A hundred flavors of life

Chapter 1419 Second Attack on the Bookmaker! (Please Subscribe!)

In the summer of 1980, Suzhou was as hot as a steamer. Cicadas chirped loudly in the plane trees of Textile Lane 3, and the asphalt road was so hot that it was soft and could leave shallow footprints when you walked on it.

In the hottest month of July, Hua Shier boarded a train back to Guizhou.

The green train rattled along for three days and two nights, passing through the water towns of Jiangnan and crossing the mountains of western Hunan, finally arriving at that familiar little station.

On the platform, Xiang Pengfei's parents, Xiang Dong and Zhuang Hualin, were already waiting there.

Xiang Dong was wearing a faded railway uniform, while Zhuang Hualin was wearing a short-sleeved shirt; both of them had beads of sweat on their foreheads.

Upon seeing his son, Zhuang Hualin hugged him tightly, his eyes welling up with tears: "You've grown taller and stronger!"

Xiang Dong rubbed his hands together and laughed, patting his son's shoulder hard: "Your uncle called to say you got into the top high school! Good lad, you really make us parents proud!"

The mud-brick house in the family is still the same as before. The only valuable thing is the mirror on the wall that reads "Advanced Worker".

To celebrate Hua Shier's admission to No. 1 Middle School, Zhuang Hualin prepared Xiang Pengfei's favorite sour fish soup, spicy chicken, and a specialty of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan—houttuynia cordata.

After tasting houttuynia cordata, Hua Shier immediately decided that he must bring this delicious local specialty back to Suzhou and let Zhuang Tunan and the others try it. Good things should be shared.

The next day, before dawn, Xiang Dong got up to go on patrol. Hua Shier, bored at home, got up to go with him.

The railway in the mountainous areas of Guizhou winds its way through towering mountains. In the summer, the sun is scorching, the rails are burning hot, and the air is filled with the smell of charred gravel and sleepers.

Xiang Dong, carrying a tool bag and holding an inspection hammer, walked step by step along the railway tracks.

Every now and then he would stop, tap the rails with his hammer, and listen intently to the sound.

Hua Shier carried a basket on his back and followed behind Xiang Dong, responsible for picking up trash along the railway track.

During the lunch break, Hua Shier, posing as Xiang Pengfei, asked, "Dad, is this work tiring?"

Xiang Dong wiped his sweat and laughed, "What's so tiring about it? I'm used to it. This section of the road is a vital route in and out of Guizhou. We can't afford to make any mistakes. Your dad has been a road patrolman for twenty years. I can find out which screw is loose or which sleeper is rotten with my eyes closed."

He said this with a simple pride on his face.

Looking at his rough, cracked hands and his sun-darkened, peeling face, Ke Hua Shi Er knew that this job was far from as easy as he made it sound.

Summer vacation is over, and it's time to return to Suzhou. Hua Shier plans to open a magic door to go back to Suzhou, but Xiang Dong brings Uncle Qian back with him.

Hua Shier was so frustrated. He asked as soon as he boarded the train:

"Uncle Qian, don't you work at the Suzhou Bus Station? Why do you keep going back to Guizhou? It's normal to come back for the Spring Festival, but you're coming back for summer vacation too. Aren't you afraid of getting criticized by your workplace?"

Uncle Qian, unaware that this guy was internally criticizing him, laughed and said:
"I used to be a ticket seller, but I felt there was no future in it, so I planned to get a driver's license and become a driver. But I need a letter of introduction from my employer. I came back this time to get some cured meat and local specialties from my hometown so I can give them as gifts and make connections. If it works out, I can earn more than I do now!"

Hua Shier knew that Uncle Qian was a kind-hearted person, and suddenly thought that he could use him as a tool to improve the family's living conditions. However, this matter was not urgent and could be discussed later.

Uncle Qian took good care of him on the train, just like last time, and then took him back to Textile Lane 3 when they arrived in Suzhou.

When they returned to Textile Lane 3, it was noon. The adults had all gone to work, and only Zhuang Tunan, Zhuang Xiaoting, and Lin Dongzhe were at home.

