Chapter 568: Entering the City

Li Xuewu's greeting was very sincere.

Director Guo thought Li Xuewu was being polite and smiled as he introduced Li Xuewu's identity to Wang Jinsheng.

Wang Jinsheng also brought his apprentices today, and he was indeed no stranger to this mansion.

The Ding family that lived here before was a famous figure in the underworld of the Four Nine Cities.

But now no one says that anymore; the underworld is already gone.

He came here today to visit under the arrangement of the school organization, having heard that a club was going to be established here.

A club with the purpose of strengthening attack training, whose members were all cadres at the deputy division level or above in powerful departments.

This made the school side have to attach importance to it, so from the moment he entered the door, he was also politely responding to the reception staff.

But seeing the young man introduced by Director Guo, Wang Jinsheng couldn't help but look him over.

Not only because of Li Xuewu's address, but also because of Li Xuewu's bearing.

"Your physical fitness is rare."

"It was all given by the army."

Li Xuewu explained with a smile, then took the initiative to shake hands with Teacher Wang, saying: "I learned Bajiquan for a few days from an instructor in the army. Seeing a predecessor today, I must call you Teacher."

"Oh, is that so?"

Not only was Wang Jinsheng surprised, but Director Guo, who was standing on the side, also asked in surprise: "Director Li still has kung fu on him?"

Wang Xiaoqin and the others knew Li Xuewu's ability. At this time, the students and teachers of the sports school were all looking here, and their eyes were all on Li Xuewu.

"I wouldn't dare say that."

Li Xuewu said modestly: "I was lucky enough to learn a few moves from the instructor, and I really benefited a lot."

"Rare, rare."

Wang Jinsheng looked at Li Xuewu, who was young, high-ranking, but restrained in his sharpness, and couldn't help but sigh that it was rare.

Someone like Li Xuewu, even if they had a background or connections, couldn't reach this level.

Who would dare to put a young person from their own family so high? Without ability, that would be roasting on a fire.

At this time, no one suggested that Li Xuewu show a few moves, or that anyone who was unconvinced by Li Xuewu would come out to challenge him.

Everyone present had brains; seeing that Li Xuewu was the core of this club and had this status, who would dare to move against him?

Losing would be embarrassing, and winning might lose...

Li Xuewu exchanged pleasantries with the group of visitors and led them to the prepared West Courtyard.

This mansion was very large, and the courtyard was not small, but it hadn't reached the point of recruiting a large number of workers.

Li Xuewu's proposal to recruit coaches and staff was also the best of the best, not just anyone who came down.

Seeing that the wind was about to blow, the fate of these people might change. Li Xuewu wanted to take advantage of the opportunity while there was still time to collect those who were capable.

Even if there were many coaches in the early stage and few students, Li Xuewu was willing to support them. This was the foundation of this sports club in the future.

In fact, he was more willing to have teachers from the sports school, but these people had proper identities and couldn't be asked for now.

But don't worry, hehe~

"I am no stranger to this mansion."

Wang Jinsheng followed Director Guo, listening to Li Xuewu introduce the layout here.

When Li Xuewu finished speaking, he took the conversation and said a sentence, then thought for a while and said: "It must have been ten years, ten years ago."

"That must be the Ding family."

Li Xuewu didn't avoid this question and replied very cleverly: "I've heard some things about Old Master Ding, but I haven't met him. I am acquainted with Comrade Ding Wanqiu, so we are considered friends."

"So that's it."

Wang Jinsheng nodded. Hearing Li Xuewu's answer, his doubts were resolved.

A group of people stood in the courtyard, watching the teachers and students go to visit the indoor situation, and those who were interested in seeing other places were led by Zhou Changli and the others to the back.

However, many places were currently under renovation, and after the Ding family declined, this courtyard was also dilapidated.

So these young people were just looking at the novelty, listening to the explanation of the reception staff, and could only imagine the future appearance of the club in their minds.

Hearing that there were not only various sports training venues, but also guest houses, teahouses, cinemas, and other facilities, the bait Li Xuewu sprinkled was successful.

"Director Li has extraordinary courage. This effort is truly rare."

"You are too polite. It is all the direction of the comrades' hearts."

