The heavens set sail from the courtyard

After parting ways with Mi Lai, Wang Gang did not go straight home, but instead went to Manny's bar.

He's been enjoying going to bars lately whenever he has free time, not because of Manny, but simply because he likes the atmosphere.

When Wang Gang came over this time, he found that Manny was not at the bar, so he stopped a waiter.

"Xiao Jiang, hasn't Sister Manny come yet today?"

"Brother Qiang, you're here! Sister Manny had something to do today and just left."

"Okay, as usual, give me a special cocktail," Wang Gang said.

"Okay, coming right away." Xiao Jiang smiled and went to the counter to place the order.

Wang Gang found a corner seat and sat down, then called Manny.

Manny's phone went unanswered for a long time; she seemed genuinely busy. Wang Gang waited for quite some time before finally hanging up.

"Brother Qiang, your special drink." Xiao Jiang quickly brought over a beverage.

"Give me another hamburger combo, on my tab."

"Okay, bro." Xiao Jiang put down his drink and left.

Wang Gang checked his phone, just as he was about to play Snake, when Hua Zi called.

"Hey, Hua Zi, what do you want?"

"Qiangzi, I've been to the 4S store, but we still can't reach an agreement on the damaged vehicle. I'm thinking of taking them to a nightclub to do some public relations, is that alright?" Hua Zi asked cautiously.

"No problem! Just go for your normal social engagements, and remember not to cause any trouble," Wang Gang said with a smile.

"Do you want to come join us tomorrow? We've already paid the table fee anyway," Hua Zi said with a smile.

"Forget it, have fun," Wang Gang politely declined.

"No! Just come over here!" Hua Zi insisted.

Wang Gang sensed something was wrong and asked, "Hua Zi, is there something else going on?"

"No!" Hua Zi stammered.

Wang Gang suddenly thought of something and laughed, "Hua Zi, you haven't been to a nightclub before, have you?"

"How could that be?" Hua Zi exclaimed excitedly, "Fine, if you're not coming, then so be it."

Wang Gang instantly understood: Hua Zi had never been to such an occasion before and was a little nervous.

Speaking of which, right after Hua Zi graduated, Wang Gang invested in him to open a used car dealership. He missed out on opportunities to gain experience in the real world and indeed lacked experience in social situations.

"Send me the time and address," Wang Gang said.

"Oh, you agreed?" Hua Zi exclaimed in surprise.

"I'm also involved in the car dealership, so it's my duty to do my part." Wang Gang gave Hua Zi some face and didn't point it out.

"Okay, I'll send you the time and address in a bit."

"Okay, I'm planning to buy a car, so I can talk to them about it."

"You want to buy a car? Aren't you free to drive any of the cars in the store?" Hua Zi asked in surprise.

“I want to buy a new car for my dad, so I’m not going to go for a used one,” Wang Gang said. “But you could keep an eye out for a used car in good condition that I can drive myself.”

"We just acquired an Audi today. Although it's been driven for two years, it's in excellent condition, practically brand new. I'll just pick it up, you can drive it away right away," Hua Zi said.

"I'll go check out the car tomorrow when I'm free. If it's suitable, I'll buy it. Can you hold it for me?"

"Sure, call me before you come, and I'll send the car in for a refurbishment. I guarantee it'll look brand new and won't embarrass you."

After hanging up the phone, Wang Gang received a text message from Hua Zi with the nightclub address and appointment time clearly stated; he should have prepared it long ago.

Wang Gang glanced at the address and put his phone down. Just then, Chunxiao walked over carrying a plate of hamburgers and fries.

"Why are you delivering the food?" Wang Gang asked in surprise.

"I was just on my way to find you, so I picked it up on the way." Chunxiao gently placed the plate in front of Wang Gang.

"Thanks! I just hung up on Hua Zi. Should I call him over?" Wang Gang put a French fry in his mouth.

Chunxiao sat down next to Wang Gang and said, "Hua Zi has been quite busy lately, don't bother him. I came to see you about Sister Manny."

"Hmm?" Wang Gang asked in confusion, "Something happened to Sister Manny?"

Chunxiao hesitated for a few seconds and said, "Did you know that Sister Manny has had some trouble at home recently?"

"I don't know, I rarely pry into her private affairs."

Wang Gang and Manny had a simple relationship; they were running buddies who would play cards together when they had free time, so he never inquired about her private affairs.

Chunxiao sighed and said, "I shouldn't be telling you this, but after thinking it over, I still think you need to know!"

Wang Gang listened while eating French fries.

"Do you know about Sister Manny's background?" Chunxiao asked.

Wang Gang shook his head and did not answer.

“Sister Manny comes from a single-parent family. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she grew up with her mother. Before she graduated from university, her aunt passed away due to illness.”

Wang Gang listened quietly without offering any opinion.

“Recently, Sister Manny’s father has fallen seriously ill and wants her to return home to inherit the family business,” Chunxiao sighed.

Wang Gang said, "What does this have to do with me?"

Chunxiao asked seriously, "Do you know why Sister Manny's parents divorced?"

Wang Gang shook his head and said, "Of course I don't know."

Chunxiao frowned and said, "The person who broke up Manny's parents' marriage was her own aunt."

Wang Gang raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised, but said nothing. The phenomenon of a younger sister stealing her older sister's husband has existed since ancient times and will continue in the future; it's nothing new.

"Back then, Manny's aunt seduced her father, causing her parents' marriage to break down. This had a huge impact on her! Manny has never forgiven her father and aunt, and hasn't been home all these years," Chunxiao said.
"Not long ago, her aunt came to the bar, hoping that she could go back to see her father one last time. The two almost got into a fight."

Wang Gang recalled the middle-aged woman who had been chased away by Manny at the bar entrance.

Looking back now, that woman did indeed bear some resemblance to Manny.

"Why are you telling me all this?" Wang Gang asked.

"I can tell you have feelings for Sister Manny, but please, please don't hurt her," Chunxiao said seriously.

“Because of her parents’ situation, Sister Manny has never believed in love or marriage and has chosen to live a carefree life. She had a relationship before, but the other person was not a good match, and she has become even more withdrawn since then.”

Wang Gang smiled at Chunxiao and said, "Are you worried that I'll hurt Sister Manny?"

Chunxiao shook her head and said, "I hope you are serious about Sister Manny. She has really gone through a lot."

Wang Gang put down his fries and said, "Chunxiao, are you here to warn me as Manny's friend?"

Chunxiao said with unusual seriousness, "Gao Qiang, Sister Manny can no longer bear the pain of heartbreak."

Wang Gang understood Chunxiao's meaning, which could be summarized in one sentence: If you don't love her, please leave and don't bother her!
Chunxiao looked at Wang Gang nervously, waiting for his reply!
After pondering for a moment, Wang Gang asked Chunxiao, "Did Sister Manny not come to the bar today? Did she go back to take care of some things at home?"

Chunxiao nodded and said, "Sister Manny made a request to her aunt before, saying that she would only go to see her father one last time if he got a divorce. Her aunt just brought over the divorce certificate."

Wang Gang laughed and said, "She's just stubborn on the outside but soft on the inside." (End of Chapter)