I have ten trillion licking dog gold

"No need, no need, you rest."

With so many dishes, it was definitely impossible for just two people, both women, to finish them all. However, the sauerkraut fish dish was reduced to just the skeleton.

Ok.

Therefore, Li Shurui drank two glasses of orange juice during her meal.

Her request to help clean was refused, but she didn't insist. Instead, she asked, "Sister Fang Qing, do you have a key to his house?"

Yes, there is a key.

But you need the homeowner's permission first.

Fang Qing could have used this opportunity to retaliate, but she didn't. Instead, she called out to Pan Hui, "Mom."

Pan Hui wiped her hands on her apron. "I'll go get it."

As Fang Weiguo cleared the dishes, he watched his wife bring over the key to the next room and hand it to the girl.

"Thank you, Auntie. I'll go check next door."

"Eh."

The door opened and then closed, but not completely, just ajar. Seeing this, Fang Weiguo immediately stopped what he was doing and finally found an opportunity to question his daughter: "Girl, what's going on?"

Fang Qing helped by throwing the disposable bowls and chopsticks into the trash can, saying, "Didn't she just explain that?"

Why didn't you make a phone call?

Fang Weiguo said with dissatisfaction.

"What's the point of making a phone call? What impact does it have?"

Fang Weiguo choked for a moment, then said with a wry smile, "At least let us be mentally prepared. Do you still think your parents are young? Your mother and I are at an age where we can't take any shocks. If something bad happens to us, do you think you'll feel guilty?"

Pan Hui glanced at the half-closed door with unease, then asked her daughter, "Does Xiao Chen know about this?"

Fang Weiguo was enlightened and immediately said, "Right, what's wrong with that kid? According to the rules, he should be the one bringing people back, not you. What's going on here?"

Forget it.

They're still in the Cold War.

Since that phone call in Jiangcheng that severed all ties, the two have not been in contact again.

Of course.

Fang Qing couldn't possibly tell anyone. Even close relatives have their own privacy as they get older.

“Li Shurui is not only his girlfriend, but also my colleague and friend. If she wants to come here, do I have to ask anyone’s permission?”

The couple looked at each other in bewilderment.

You brat.

You acted first and reported later, so why does it seem like they're the ones who're in the wrong?

However, since it's her own daughter, she can't really hold a grudge.

"You and her have a good relationship?"

Fang Weiguo asked tentatively.

"good."

Fang Qing didn't actually show any emotion; she answered the questions directly, showing no signs of anything amiss.

"She knows...about you and Jiang Chen..."

Fang Weiguo hesitated, looking conflicted.

"know."

Fang Qing is efficient and straightforward.

The couple froze again. Pan Hui stammered, unable to resist confirming further: "She knows about you and Xiao Chen...you were childhood sweethearts?"

They were childhood sweethearts.

This word is used very aptly.

Fang Qing looked at her mother and smiled, "Mom, didn't you see? They're not stupid."

Although it was only for one meal, the girl made a near-perfect impression on them. Whether it was her appearance, temperament, speech, or inner qualities, she was outstanding. If they were Mr. and Mrs. Jiang, their mouths would be stretched to their ears.

"So... what was she thinking?"

Pan Hui was confused and bewildered. "Is this girl really that magnanimous?"

Is it really possible?

His parents lived in Shacheng, which limited their horizons, so they couldn't see that guy's current girlfriends.

Environment shapes people.

Sometimes, a change in perspective is forced upon us.

"Don't you think about what Xiao Jiang has achieved now? Do you think being his girlfriend is a job that just anyone can do?"

Fang Weiguo muttered to himself.

"What kind of talk is that? What do you mean by 'work'? No matter what, they've been very polite to us, so we can't go around badmouthing them."

"I didn't slander her."

Fang Weiguo sighed, his eyes flashing thoughtfully, and said, "What I mean is that this girl is quite extraordinary."

"Now that they're here, let's do what we're supposed to do."

Pan Hui suddenly asked, "Are there any red envelopes left at home?"

"Red envelope? What do you need a red envelope for?" Fang Weiguo was puzzled.

"It's their first time visiting, shouldn't we give them a red envelope?"

Fang Weiguo suddenly realized, and his expression twisted slightly again.

According to the local custom in Shacheng, when a "new bride" visits the groom's family, she is expected to receive a red envelope as a gift. Of course, this is something that the groom's parents should do.

But didn't they just say at the dinner table that they are like Jiang Chen's biological parents?

It wouldn't be right not to give it to them.

After all, the Fang family has now risen above their social class thanks to their daughter, so they have to save face.

"There should be some, I'll go look for it."