Li Xuewu heard the school teachers being polite, and he was also polite in his mouth; he couldn't take all the credit for himself.

Leading a few people to the office area, after watching the tea, Li Xuewu introduced the members of the preparatory committee.

After a round of pleasantries, the specific report and communication began.

Led by Wang Xiaoqin and Zhou Zhengquan, they reported on the club's founding intention, purpose, significance, program, and the temporarily determined scope of activities and preparatory plan.

Why invite people from the Sports Commission, and why go to such lengths to lean the club toward sports?

Li Xuewu thought about it for a long time and discussed it with Wang Xiaoqin and the others many times.

Sports exercise might be affected to a certain extent in these few years, but the general direction was no problem.

Especially the goal of the sports club defined by Li Xuewu: exercise the body, defend the people.

To put it bluntly, these cadres from powerful departments gather together to exercise their bodies and train their skills, the purpose is to better serve the people.

This Deputy Director Guo of the Sports Commission also asked again and again, understood again and again, and then nodded.

Nothing else, Li Xuewu wanted to make the club a regular, semi-organizational nature.

Relying on the Sports Commission and the Bureau, using effort inward, and also using effort outward.

The negotiation meeting reached a consensus through the joint efforts of the three parties.

Led by Zhou Zhengquan, Director of the Preparatory Committee of the Beijing Dongfeng Sports Club, and Wang Xiaoqin, Deputy Director, the materials will be prepared, and they will formally go to the Sports Commission for filing tomorrow, which is Monday.

At the same time, the Sports Commission will provide explanatory materials, and then the Preparatory Committee will apply for filing to the Bureau.

After the filing of both sides is completed, they will apply for registration and business operation procedures for activities to relevant units in Dongcheng.

This actually does not conflict with the current policy. The subject of applying for business operation procedures is a collective unit filed by both parties.

Secondly, the purpose of business operation is to serve the club, and the operating income is collective economy, which will be used for collective activities carried out by the club.

At the same time, the club will also formally recruit workers to form a complete organizational group that meets current policies.

The employment problem here involves the sports school. The club needs professional sports coaches, so the sports school will have a direction to distribute graduates.

Under Li Xuewu's suggestion, the vice-principal who led the team from the school also agreed that the club could mark their school relationship on the application materials.

Li Xuewu is used to playing the triangular model, which is frighteningly stable.

Who can pick out the faults of the club?

Sports club, coaches are professional, members are also professional, its essence is pure.

The three parties unanimously recognized the club's recruitment and employment conditions, and also drew a perfect period for the arrival of these teachers and students today.

After sending away the visiting Sports Commission and sports school personnel, Li Xuewu and the others rushed to hold an internal club meeting.

Visiting is visiting, there is no such thing as hospitality. At this time, there is no talk of eating and drinking.

The key is that Li Xuewu wants to invite the other party to dinner but has no conditions. There is only a big stove for workers here.

Zhou Zhengquan is the director of the preparatory committee, but he knows that Li Xuewu is the "speaker" of this club.

Including Wang Xiaoqin and others, they all respect Li Xuewu's opinions. This internal meeting is basically the last office meeting before the club's filing is successful.

The discussion in the conference room was intense and fast. All the problems raised were solved as quickly as possible.

Sister Lou sat in the corner of the conference room taking meeting minutes, watching Li Xuewu make a final decision at the critical moment of problem discussion, the decisive and steady appearance made Sister Lou's eyes want to become heart-shaped.

Li Xuewu felt that there was no need to tangle with specific business problems. Professional things should be done by professional people. They couldn't be working people who came here to sit in the office, right?

The meeting lasted for more than an hour, and all the things that could be thought of before the club was established were decided one after another.

The name of the club was formally determined as Beijing Dongfeng Sports Club according to the plan submitted by Li Xuewu.

And Li Xuewu also named this mansion Dongfeng No. 1 Mansion.

The club implements a membership system. All members should have the obligations and responsibilities of patriotism, love for the Party, dedication to their posts, paying membership fees, actively participating in activities organized by the club, helping each other, and learning and progressing together.

The inclusion criteria for members should be mainly personnel with organizational background and formal work relationships. Currently, it should be mainly personnel from powerful departments, and applications from social personnel are not accepted.