"Brother Pengfei is back!" Lin Dongzhe was the first to see him and jumped out.

Zhuang Xiaoting followed behind him, her eyes sparkling: "Brother Pengfei, did you bring us anything delicious this time?"

Hua Shier smiled meaningfully:
"Of course I brought some. Besides the bobo candy and yellow rice cake from last time, there's something even tastier than those two. Many people in my area love to eat it. It's almost noon, so I'll add an extra dish for you."

As he spoke, he took out the houttuynia cordata and went to the kitchen to make a cold houttuynia cordata salad. He added dried chili peppers from Guizhou, scallions, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Just looking at the appearance of the salad made Zhuang Tunan and the others drool.

But as soon as she got closer, she smelled a peculiar fishy odor, and Zhuang Xiaoting gagged a little: "Brother Pengfei, what is this? Why does it smell so bad? Can we eat it?"

Zhuang Tunan and Lin Dongzhe also smelled it and had the same feeling.

Hua Twelve said with a smile:
"What do you know? It's just like stinky tofu. It smells bad but tastes good. Just keep eating it, one bite at a time, without saying a word. It's so delicious you can't even speak."

The three children were skeptical, but Zhuang Tunan, as the eldest brother, was the first to muster up the courage to pick up a piece of food with his chopsticks, close his eyes, and put it in his mouth.

The next moment, his expression froze.

The shock, a mixture of fishy, ​​earthy, and herbal scents, went straight to the top of my head.

Zhuang Tunan ran to the swill bucket, vomited with a "whoosh," and then picked up a water cup to rinse his mouth frantically.

Seeing this, Lin Dongzhe became interested: "Is it really that exaggerated? I want to try it!"

He also took a big bite, and then said, "Pengfei, you've ruined me!"

Lin Dongzhe rolled on the ground, crying, "I'm done for! I've been poisoned!"

Zhuang Xiaoting turned pale with fright and quickly went to help Lin Dongzhe: "Brother Dongzhe, are you alright?"

Hua Shier kicked Lin Dongzhe: "Get up quickly, stop pretending."

Lin Dongzhe got up, about to complain, when he saw Hua Shier pick up his chopsticks, take a big bite of houttuynia cordata, eat it with relish, and even nod in approval:
"Yes, this is the taste, the authentic one!"

The three children were dumbfounded.

"Brother Pengfei, how can you really eat something so awful?" Zhuang Xiaoting asked incredulously.

"That's because they don't know its value!" Hua Shier picked up another bite: "Here, you try it. This stuff clears heat and detoxifies, it's good for your health, and it's delicious!"

Just as Zhuang Tunan was about to speak, he saw Lin Dongzhe give him a wink and immediately understood. He then said in a serious tone, "Everyone has different tastes. Maybe Dongzhe and I aren't used to this flavor!"

Zhuang Xiaoting believed their lies, opened her mouth and let Hua Shier feed her a mouthful, then ran to the swill bucket to vomit.

The three boys burst into laughter upon seeing this.

Just as I was laughing, Wu Shanshan's voice came from outside the door:
"Brother Pengfei, you're back?"

It was obvious that they had heard Hua Shier's laughter.

Hua Shier's eyes lit up. He winked at the three children, then raised his voice in response:
"Shanshan, come in quickly! I made some local specialties from Guizhou, they're so delicious!"

Zhuang Tunan and the other two stared wide-eyed as Hua Shier continued spouting nonsense without batting an eye.

Just as Zhuang Xiaoting was about to speak up to remind him, Lin Dongzhe quickly covered her mouth and then said to Wu Shanshan, who had just walked in:

"Yes, Sister Shanshan, it's so delicious! We've all eaten it, you should try some!"

This guy lies without batting an eye; the three of them are still vomiting in the swill bucket.

Wu Shanshan walked in without suspicion, took the chopsticks Hua Shier handed her and took a bite.

Then, she also gagged.

