied, "I smoke little, but I must accept this cigarette; it is a wedding cigarette."

"Hehe, that is true—"

Lao Lao Biaozi grinned and nodded, saying, "He still looks like the same person, but he has matured considerably; he is an adult now."

"This is what they call 'a scholar separated for three days deserves to be looked at with new eyes'."

Shen Shen Guodong patted Lao Lao Biaozi on the arm, and seeing the crowd moving toward the outer gate of the hanging-flower gate, he called out, "Let us go too."

"Is your second brother not coming home for the New Year this year?"

Li Li Xuewu did not smoke; even today, he did not break his rule.

Seeing Li Shu stumbling clumsily as she followed her grandmother forward, he scooped her up from behind and held her in his arms.

"I'll walk myself—I can walk—"

The little devil turned her head, saw it was her father, raised her hands, and twisted her small body left and right, wanting to get down and walk on her own.

"Hahaha—"

Ji Ji Yuxiu tapped her forehead and teased her, "How is it you can talk so much—"

"Didn't you hear that people can walk?"

Liu Yin smiled, nodded to Liu Liu Guangfu, and asked, "Why didn't your father come?"

"He is at home; he has already eaten."

Liu Liu Guangfu repeated his answer, then added to Li Li Xuewu, "It is difficult for my second brother to get leave; he plans to return after the New Year."

"There is still a month until the Lunar New Year."

Li Li Xuewu put his daughter down, watched her trot forward, then turned back and asked, "Has any good news been sent back?"

"Good news? No—"

Liu Liu Guangfu appeared more cheerful than when he was first released in May or June; perhaps the Sewing Society had helped him regain his confidence.

Also, now that he earned more and could support a family, one could see from his speech that he had matured significantly.

At this moment, he smiled and said, "My second brother even told the family that if anyone finds a suitable match for him, he will definitely look for a Miss from Jingcheng, saying that the girls from Gangcheng are too wild."

"He is being picky now—"

Li Li Xuewu teased him with amusement, and after passing through the hanging-flower gate, asked him, "What about you? When will you hold your wedding banquet?"

"I have heard that the older women at the Sewing Society are all hoping to become your mother-in-law."

"Hahaha—"

Laughing and joking, the group entered the outer courtyard and filed into the reverse-sitting rooms.

Fortunately, Shen Shen Guodong did not hold a large ceremony, and fortunately, the reverse-sitting rooms were spacious enough.

Three tables were set on the kang in the west room, three on the kang in the east room, and four on the floor, making a total of ten tables for the banquet.

You say not many people came? Once they arrived, it became crowded.

This was only counting acquaintances from the recycling station, without even including contacts from the sub-district or outside.

Just the Li family, such a large household, totaled fourteen people.

Sha Zhu's family of four, Lao Lao Biaozi's family of three, Fei Fei Shanying with her two children making three...

No need to calculate; figuring it out, over seventy people gathered together, the noise nearly lifting the roof off.

As soon as they entered the room, the First Uncle acting as steward called for everyone to get on the kang or take their seats at the tables.

The cold dishes were already laid out; as people entered the room, the hot dishes began to arrive, and Sha Zhu's shouts from the kitchen could be heard.

As the officiant, Li Li Xuewu, once everyone was seated, stood at the door of the east room with a wine cup in hand and spoke loud enough for both the east and west rooms to hear: "Today is Shen Guodong's great day; everyone, eat well and drink well—drink well and eat well—"

"Hahaha—"

"How is Steel City?"

Sha Zhu clinked his cup against Lao Lao Biaozi's and asked, "Is it much quieter than Jingcheng?"

"It's all the same," Lao Lao Biaozi took a sip of wine, curled the corner of his mouth, and said, "In some aspects, it's even worse than Jingcheng."

"After all, it is the capital of virtues—"

He set down his wine cup, looked at Sha Zhu, and asked, "What's this? Do you have thoughts of being posted away?"

"Heh—nonsense—"

Amused by his teasing, Sha Zhu picked up his chopsticks, grabbed some food, and replied with his mouth full, "Have you ever heard of a chef being posted away?"

"That's not certain—"

Lao Lao Biaozi was just joking around; blinking his eyes, he said, "My Brother Zhu is a man of great talent; he's certainly qualified to be posted as a Management Office Director."

"Yeah, just mock me."

Sha Zhu glanced at him and said, "I don't even know how to properly serve as a squad leader yet."

"Oh! So you're really a squad leader now!"