While assuming obligations, members can enjoy all the resources possessed by the club.

Including training, guidance, cultural learning, artistic leisure, etc.

The club establishes a management team, including financial management, personnel management, business management, service management, training management, etc., and all personnel will be recruited during the preparatory period.

The club's current operating funds are insufficient to support development and operation. Here, Li Xuewu comes forward to guarantee, and Sister Lou provides financial support. Once the club achieves profitability, repayment should be completed.

These people didn't expect that the woman Li Xuewu arranged earlier had this financial background. When Wang Xiaoqin read the club's founding decision, they all looked at Sister Lou in the corner of the table.

Wang Xiaoqin was not affected, still reading the document in her hand, formally reading the collective decision of the Preparatory Committee.

"All business activities of the club, including hotels, accommodation, art business, etc., are operated by the management team. After deducting costs from operating income, it will be converted into club operating funds."

"Club operating funds will be used for organizing activities, maintenance, equipment procurement, personnel employment, etc..."

"The club venue is provided by the Jiaodaokou Scrap Recycling Station, and housing facilities are supplied according to the lease agreement..."

"The club elects one secretary-general, Zhou Zhengquan, and one secretary, Wang Xiaoqin..."

Regarding the personnel of the club's council, everyone was still relatively satisfied, mainly because of Li Xuewu's humility. Even Zhou Zhengquan and others who had intentions to say something were polite.

Li Xuewu's humility was not only to shirk the club's management work, but also to recommend Comrade Lou Jue as the person in charge of the club's management team, and recommend Comrade Lou Xiaoe as the person in charge of the management team's financial management.

This suggestion was also agreed upon after everyone's discussion. From the moment the meeting ended, the club not only had a formal name, but also a formal council team and management team.

Lou Jue is Li Xuewu's cheap father-in-law. Anyway, he is idle now, so it is better to invite him to help.

It was said to help, that is, there is no salary. After all, this club is a small business, and the current organizational funds are borrowed, so there is no money to pay wages.

Look at Comrade Zhao Lao Si, learn from him, and carry forward this spirit of hard work and work style without wages.

Of course, everyone agreed to Li Xuewu's decision, which might be related to what Li Xuewu said about Lou's father not wanting wages.

Sister Lou sent everyone away, couldn't help but punch Li Xuewu, and said: "When did I agree to borrow money? When did my dad agree to come to your place to work!"

After speaking, she punched Li Xuewu again, bulging her cheeks and saying: "And no wages! Why are you so stingy!"

"Look, look, it's a misunderstanding!"

Li Xuewu explained with a smile: "I am giving you an internship opportunity, and arranging for Dad to come over to guide your internship, this is all for your own good."

Seeing Sister Lou bulging, Li Xuewu poked Sister Lou's face with his finger and said: "Besides, isn't the money in your hands? You can pay yourself, one hundred or five thousand, I all agree."

"Tsk tsk tsk~"

Sister Lou heard Li Xuewu say this, tsked and said: "It is indeed the council president, speaking is really tough, and one hundred or five thousand~~~"

"Hehe."

Li Xuewu pointed to his watch and said: "The auspicious time is coming, Sha Zhu's wedding shouldn't be late."

Sister Lou didn't intend to do anything to him, just a bit unconvinced that he "acted on his own."

But she also knew that if there was no meaning from her father, it was absolutely impossible.

Father had already contacted Li Xuewu several times, and was also talking about this club at home.

The purpose was nothing more than to let her apply what she learned through the club, and then learn social interaction and maintain relationships.

What Li Xuewu said was actually right. The management team was handed over to her father, and the money was all up to her.

But what's the point like this, there is no feeling of going to work at all!

Watching Li Xuewu's car leave, Sister Lou stood at the gate for a long time, and then saw Zhou Changli close the gate and come back and hide in the gatehouse, couldn't help but get angry: "Am I that scary!"

Zhou Changli turned his head and twitched the corners of his mouth, giving her a formulaic smile.

He wasn't afraid of this Sister Lou, he was afraid of seeing what he shouldn't see, hearing what he shouldn't hear, and thinking what he shouldn't think.