Fang Weiguo said in a muffled voice, "It's one thing to force a smile, but to have to pay out of pocket is another. I can't even describe how I feel."

After rummaging around in the bedroom for a while, Fang Weiguo took out a red envelope. It was quite new, but the design wasn't quite right for the occasion. The cover read "Wishing you prosperity," but that was a minor detail.

How much?

Pan Hui asked.

Fang Weiguo didn't answer, but looked at his daughter.

The couple's eyes both focused on Fang Qing's face.

The problem is not scarcity but inequality.

Let your daughter decide; have you considered her feelings?
"casual."

"This can't be done casually."

"According to the rules, it should be 10001, symbolizing one in ten thousand."

Pan Hui spoke slowly and softly.

Fang Weiguo's expression changed.

It's not that I can't afford to pay more than ten thousand yuan per unit.

It's no exaggeration to say that their family doesn't need to worry about money at all now, but the meaning behind this number is too difficult to bear.

"How about ten thousand? Why bring an extra piece? Round numbers are better."

Fang Weiguo pretended to be relaxed, while secretly observing his daughter's reaction.

The daughter did not object.

What does this mean?
This shows that the daughter still hasn't let go of that boy.

For a moment, Fang Weiguo didn't know whether to be happy or sad.

"Then let's make it ten thousand."

Pan Hui didn't necessarily want to add that piece; she simply said, "Let's wrap it up."

"How would I know where you keep your money? Go find it."

Fang Weiguo handed over the red envelope.

"You don't know? My money keeps disappearing a few bills every now and then. Did the mice eat them?"

Fang Weiguo was extremely embarrassed and waved his hand impatiently, saying, "Go quickly, hurry up."

Pan Hui went into the room to give out red envelopes, and stepped on his foot before leaving.

What is life?

Just as Li Shurui said, this is what makes a family warm and lively.

Only the father and daughter remained in the living room. Fang Weiguo looked at his daughter, but instead of sighing, he laughed and teased, "Are you feeling unwell?" "It's good that you're not feeling unwell."

Fang Qing glared at her father, then walked to the sofa and sat down, picking up the pear she had peeled herself before the meal, which was stuck with toothpicks.

"You just finished eating and you're eating again? You can eat so much now, be careful you don't gain weight."

Fang Weiguo followed.

"So what if I gain weight? I don't need to rely on my looks to make a living."

Fang Qing took a bite of the pear as if no one else was around, making a crisp "crunch" sound.

Fang Weiguo was amused, "The outcome is still uncertain, we can't give up on ourselves like this... um..."

Just like Li Shurui before him, his mouth was also stuffed with a pear.

Across the street.

Li Shurui brushed her hand across the dust-free tabletop, then walked to the "balcony" and opened the window.

Fresh air blew in.

Li Shurui took a deep breath, turned around, and looked around.

There were no floor tiles, just cement paving, which is fine—sturdy and durable, it won't fade or darken for decades. However, the latex paint couldn't withstand it; many areas of the wall paint peeled off, and some parts even became damp and moldy. The ceiling was gray and cobwebs were tangled in the corners. The couple across the hall weren't professional cleaners, so some oversights were inevitable.

Fortunately, she came from an ordinary family; otherwise, if it were a wealthy family like Shi Xixi's, they would have been terrified.

In reality, people's imagination is extremely limited. The wealthy know about the poor, but it is difficult for them to imagine the concrete lives of the poor.

Li Shurui smiled and didn't try to remove the spider webs from the ceiling with the clothesline. In his absence, it was good to have the spiders help guard the house.

Li Shurui tilted her head, then stepped towards the bedroom.

"Squeak-"

Pressing the doorknob and turning it easily, the flimsy wooden door, an antique from the last century, opened shakily.

The interior space was even smaller and immediately apparent: a bed, a writing desk, and a wardrobe with peeling paint made up the entire interior.

Oh.

correct.

On the wall above the bed, there are still many yellowed certificates of merit taped up.

Li Shurui looked up and gazed around.

Didn't that guy say he was quite mischievous when he was a kid? How come he got so many "Three Good Students" awards?
Li Shurui, who was only one grade below Li Shurui and from the same generation, knew very well that not everyone in their time was a "Three Good Student." Teachers really awarded the title based on overall grades, unlike now, where it seems that scores are no longer published.

After admiring someone's childhood "honors," Li Shurui turned around and walked towards the wardrobe, where she easily spotted the photo album displayed on the shelf.

Since it wasn't put away and is displayed openly, it must mean it's open to appreciation.

Li Shurui took down the photo album, which was about five centimeters thick, opened the cover, and burst out laughing.