Lao Lao Biaozi was doing it on purpose; Sha Zhu's position as squad leader wasn't that of a cadre, yet he playfully teased, "Does this mean you're embarking on an official career?"

"Go on, go on—"

Sha Zhu pushed him, laughing and scolding, "You've been away for over half a year, and you haven't learned a single good thing!"

"Hahaha—"

Watching the two roughnecks together, everyone found whatever they said amusing.

When Shen Shen Guodong and Chen Chen Xiaoyan came over with wine cups to offer a toast, the two of them teased Shen Shen Guodong all over again.

They were all good brothers; on an occasion like today, no amount of merriment was excessive.

Li Li Xuewu watched with a smile, letting them carry on with their antics.

This table was filled with young people; Hearing Da Lao, Second Uncle, and others were at another table, where Father Li Shun and others were also seated.

Unusually, since they lived in the courtyard, Liu Liu Guangfu and Yan Yan Jiefang were also at this table.

Just as Sha Zhu was pressing Shen Shen Guodong to share a cross-armed wedding cup with him, Li Li Xuewu nudged Yan Yan Jiefang.

"Earlier tonight, when you asked about the three-wheeled motorcycle, did you have some idea in mind?"

"Uh, that..."

Yan Yan Jiefang hadn't expected Li Li Xuewu to bring this up proactively; for a moment, he was caught off guard and spoke vaguely.

Li Li Xuewu merely smiled and said, "It's fine; at the drinking table, say whatever's on your mind."

"Yes, I didn't..." He hesitated, then said awkwardly, "I was just inquiring whether it's possible to buy one."

"Buy what? A three-wheeled motorcycle?"

Liu Liu Guangfu overheard and asked curiously, "The cargo motorcycle produced by Red Star Factory?"

"Yeah, I'm still pondering it."

Yan Yan Jiefang was quite familiar with him; the two often played together, and despite everything that had happened, they hadn't grown distant.

Li Li Xuewu didn't press him to speak further; instead, he raised his wine cup and clinked it with theirs.

Everyone in the courtyard basically knew that he could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk.

Yan Yan Jiefang and Liu Liu Guangfu dared not drink heavily with him; holding their cups with both hands, they took only a small sip.

After setting down his cup, Yan Yan Jiefang explained to Li Li Xuewu in a vague voice, "I noticed that the freight station the factory established with the railway station has a large volume of business; the work seems very busy."

"Oh? So that's what you're pondering?"

Li Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows, surprised that he had such insight.

"It's just random pondering, wild speculation."

Yan Yan Jiefang awkwardly lowered his head, daring not to meet Li Li Xuewu's eyes, very afraid of being scolded.

How could Li Li Xuewu possibly scold him? On the contrary, he nodded in approval of his thinking.

"Isn't everything figured out through pondering?"

He put down his chopsticks, looked at the two of them, and said, "Back when Shen Shen Guodong and the others wanted to set up the recycling station, wasn't that also just random pondering?"

Yan Yan Jiefang and Liu Liu Guangfu knew very well that the success of the recycling station was absolutely not due to Shen Shen Guodong and the others' efforts.

However, the unified story from the recycling station was exactly that; they heard it with their ears and registered it in their hearts.

Especially Yan Yan Jiefang, who at this moment couldn't help but recall the reminder Li Li Xuewu had given him earlier that evening.

The motorcycle could be bought, but operating it was another matter entirely.

He was also clear that while there were many three-wheeled motorcycles in Four-Nine City, absolutely none were operated by individuals; handcart operations were possible, though.

"The other day, Ge Shuqin called me to the freight station, saying there were some packaging cardboard boxes for me to collect."

Yan Yan Jiefang scratched his head, making no attempt to hide this connection or opportunism in front of Li Li Xuewu.

Although Comrade Ge Ge Shuqin worked in the Security Department office, she had never concealed her family's hardships.

Not only that, but she openly acknowledged her relationship with Yan Yan Jiefang, especially Yan Yan Jiefang's crippled leg.

Such behavior did not spark much discussion within the office.

Busybodies might envy and resent those more capable than themselves, but few would trample on those less fortunate; doing so would make one a villain.

Comrade Ge Ge Shuqin frankly spoke of the young couple's hardships, thereby earning her colleagues' understanding.

The care shown toward Comrade Ge Ge Shuqin was not overly explicit, but rather manifested frequently in such small matters.

In such a large factory with so many administrative departments, whenever there was waste to be recycled, a single word of instruction was enough to ensure Yan Yan Jiefang had an easy time of it.