Last night Zhao Lao Si said mysteriously, he went home to ask his grandfather and his father, the first point of being a gatekeeper is to be deaf and dumb.

The gatekeeper is to watch the gate, not to let the things in the gate spread out, otherwise what is the gatekeeper for.

Although Zhou Changli didn't like the profession in Zhao Lao Si's imagination, he had to say that Zhao Lao Si's father and grandfather were right.

These days the mansion is very lively, people come in waves, constantly refreshing his understanding of the cadre image.

Zhou Changli never knew that there was someone to manage sports exercise. He was also practicing martial arts, and he was also exercising!

Why didn't anyone come to tell him how to live!

He never knew that people like him had regular troops.

Seeing those sports school students, he admitted that he was inferior.

Damn, why are they all practicing fists and feet, they have status, but I don't.

He now has a confused emotion about the profession of gatekeeping in Zhao Lao Si's mouth.

To put it simply, this is gatekeeping, watching the gate every day, cleaning up.

But change the direction, just now he heard that if those sports school students want to enter the club to work, they have to be screened, assessed, and interviewed.

And they have already received Sister Lou's promise, work hard, and you can keep working.

And Zhao Lao Si said just now, they are the troops from the dragon, the starting troops, the maids trained from childhood...

Hiss~~~

How can this have the meaning of taking thirty years less detours and directly becoming a gatekeeper!

"Kiss one, kiss one~"

At Sha Zhu's wedding, Old Bai Lang and others were booing, and Sha Zhu was about to be played silly.

It was all agreed last night, don't tease him, Old Bai Lang took the cigarettes, but today they officially got married, and Old Bai Lang and others changed their minds on the spot.

Bang Geng didn't understand the jokes in the mouths of Uncle Biao and others, and followed behind to boo: "Oh~ kiss one!"

"Hahaha~"

Children's words always resonate with everyone, especially naughty boys like Bang Geng.

Qin Huairu smiled and pulled her son back, looking at Sha Zhu who was giggling foolishly, and glared at Old Bai Lang and others, while Diliya had already blushed and lowered her head.

At this time, it was naturally not popular to make a big fuss, and no one wanted Sha Zhu to kiss his wife, just to set off this atmosphere.

A red blanket was hung on the wall inside the North Warehouse, and Sha Zhu and Diliya were surrounded by everyone.

Sha Zhu wore a white shirt and black leather shoes, and also learned Li Xuewu's dress at work.

Diliya was in a red floral skirt, with a waist belt, because her figure was tall, she looked very stylish.

Raised in Beijing these days, her complexion had turned white, and even the freckles were not obvious.

Plus the makeup applied by Xilin and others today, it revealed the joy and beauty of a new marriage.

The person presiding over this wedding was Old Bai Lang. Sha Zhu also entrusted the wrong person. Depending on Old Bai Lang's character, could he let him go?

Sha Zhu originally wanted to invite Li Xuewu to preside, but Li Xuewu knew that this Sunday was busy, and it would be good to come back before the wedding.

At this moment, he was also standing in the crowd watching the excitement, talking to the third brother and eldest brother beside him from time to time.

"Bite the apple!"

Old Bai Lang stood between Sha Zhu and Diliya with a stool, holding an apple tied with a rope.

"Apple apple, safe and sound, flowering and fruiting!"

"Good! ~~"

Hearing Old Bai Lang pulling words like this, everyone gave warm applause and cheers.

And Sha Zhu and Diliya were pushed by everyone to stand face to face. The two looked at each other and smiled, both shyly avoiding each other's eyes.

Regardless of Sha Zhu's carelessness, regardless of Diliya's grassland character, at this moment, they all turned into happy embarrassment.

"Hey~~~"

"Hey~~~"

Old Bai Lang lifted it up when the two bit the apple, and everyone played bad again, men pushed Sha Zhu, and women pushed Diliya, and the two shyly gathered together.

"Hahaha~"

Actually, they didn't kiss, but it was interesting because they couldn't kiss, and it was interesting because the newlyweds blushed.

The adults watched with relish, and the children watched the excitement and clapped happily.

"Hey~~~"

"No! No!"

Sha Zhu was anxious by Old Bai Lang, reached out and grabbed the apple, gnawed half of it in a few bites, and stuffed the rest into Diliya's mouth.