Lin Dongzhe then burst into laughter, and Zhuang Tunan and Zhuang Xiaoting couldn't help but laugh as well.

Wu Shanshan realized what had happened and angrily chased after Lin Dongzhe, yelling, "You bastard Lin Dongzhe, how dare you lie to me!"

Lin Dongzhe was still unconvinced and shouted as he ran, "It was Pengfei who lied to you, why don't you hit him!"

In the evening, when the adults from the Zhuang and Lin families returned home from get off work, they were very curious after hearing that Hua Shier had made Guizhou specialties.

"Houttuynia cordata? I've heard of it, but I've never eaten it." Song Ying was the first to say she wanted to try it.

Huang Ling also said, "Pengfei's cooking must be delicious. The yellow rice cake he made last time was incredibly delicious."

Zhuang Chaoying had great faith in Hua Shier's skills: "Then I'll try some too."

Lin Wufeng smiled without saying a word, poured himself a glass of water and drank it slowly, saying, "You guys eat first, I'll just have some water."

As a result, Zhuang Chaoying, Huang Ling, and Song Ying all froze after taking a bite.

The indescribable taste exploded in their mouths, and the three of them looked at each other, all with expressions of 'Who am I? Where am I? Why am I eating this?'

Lin Dongzhe laughed so hard his stomach hurt.

Hua Shier then explained with an innocent expression:

"Many people in Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan love to eat houttuynia cordata, but people from other places may not be used to it. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and draining pus, so it is actually quite good for the body."

Song Ying was the first to react, turning to look at Lin Wufeng: "Lin Wufeng! You must know! Otherwise, why aren't you eating?"

Lin Wufeng then burst into laughter: "This thing is also called houttuynia cordata. It grows in my hometown. The first time I ate it, I will never forget the taste. That's why I didn't remind you to try it!"

Zhuang Chaoying pointed at Lin Wufeng: "So Lin Dongzhe's naughtiness is partly due to your 'inheritance' from him as his father."

Everyone laughed again.

The next day, Hua Shier went to the shop on Guanqian Street to take a look.

Song Xiangyang managed the shop very well, with clear accounts and a full range of goods.

"Brother Pengfei, you're back! We have a few models of electronic watches that are almost sold out. Yiming also called from Hangzhou to urge us to deliver more. Please tell the factory in Pengcheng to deliver the goods as soon as possible!"

Hua Shier nodded: "I'll call you later and tell Yiming to come back and pick up the goods in the next few days!"

Li Yiming returned the same day he received the call and specially invited Hua Shier and Song Chaoyang to dinner, saying that the sales in Hangzhou were even better than in Suzhou. He also asked Hua Shier when he would open a store in Shanghai.

Hua Twelve said directly:
“I’ve thought it over. I won’t open a store in Shanghai for now, as it might cause conflicts with the watch factory there. I’ll open a store in Nanjing instead, since I’m familiar with that area.”

Li Yiming said that a certain type of electronic watch sold out a couple of days ago, and he wanted to contact Hua Shier to order more, but he couldn't get in touch with them. He had an idea: now that individual businesses are gradually being liberalized, he wanted to open a small shop at home and have his family run it. He also wanted to apply for a public telephone so that it would be easier to contact Hua Shier.

Hua Shier said okay, let Li Yiming handle it himself.

Before long, Li Yiming's family's convenience store opened, and the public telephone they had applied for also arrived.

September, the start of the school year.

On the campus of No. 1 Middle School, freshmen, dressed in faded clothes and carrying canvas backpacks, curiously looked around the school where they would spend their middle school years.

Hua Shier and Wu Shanshan were assigned to the same class, and the two became classmates once again.

On the first day of school, Wu Shanshan ran out of the alley with her schoolbag on her back. As soon as she turned the corner, she saw Hua Shier already waiting for her on the roadside on his bicycle.

The morning light bathed him, gilding the boy's slender figure with a golden edge. He braced himself with one foot on the ground and the other on the pedal. Seeing her emerge, he grinned.
"boarding."