What a chubby little boy!

Wearing a onesie with an open crotch, the child is probably only about one year old and can't walk yet. Sitting on the lush green lawn, the child tilts their head and looks "clearly" at the camera.

If I took this picture and sent it to some unsuspecting person, I wonder what kind of surprise it would create?
Despite her thoughts, Li Shurui ultimately didn't take out her phone and quietly continued browsing in front of the wardrobe.

"Qingqing, why hasn't Xiao Li arrived yet?"

Fang family.

The cleaning has been completed.

Pan Hui looked towards the doorway.

More than half an hour has passed.

The bulging red envelopes peeked out of the shirt pocket, a festive corner peeking out, ready to be given away.

"Okay, go take a look."

Fang Weiguo continued.

Urged by her parents, Fang Qing got up and went out of the house. She soon saw the key in the door of the opposite room.

How careless of me!

There are no property security guards here.

She walked over, opened the door, took out the key, held it in her hand, and then went inside.

She knew this place all too well, but the room was quiet. She didn't see Li Shurui.

Fang Qing walked towards the bedroom where she used to play hide-and-seek with her father, pushed open the door, but found it empty.

What about people?

Fang Qing went inside and came to the mirror, looking at the photo albums that weren't arranged very neatly on the cabinet.

There was no urgent need to retrieve it. She took out her phone from her pocket and dialed the number, asking, "Where did you go?"

"Let's wander around the area. We'll visit your uncle and aunt later."

It was all for nothing.

I thought they had left without saying goodbye.

Do you know the location?

Fang Qing knew perfectly well who the uncles and aunts referred to were.

"Sister Fang Qing, what do you think?"

Li Shurui's laughter was laced with a strong sense of provocation.

Also.

She knows everything about her hospital check-ups, so how could she not find out where her future in-laws' graves are buried?
"I won't trouble you to lead the way. You're pregnant, and it's not really appropriate for you to go to a cemetery."

Is it simply because she is a "pregnant woman"?
However, this is also the most appropriate way to handle it.

"Will you give it back?"

Fang Qing asked, "You really don't hide your thoughts at all."

"Come back. Of course I'll come back. I'll be right back."

Li Shurui seemed completely oblivious to the other party's intention to get rid of her, and her ability to feign ignorance was truly first-rate.

"Okay. Don't stay up too late."

"Okay, I'll hang up now."

Fang Qing put down her phone, stuffed it into her pocket, and then raised her hand to pick up the photo album.

Come into view.

It was a chubby little boy wearing open-crotch pants. As he grew up, the scenes became more varied, and the number of people in the photos increased, from family photos to kindergarten graduation photos...

There was not a sound outside the window.

The bare tree branches, visible through the glass, seemed to be spying on us.

The slowly turning pages of the photo album stopped at a page from more than ten years ago.

The birthday boy in the photo is wearing a birthday hat and celebrating his first tenth birthday. He was undoubtedly happy at that time, with his parents still alive, relatives and elders gathered together, and a group of friends.

The photo captures the moment when the birthday boy blows out the cake. Although the setting is simple, everyone in the picture is beaming with a bright smile. However, there is a little girl with delicate features who is hiding at the edge of the photo and secretly making a face at the birthday boy who is wearing overalls.

Fang Qing seemed to have forgotten this scene, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up slightly.

Why take photos to commemorate the occasion?

It's to make memories traceable.

Fang Qing doesn't know what birthday wish the little birthday boy in the photo made while looking at the candles, but she still remembers her own tenth birthday wish.

what.

She never told anyone.

—Marry some guy?
How can it be!

Her wish was that a certain guy would never be able to find a wife!

Fang Qing was lost in thought, and the smile on her lips unconsciously turned into a bitter smile.

really.

Cause and effect.

The sins committed in the past will be repaid step by step in the future.

Fang Qing couldn't help but raise her hand and touch her lower abdomen. Her gaze returned to focus as she looked at the little girl in the photo, unintentionally captured by the camera. In that instant, it was as if she had traveled back to that distant and lively afternoon.

The surroundings were chaotic.

People were packed together.

Because of her short stature, she could only be squeezed into a corner by the adults.

It's her birthday, so why did they completely ignore her? They didn't even call her to be by the side when blowing out the candles.

The little girl, who had originally planned to make a face at the birthday celebrant, suddenly changed her mind. She put her hands to her mouth, using them as a megaphone, and just as the birthday celebrant was about to close his eyes to make a wish, she used all the strength in her small body to let out a sweet, high-pitched shout.

"Jiang Chen, do you want a wife or not!" (End of Chapter)