Diliya saw Sha Zhu's embarrassment, and also blushed and ate the rest.

Everyone booed that it wouldn't work, they hadn't played enough!

Old Bai Lang waited for Diliya to finish eating, raised the rope in his hand and asked everyone: "Does everyone think Column Brother is okay like this?"

"No!"

"Hahaha~"

Everyone shouted while laughing. In the laughter, in Sha Zhu's secret pride, Old Bai Lang took out a big date from his pocket.

"Hahahaha!"

Seeing Sha Zhu stunned, Diliya blushing, everyone laughed out loud again.

"Don't worry, you ate one, I have another one here!"

Old Bai Lang ignored Sha Zhu's begging, and slowly tied the rope to the big date.

"Hey! Red date red date, the days are red and fiery, the date is early birth of a noble son~"

"Hahaha~"

Everyone looked at Sha Zhu and Diliya looking at the small red date in a daze, and couldn't help laughing out loud again.

"Kiss one! Kiss one!"

Old Bai Lang led the rhythm, and at the same time threatened Sha Zhu in his mouth: "You don't want the big date, I have sesame here."

As he spoke, he was about to take it out of his pocket, chanting: "Sesame sesame, as long as it passes tonight, there will be children calling Ma Ma!"

"Hahaha!"

"You are too damn damaging!"

Sha Zhu pointed at Old Bai Lang on his head and threatened: "You wait, there will be a day when you get married!"

"Hey!"

Old Bai Lang was about to reach into his pocket, and Sha Zhu was so scared that he had to reach out and hug his wife's head to eat the red date.

"Oh~~~"

"Hahaha~"

Seeing the newlyweds dipping their mouths, everyone let out a victorious cheer~

The deaf grandmother who watched Sha Zhu's excitement at the table laughed with only three teeth left, and the First Master was also full of smiles.

Following everyone's cheers, the Ye Ye Erye of the Dai Dong stood at the door and shouted:

"Hey~~~!"

"The auspicious time has arrived!"

"Congratulations from relatives and friends, thanks from the two newlyweds, intoxicating wedding wine, delicious food!"

"Please take your seats, let's start the banquet~~~!"

With the Ye Ye Erye's shout to start the banquet, the firecrackers prepared by the boys were lit.

In the crackling sound, the boys who were busy carrying trays and serving dishes entered one after another.

With the fragrance of food, everyone's joy also ushered in the most delicious time.

The Ye Ye Erye calculated the population and set up the banquet, a full six tables, including adults and children, sitting full.

The main table was the deaf grandmother, Li Xuewu's grandfather, the First Master, etc. Li Xuewu, as the matchmaker for Sha Zhu and Diliya, also sat here.

When the Ye Ye Erye brought Sha Zhu and Diliya to toast, Li Xuewu stood up specially and replied: "I am both a matchmaker and Column Brother's childhood friend, and a comrade-in-arms of Diliya's brother. I wish the two newlyweds a harmonious and beautiful life, and wish the beautiful flower of Tianshan to take root and sprout in Beijing, with fruitful results."

"Thank you!"

Sha Zhu was very grateful to Li Xuewu. Hearing Li Xuewu say this, tears swirled in his eyes, and he drank a whole glass of wine with Li Xuewu.

Li Xuewu instructed Diliya: "Your brother is performing a mission, and I am your family. Live a good life with Column Brother, and believe that the future life will be sweeter than today."

"Thank you~"

Diliya didn't talk much to Li Xuewu, and rarely communicated with Li Xuewu on weekdays, but this time she rarely toasted with Li Xuewu.

Sha Zhu thanked many people at the banquet. His life was not easy, and he only blossomed today.

Qin Huairu looked at her mother-in-law and the children beside her, seeing that her sister didn't come, so she sighed silently in her heart.

If Jingru didn't drill into the bull's horn, then the one wearing red today would be her.

Watching Sha Zhu build a new house, move furniture, and marry a wife, all living in the same courtyard, if Qin Jingru wasn't jealous or regretful, her sister wouldn't recognize it.

But what can she do if she regrets it? Seeing Diliya's personality is more suitable for Sha Zhu, no one can say anything wrong.