Wu Shanshan blushed, ran over, and sat sideways in the back seat.

Hua Shier pedaled, and the bicycle glided forward nimbly. The morning breeze ruffled Wu Shanshan's hair, dispelling the last vestiges of summer heat.

"Brother Pengfei, thank you," Wu Shanshan suddenly said.

"Thank you for what?"

“Everything,” Wu Shanshan said softly. “If it weren’t for you, I really might not have been able to get into No. 1 High School.”

Hua Shier laughed: "You've thanked me so many times already."

"No amount of thanks will be enough," Wu Shanshan said earnestly, "because this could very well be something that affects my entire life."

When I arrived at school, the homeroom teacher was a woman in her thirties surnamed Chen, who taught Chinese.

When assigning seats, she held up a list and read out the names one by one. When it was Hua Shier's turn, Teacher Chen looked up at him and smiled.

"Xiang Pengfei, right? You got a perfect score on your entrance exam, and your essay was very well written. I hope you continue to work hard at No. 1 High School and keep it up."

A small commotion arose in the classroom. The freshmen all turned to look at the student who had scored full marks.

Hua nodded: "I will, Teacher Chen."

As he sat down, he saw Wu Shanshan, sitting two rows away, quietly give him a thumbs-up.

Hua Shier thought that junior high school life would be just as easy and fun as elementary school, but problems arose in the second week.

That day after school, he and Wu Shanshan had just walked to the bicycle shed when the head of the teaching department called them over.

"Xiang Pengfei, Wu Shanshan, come to the office for a moment."

In the office, the head of student affairs, a man in his fifties with graying hair, looked at them with a serious expression:

"Some students have reported that you go to and from school together every day, riding the same bicycle."

The head of student affairs tapped on the table: "Tell me, what's going on? Is it puppy love?"

Hua Shier appeared remarkably innocent: "Teacher, what is puppy love?"
Fang Hui: He, tui!

Lin Jiamo: That time during Chinese New Year, I brought you dumplings, and that's what we did afterwards!

Hua Shier: I'd forgotten all that, keep nagging!

The head of the teaching department was speechless for a moment when he was asked the question, and then slammed his fist on the table in anger: "Don't play dumb with me!"

Fortunately, Wu Shanshan explained in time that the two were neighbors, living right across the street. She didn't have a bicycle, so she asked Hua Shier to give her a ride, thus preventing the matter from escalating to the point of contacting the parents.

However, the head of the teaching department still told Hua Shier that he was no longer allowed to ride his bike with Wu Shanshan, saying that it would have a bad influence.

Although the reason given by the head of the teaching department is somewhat ridiculous, in this era, the practice of boys and girls sitting together as desk mates is still relatively new and the social atmosphere is not yet open, so it is normal that they cannot accept it.

When Wu Shanshan came out of the office, her eyes were red.

"I'm sorry, Pengfei, I've dragged you into this."

"What are you talking about?" Hua Shier waved his hand. "It's nothing. The director is just too serious. We'll do the same thing tomorrow."

Wu Shanshan shook her head: "No, if they see me again, it will be troublesome if they really call my parents. I'll just walk to school."

When school was over, Hua Shier gave his bicycle to Wu Shanshan to ride, and he asked Zhuang Tunan to ride the bicycle to take him home, so that he and Wu Shanshan could go to and from school together.

Thus, the world where only Zhuang Tunan was injured was achieved.

Zhuang Tunan:
Before going to bed that night, Zhuang Tunan and Hua Shier lay side by side on the bed. The former lowered his voice and asked:

"Brother Pengfei, tell me the truth, do you like Wu Shanshan?"

Hua Shier raised an eyebrow at him: "What, you want to steal my girlfriend?"

Zhuang Tunan coughed, choking on his words: "Who, who stole your boyfriend! I was just asking!"

He then realized what he meant and said with a suggestive look, "So you really like Wu Shanshan, huh? I can live off you for the rest of my life with this secret. You'd better think of a way to bribe me, or I'll tell you."