Who would ever envy or be jealous of a disabled person?

"I saw someone using a handcart to load goods."

Yan Yan Jiefang looked at Li Li Xuewu and asked tentatively, "Are those people from the freight station or the transport team?"

"They should be from the transport team."

Li Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and said, "I'm not in charge of that kind of business, so I'm not very clear."

"Asking him this, of course he wouldn't know."

Seeing Sha Zhu ate a mouthful of peanuts and explained to Yan Yan Jiefang, "You'd have to ask the Dispatch Section or the freight station side for that."

"It's like using a cannon to swat a mosquito, that's what this is."

He raised his eyebrows and said, "If you asked him how many sites the freight station plans to layout this year, how much transport capacity to match, or who to assign as the person in charge, he might actually know."

"Heh heh heh—"

Everyone at the wine table shared a knowing smile, all realizing that Li Li Xuewu's rank truly meant he wouldn't concern himself with such trivial matters.

Li Li Xuewu didn't mind the question, picked up his chopsticks, ate a couple of bites of food, and said, "That's a pretty good idea."

"I learned it from Brother Shen."

Yan Yan Jiefang smiled awkwardly along with everyone else, realizing he had made a huge blunder.

He recalled that even asking Li Li Xuewu about the motorcycle tonight had been inappropriate; how would factory leaders care about whether buying a motorcycle was suitable or not?

"Since the sub-district office can contact households with handcarts to form a transport team, I was thinking, if I had a three-wheeled motorcycle, could I take on jobs?"

"Mm, you'll definitely make money."

Liu Liu Guangfu thought seriously for a moment and chimed in, "It's just that three-wheelers are a bit expensive, costing over a thousand, right?"

"Light-duty ones are twelve hundred, heavy-duty ones are fifteen hundred."

It was obvious Yan Yan Jiefang had truly put thought into this; as soon as Liu Liu Guangfu asked, he stated the specific prices.

"If you want to give it a try, you can discuss it with Shen Guodong."

While eating, Li Li Xuewu gestured toward Shen Shen Guodong at another table who was offering toasts, instructing, "With him stepping forward, or even directly affiliating with the sub-district's transport team, both are viable options."

"That would trouble Brother Shen too much," Yan Yan Jiefang said, lowering his head in embarrassment, "I haven't even scraped together enough money yet."

"Heh heh—"

Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi and Seeing Sha Zhu's eyes spun rapidly as they sized up the two young men at the table without speaking.

They could clearly hear that Li Li Xuewu intended to give the two a chance; whether one was a mule or a horse, they had to be brought out and walked to find out.

If they could do it, then they'd be used; if not, then they wouldn't be.

"Didn't I tell you already?" Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi lifted his wine cup, called for a toast, drank the wine, set down the cup, and said, "Don't rush to worry about the money; you need to first figure out the tricks of the trade for this line of work."

"Because this isn't a matter of money."

He knew there were some things Li Li Xuewu couldn't state too explicitly, so he took the initiative to spell it out.

"If you have no grasp of operations, you still want to hit the road?"

Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi raised an eyebrow and said, "Even if you could hit the road, do you think just anyone can haul cargo from the freight station?"

"Cough cough—"

Under the table, Liu Liu Guangfu nudged Yan Yan Jiefang and whispered a reminder, "Just find Brother Shen Guodong; he'll definitely be able to help you."

At this moment, Yan Yan Jiefang also realized it: he was short on money to buy a vehicle, but Shen Shen Guodong was not short on money.

As for operational qualifications and procedures, he didn't have them, but Shen Shen Guodong, who had influence in the sub-district and managed a small collective, certainly had ways.

Finally, regarding the freight station, hadn't Shen Shen Guodong gone there to walk around twice a day in the past? Even now that he had handed over the transport work, he still frequently went there to handle business.

In distribution business, dealing with the freight station was most common; with Li Li Xuewu's face, a word from Shen Shen Guodong would carry immense weight.

If he wanted to get a three-wheeler to do transport, finding Shen Shen Guodong was far more suitable than finding Li Li Xuewu.

Li Li Xuewu couldn't possibly speak for him at the freight station; what would that become? The freight station side would surely grow suspicious.

Sometimes, the higher one's rank, the harder it is to handle small matters.

Having received Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi's guidance, he now understood the situation.

At this moment, he lifted his wine cup, proactively toasted Li Li Xuewu, and then toasted Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi.

Liu Liu Guangfu watched him find a way out but felt no excessive envy.