Putting a piece of meat for her daughter, Qin Huairu asked Bang Geng, who was swinging his cheeks and pulling into his mouth: "Where is your aunt?"

"Aunt cooked by herself."

Bang Geng held a bone in his hand and gnawed, saying vaguely: "I asked her to come, she said she wouldn't come."

People like Qin Huairu who bring their families to sit at the banquet are also quite a few.

After all, the money was spent, if you don't go to eat, you always feel it's not appropriate.

Qin Huairu was like this before, everyone thought her family situation was special, and no one would care about this.

But this time Sha Zhu got married, Qin Huairu gave a big gift.

Li Xuewu gave one yuan, and Qin Huairu also gave one yuan, because she saw that next to Li Xuewu was Lou Xiaoe, and Lou Xiaoe's name was also one yuan below.

Those who have a good relationship with Sha Zhu and have the ability, all gave one yuan. When writing the account, Sha Zhu saved enough face.

At this time, the general gift money was one dime, or five cents, and only relatives with a good relationship gave two dimes.

But look at the gift account list, a long line of one-yuan gifts, which family in the neighborhood has this face.

Why is Sha Zhu's wedding lively? It's not appropriate to say that he is poor and loves the rich, but seeing Sha Zhu has face, people are willing to give face.

Jia Zhangshi didn't dare to say Qin Huairu, so she could only use her mouth, eating hard, trying to eat back one yuan.

But even if she has a big stomach, how much can she eat with a few children?

Today's banquet is also the best compared to the surrounding neighbors, with fish and meat, regardless of quantity, it is full face.

Watching Sha Zhu's face flushed with drinking, Jia Zhangshi looked at Qin Huairu and whispered: "What is called a happy event, the mouth is split to the ears."

"Eat yours."

Qin Huairu didn't want the neighbors at the table to see her mother-in-law's joke, so she interrupted her comment.

Jia Zhangshi curled her lips and continued to eat the dishes in the bowl.

"Our family gave one yuan, two big and three small came, look at Yan Lao Kou's family, gave two dimes, almost didn't call Yan Jiecheng back to eat."

Qin Huairu followed her mother-in-law's signal and looked at the next table. The Third Master's wife brought her daughter-in-law, plus a lame Yan Jiefang, and two half-grown children, their cheeks bulging.

And the Third Master was invited to the main table, holding a wine glass and laughing.

Qin Huairu wouldn't care about this. How much is given is all hung on the gift account. It's not her family that is ugly.

However, she looked at the Third Master's eldest daughter-in-law and felt that she was much more stable. Even if there were strange eyes from everyone, she was still natural.

The more she was like this, the less reason those eyes had, and in the end, fewer people watched.

Don't persuade others to be kind without experiencing others' suffering.

Qin Huairu knew what the bitter life was like, so even if she knew something about Ge Shuqin, she never talked about it.

Now Ge Shuqin's appearance, if it wasn't pretended, Qin Huairu still admired her very much.

The men at the banquet were talking loudly with wine, while the women were taking care of the children, taking the opportunity to talk about family affairs, only the children were the happiest.

Simply like this kind of excitement, and the food at the banquet.

And after the excitement, it was a calm sigh. The guests left, Sha Zhu sent them to the warehouse door, and didn't sit back at the main table until all the neighbors were sent away.

The main table was also almost finished, the deaf grandmother and others had long returned, and the rest were the Ye Ye Erye and others waiting for Sha Zhu.

And Sha Zhu had long arranged it. This remaining table of wine and food was also done. The purpose was to invite the master and apprentice who came to help, invite the boys who came to help, and invite Yu Li and Xilin who had been helping.

Yu Shui had never been to the table, and now she was at the table. Seeing her brother and sister-in-law sitting together, she couldn't help but shed tears.

Yu Li persuaded in a low voice, and everyone at the table understood what was going on, and no one laughed at her.

Sha Zhu wanted to toast the Ye Ye Erye and others, but was persuaded.

It can be said that the spring night is worth a thousand dollars. Sha Zhu waited too long for this moment. If Sha Zhu was drunk to "not work" today, then everyone's sin would be too great.

After Sha Zhu and the others ate, Li Xuewu's grandfather was the first to get up, followed by the First Master and others.