Before he could finish speaking, Hua Shier interrupted, "Take out your New Year's money tomorrow and treat me to steamed buns, or I'll spread rumors everywhere that you have a crush on Widow Wang at the street corner."

Zhuang Tunan, looking confused, replied, "No."

Should we invite them or not?

"Please!" Zhuang Tunan said through gritted teeth. He really wanted to slap himself. Why did he have to provoke this bastard? He played such dirty tricks!

The next day, Hua Shier said he wasn't hungry and didn't eat breakfast at home. After leaving the alley, he sat on the back of Zhuang Tunan's bicycle, eating the steamed buns Zhuang had bought for him, humming a little tune on his way to school. He felt very happy, while Zhuang Tunan was huffing and puffing as he rode forward like an old ox. The boy felt so frustrated.

Time flew by and it was already winter.

Winters in Suzhou are damp and cold, and the wind is like a knife, stinging your face.

The sycamore leaves had long since fallen, leaving bare branches reaching towards the gray sky.

Hua Shier felt that riding a bike to school was too much of a hassle, so he advised Wu Shanshan to take the bus instead.

"I don't have any money," Wu Shanshan said softly. "Let's ride a bike instead, it'll be good exercise."

Hua Shier patted his chest and said, "You don't have it, but Brother Pengfei does! I'll pay for your bus fare. But don't tell your family."

He initially thought there were no monthly bus passes these days, but after inquiring, he learned that the Suzhou Bus Company had been issuing monthly passes since 1960. In 1980, a student monthly pass cost 2.4 yuan.

Hua Shier took out five yuan and got one for himself and one for Wu Shanshan. He used the remaining two mao to buy candied hawthorns.

“Who would ride a bicycle to school in the dead of winter? That’s just plain stupid,” he said matter-of-factly.

Zhuang Tunan: "."

With the monthly pass, the commute to school is much more comfortable. The bus sways and rattles along the old streets of Suzhou, passing small bridges and flowing water, and white walls and black tiles.

Hua Shier and Wu Shanshan sat side by side, sometimes talking, sometimes quietly looking out the window.

That peaceful and warm feeling made Hua Shier realize that such days were actually quite nice.

One day in mid-December, a cold front struck.

The temperature in Suzhou dropped overnight, and when I woke up in the morning, there was a layer of frost on the windows.

Hua Shier and Wu Shanshan took the bus to school as usual. When school ended in the afternoon, he told Wu Shanshan that he was going to Guanqian Street.

Hua Shier got off the bus near Guanqian Street and wandered around for a while. When Song Xiangyang got off work and locked the store in the evening, he took out his key, opened the door and went in to "restock". In fact, he took out a batch of electronic watches from the storage space and put them in the store.

By the time he finished his work and returned home, it was already completely dark.

The cold wind howled, stinging the cheeks of passersby.

Under the dim light of the streetlights, the ice on the ground could be seen reflecting a faint light.

As soon as Hua Shier entered the house, she sensed that something was wrong.

Huang Ling paced anxiously in the room. Zhuang Xiaoting also lost her focus on her homework, her face showing worry. When she saw him return, they both breathed a sigh of relief.

"Pengfei, you're finally back!"

Huang Ling said anxiously, "Your eldest uncle went on a business trip to another city for a meeting today. Your maternal grandmother just called and said that your second uncle and aunt are working the night shift. Your maternal grandfather's high blood pressure flared up, so she asked Tu Nan to buy blood pressure medication and send it over. It's been more than an hour, and Tu Nan still hasn't come back. It's so dark and cold outside. I'm so worried!"

"Don't worry, I'll go take a look."

Hua Shier turned around, went into the yard, pushed his bicycle, and walked out.

"Pengfei, wait a minute, I'll go with you!" Huang Ling wanted to follow them out.

"Aunt, you wait at home. What if Tu Nan comes back? I can go by myself; I can ride my bike faster."

As Hua Shier spoke, he pushed his bicycle out of the courtyard gate.