Chicks don't pee; everyone has their own way.

Transport is such strenuous work; even if it made more money, he couldn't do it.

Moreover, the biggest taboo in doing such things is following the herd and being a copycat.

Li Li Xuewu could offer pointers to Yan Yan Jiefang, but that didn't mean he was simultaneously bringing him along too.

For a person, the precious thing is knowing one's own limitations.

"I haven't even had a drink with you yet."

As Zuo Yan Jie supported Luo Yun walking out, when they reached Li Li Xuewu's side, Luo Yun, who was a bit tipsy, began acting spoiled.

The two had been learning how to handle affairs from Shen Shen Guodong, so naturally, they had to attend an occasion like this today.

This was also their first time relatively formally contacting people from this circle.

Although they didn't know many people, they had met them in business contexts before; today counted as an opportunity to become mutually acquainted.

"This big drunkard—"

Shen Shen Guodong smiled and flicked Luo Yun on the forehead, causing her to cry out "Ouch!" in pain.

Zuo Yan Jie smiled bitterly and said to Li Li Xuewu, "I told her not to drink, but she gets wild when people are around."

"Wake up and see who this is!"

He shook Luo Yun's arm and said, "Who do you want to drink with?"

"Send her to the car; don't let her catch a chill."

Li Li Xuewu stood in Bai Bai Xiyuan, accompanying Shen Shen Guodong in seeing off the guests; regarding those who had drunk too much, he paid no heed to their drunken ramblings.

Just now, when Seeing Sha Zhu was being helped back by the young lads, he nearly took a tumble upon spotting him.

He had drunk too much; indeed, he had drunk far too much.

Every time Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi returned, Seeing Sha Zhu would inevitably get drunk; the two were a perfect match, cut from the same cloth.

Even Dilina and He Yu Shui could do nothing with them; fortunately, Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi returned only twice a year.

It was quite amusing: when Seeing Sha Zhu got drunk, he would ramble and act the fool, whereas when Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi got drunk, he merely became slow-witted.

At this moment, having just emerged from the courtyard and seeing Li Li Xuewu and Shen Shen Guodong here, he was still thinking of helping to see off the guests.

"Enough, go back now, and be careful on the road."

With some of the recycling station's lads driving GAZ-69s, plus Li Li Xuewu's two vehicles, and several more from the club, they finally managed to arrange transport for everyone.

Li Li Xuewu turned around and, seeing his big-chested brother standing behind him like a wooden post, chuckled and reached up to pat his chubby face.

"Hey, fallen asleep? Standing guard for me?"

"No, I haven't drunk too much—"

Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi shook his head vigorously, uttering this non sequitur.

Li Li Xuewu chuckled, called out to Mai Mai Qinglan, helped him into the car, and instructed someone to drive them home.

"Then, Second Brother, we'll be off now."

Mai Mai Qinglan nudged Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi a couple of times in the rear, which finally calmed him down and stopped him from talking about getting out of the car.

"Go back and wash his face."

Li Li Xuewu rubbed the grease from his hands and said with a chuckle, "Use plenty of soap."

"What was said the other day?"

Watching the car depart, Shen Shen Guodong smiled and said, "Wasn't it agreed that the cabbage would be rooted up by the pig?"

"Don't mention it," Li Li Xuewu said with a laugh. "He nearly didn't make it home; who knows what rules Mai Mai Qinglan will impose on him."

"Someone certainly needs to discipline him!"

Shen Shen Guodong twitched the corner of his mouth and said, "With his temper, if he isn't kept on a leash, wouldn't he bite whoever he meets?"

"What about you? Do you need leashing too?"

Li Li Xuewu chuckled, slung an arm over his shoulder, and beckoned to Chen Chen Xiaoyan, who had just come out of the courtyard, saying, "Alright, that's enough for today; we won't escort you back to your bridal chamber."

"I wish my good brother and good sister a lifetime of harmony and united hearts—"

"A single moment of spring night is worth a thousand gold."

Yang Yang Erhai clapped his hands with a laugh and said, "This matter must not be delayed under any circumstances; hurry up, let's go, let's go!"

"Hahaha—"

Li Li Xuewu laughed and pulled aside the troublemaker Bang Geng, saying, "We won't be arranging for the children to go eavesdrop at the wall today."

"What's so interesting to hear at the wall?"

Bang Geng tilted his neck and said, "Isn't it just about whether you take off your clothes first or I take mine off..."

"Bang Geng! No nonsense!"