Li Xuewu pressed Sha Zhu who wanted to get up to see them off, telling him to eat well. They all lived in the same courtyard, so there was no need to say so much.

Everyone went out the door, sighing at Sha Zhu's luck, talking and laughing while returning to the courtyard.

Li Xuewu and his father followed the grandmother back to the backyard to drink tea. Last night, the second uncle and third uncle both sent letters, catching this rare opportunity, and both families came back to attend the wedding.

Most importantly, the grandmother at home was old, and the two were far apart.

Although they lived with the eldest brother Li Shun, Li Shun and his wife were both filial, but how could children not be filial.

Especially the third uncle in Yangcheng, who felt guilty toward Li Xuewu, and plus Li Xuewu was injured and transferred, making him feel even more sorry for his eldest brother and second nephew.

"Second uncle arrives the day after tomorrow

Li Xuewu sat on the kang at home, calculating, with his daughter sleeping soundly on a small quilt beside him.

"Second Uncle's family of four, Third Uncle's family of three, that's exactly one family in the backyard and one family in Third Brother's room."

"It won't come to that."

The old lady lay on her side next to Li Shu; the weather was getting warmer, and she was feeling a bit listless.

However, hearing Li Xuewu and the others discussing the two sons' affairs, she hadn't fallen asleep.

Seeing Li Xuewu arranging accommodation for his two uncles' families, she also smiled and said, "How many days can they stay? Why not just stay?"

"It's fine, they're all empty anyway."

Li Xuecai was sensible; he sat on the stool, agreeing with his second brother's words, and said, "I'll just go stay in the side room. Brother Zhuzi has moved out, so the space is just right."

The old lady watched her children and grandchildren's modest attitude with a smile; she was happy from the bottom of her heart, especially at this time.

Her second grandson was getting married, and her two sons were returning from afar, keeping a constant smile on the old lady's face.

Li Shun drank his tea and looked at his second son, asking, "How are we going to pick up your Third Uncle's side?"

This wasn't like Second Uncle, whom they could pick up at the train station; Li Xuewu's Third Uncle was returning on his father-in-law's plane, and he couldn't get into the airport.

"I've already cleared it with my father-in-law; the car will just stop by our house on the way."

Li Xuewu explained, then looked at Li Xuecai and asked with a smile, "Has Yuxiu told you?"

"What?"

Li Xuecai was stunned by his second brother's question, then saw the teasing expression on his second brother's face and lowered his head, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"She told me."

"Why are you so lacking in confidence~"

Li Xuewu teased his younger brother with a smile, then explained to his father and the others, "Ji Weidong said his dad is coming back in the next few days and wants to meet up."

"Why are you only saying this now?"

Li Shun put down his teacup and scolded his son, then asked, "When?"

"Just in the next few days."

Li Xuewu explained, "He only told me last night, and you had already gone to bed by then."

After explaining, he looked at Li Xuecai, implying that he didn't know any earlier than his younger brother.

Seeing his father glare over, Li Xuecai said somewhat embarrassedly, "He didn't say he wanted to see me..."

Li Shun glared at his son, too lazy to lecture him, and instructed, "If he can make it on the wedding day, invite him. If he can't, take Xuecai to go see him. You can't just ignore it once you've heard the news."

"Understood."

Li Xuewu smiled and looked at his third brother. This time, Ji Weidong's father was returning on official business, but he had also heard about his son's recent actions and was very curious about the Li Xuewu his son spoke of.

Since there was this opportunity, he wanted to meet him.

Furthermore, when this marriage was arranged for Ji Yuxiu, Ji Yuxiu's attitude was one aspect, and Li Xuecai's status was another, but it was mainly because Ji Weidong had told his father and mother about Li Xuewu's achievements.

The Li family's conditions were naturally not bad, but they didn't quite measure up to Ji Weidong's family.

Their agreement was also based on seeing that the three Li sons were all promising talents; they valued the future more, and they also valued Li Xuewu as a person.

This meeting would still be centered on Li Xuewu; Ji Weidong was helping Li Xuewu seek an opportunity from his father—an opportunity to demonstrate his own capabilities.