He rode his bicycle from Fangzhi Third Lane to Zhuangjia. From afar, he saw a figure outside Zhuangjia's gate, pushing a bicycle and walking with a limp. It was Zhuang Tunan.

"Tu Nan!" Hua Twelve called out.

Zhuang Tunan looked disheveled; his pants had a large hole at the knee, and the handlebars of his bicycle were bent out of shape, probably from a fall while riding.

"Pengfei? What brings you here?" Zhuang Tunan asked, somewhat surprised.

"Your aunt was worried about you, so she sent me to check on you." Hua Shier stopped the car and looked him over. "What happened to you?"

Zhuang Tunan smiled bitterly:
"Don't even mention it. It took me forty minutes to buy the medicine. When I was coming this way, it was too dark, and I didn't notice that there was ice on the road. I slipped and fell. The medicine was fine, but I was in a bad state."

Looking at his face, which was purple from the cold, and the scrapes on his hands, Hua Shier couldn't help but complain:
"Can't Zhuang Zhendong and Zhuang Zhenbei go buy the medicine? Why do you have to run around so late at night?"

Zhuang Tunan shook his head: "Let's go inside first, Grandpa is waiting for his medicine."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Since you're here, come inside with me. After all, Grandpa is sick, and it wouldn't be right for you to come all this way without going in."

Hua Shier hadn't come since he kicked Zhuang Ganmei last time, but since he was here, he wasn't afraid to meet him and immediately said:

"Okay, let's go in."

The two locked the car and went into the farmhouse.

As soon as he entered the door, Hua Shier's temper flared up again.

In the living room, the television was on, playing a crosstalk program. The two brothers, Zhuang Zhendong and Zhuang Zhenbei, sat there watching with great interest, laughing so hard they were doubled over.

Grandma Zhuang heard the commotion and came out. Upon seeing Zhuang Tunan, her first words weren't of concern, but of complaint:
"Why does it take so long to buy medicine? Your grandfather is suffering terribly!"

Hua Twelve said irritably:
"Didn't you see how badly Tu Nan fell? It's cold and slippery outside, and you're neglecting your two grandsons to torment Tu Nan. What, isn't he your biological son? Is my uncle someone you adopted?"

Grandma Zhuang hadn't given Hua Twelve a friendly look earlier, and now she was speechless, her face turning red and white in turns.

Hua Shier ignored her and turned to walk towards Zhuang Zhendong and Zhuang Zhenbei.

"What...what do you want to do?" Zhuang Zhendong asked somewhat guiltily.

"I'm your brother, for goodness' sake! You came without even saying hello, do you look down on me?!"

Hua Shier just found an excuse to lash out, walked over, kicked the two men to the ground one by one, and then beat them up.

"Your grandfather has high blood pressure, and neither of you goes to buy his medicine. All you do is watch TV and laugh! I'll show you what laughing is like now!"

He was careful with his blows, targeting the thickest parts of the flesh, so that while it hurt, it wouldn't actually injure them. But the pain was enough to make the two pampered young masters cry for their parents.

"Help! Grandma, help me!" Zhuang Zhenbei cried out.

Grandma Zhuang then realized what was happening and tried to step in to break up the fight, but Hua Shier glared at her and told her, "I have a mental illness. When I have an episode, I'll hit anyone!"

Grandma Zhuang was so frightened that she stood there, too scared to move, stamping her feet in frustration, but there was nothing she could do.

Just then, Grandpa Zhuang's weak voice came from the inner room: "Stop, stop hitting him!"

Then came a muffled thud, like the sound of someone falling to the ground.

The room suddenly became quiet.

Hua Shier stopped what he was doing, and Zhuang Tunan was the first to rush into the inner room: "Grandpa!"

Grandpa Zhuang lay on the ground, unconscious, his face as pale as paper.

Hua Shier glanced at him and said, "Don't worry, he's not dead. Let's take him to the hospital!"

Thank you to 08a and Little Tiger of the Demon Realm for the donations, and thank you to all the brothers who voted with monthly tickets and recommendation tickets. Thank you so much!