Li Xuewu wanted to extend his reach to the south, which Ji Weidong knew; he had known it back in Steel City.

As Li Xuewu had said back then, to go south, one must first go north. Li Xuewu had already walked the path north steadily; it was time to conquer the south.

And Ji Weidong's father had been in Hong Kong all along; if Li Xuewu could make contact with him, the path to the south would be much more convenient.

As in-laws, if he truly had that kind of ability, Ji's father would be willing to spare the time to listen and take a look.

In the afternoon, Li Xuewu confirmed the wedding reception arrangements with his father and the others, then returned to the backyard, thinking of taking a nap.

Passing through the middle courtyard, he saw Qin Jingru standing by the chicken coop in a daze. Habitually, he was about to pass by without paying her any mind, but he saw, for the first time, Qin Jingru daring to take the initiative to look up at him.

Li Xuewu glanced at her, not intending to speak, his pace not slowing.

"Li... Li Chu."

Hearing her address him this way, Li Xuewu frowned slightly, stopped, and turned to look at her.

She hadn't said a word before, hadn't said a word after, but now she was speaking to him on the day of Seeing Sha Zhu's wedding—what was she after?

The courage Qin Jingru had gathered for so long vanished the moment she saw Li Xuewu frown.

She stammered, unable to get any words out.

Li Xuewu stared at her for a while, and seeing she wouldn't speak, turned to leave, only to hear Qin Jingru's voice from behind:

"Please, help me!"

Qin Jingru saw Li Xuewu was about to leave; she knew that if she didn't speak now, it would be impossible to get near Li Xuewu again.

Not to mention that Li Xuewu was busy these days, and in a few days, people would be moving away—where would she go to find him?

In this courtyard, the only person who could help her stay in the city, the only person she knew who had that capability, was Li Xuewu.

Li Xuewu turned to look at this stubborn girl, observing her distressed expression, sizing her up quite directly.

Qin Jingru also felt Li Xuewu's suspicion, his resistance, and his distrust toward her.

But all she could do was wait here during her most difficult moment, wait on the path Li Xuewu might take home, and beg Li Xuewu for a word.

Qin Huairu had long noticed her sister's strangeness and had been standing in the room watching her sister under the scorching sun.

Seeing Li Xuewu turn back again with that same expression, she couldn't help but walk out, worried.

Li Xuewu also saw Qin Huairu, shifted his gaze away from Qin Jingru, and looked at Qin Huairu instead.

Qin Huairu shook her head helplessly, indicating that she didn't know what her sister meant either.

"Speak. How do you want me to help you? What do you want? What do you want to do?"

For Qin Jingru, Li Xuewu opening his mouth to speak was no less than the sound of heaven, a life-saving straw.

"I..."

Qin Jingru looked at Li Xuewu very cautiously, her gaze timid and self-deprecating. She pursed her lips and said, "I know, raising chickens means I can't stay in the city, and this isn't my home. I want... I want to stay in the city. I don't want to go home."

Seeing Sha Zhu's wedding was too much of a shock to her; it was like a slap that woke her up.

Before, she could rely on her foot injury to sponge off her sister's family, thinking of finding a way out during this time to survive, to find a path to stay in the city.

Making matchboxes wouldn't allow her to survive—it was impossible, because she had no house.

Raising chickens—this path she once thought was so good, so good that she used it to numb herself—was actually a dead end from the very beginning.

Her chickens hadn't made a single cent of profit to this day, and this was still in the summer; Banggeng had to go catch fish and shrimp every morning for the three chickens, and they also had to be fed wheat bran.

But what about her? Even if there were wild vegetables now, what about later? When her foot injury healed, what would she rely on to survive before the chicks grew up?

She couldn't just keep pretending her foot was injured and shamelessly sponge off her sister forever.

Seeing Sha Zhu's house, Seeing Sha Zhu's wife, Seeing Sha Zhu's wedding—they were all telling her that people have different fates.

Seeing Sha Zhu was born in the city, a natural city dweller, never lacking a wife.

And Seeing Sha Zhu's wife? Just because she was the younger sister of Li Xuewu's comrade-in-arms, she could become a city dweller.

She had figured it out: what was blocking her from entering the city wasn't the house, nor the chickens, but the people.