Restarting life in Siheyuan

"If Lao Yang is not here next year, I will be in trouble. It won't work. If it takes too long, there will still be uncertainties."

Sha Zhu was completely sober by now. Half a pound of alcohol was not a big deal, but when he thought about what Lao Yang and the big boss said after drinking, Sha Zhu realized that Lao Yang's position was not as stable as before, and he started to worry again.

"Brother Zhuzi, you are worrying about nothing. You are even worried about department-level cadres. You just want to go to Hong Kong. If you believe me, come to me when you really want to go. Don't ask or worry about other things. I will get you there and send you back. If you want to stay there, that's fine too."

Sha Zhu grabbed Zhu Xuefeng's hand and looked at him in disbelief.

"Brother, you didn't fool me, do you still have this ability?"

Zhu Xuefeng nodded, "After leaving this room, just pretend I never said this. If I hear even a word of this somewhere else, I'll just let it go."

Sha Zhu suddenly stood up excitedly, rubbing his hands and turning around.

"It's all right now, it's settled, all settled. As soon as their family comes over, I'll ask Lao Yang to apply. If that doesn't work out, I'll trouble you for help, brother. Don't worry, I'll keep this matter to myself.

After leaving the house, Zhu Xuefeng was still regretting. Why talk about this for no reason? If Sha Zhu was really forced to this point, it would not be impossible for him to help. It was really irrational to say such things to a drunk and talkative person.

Another person who regretted the same thing was Li Huaide who was far away in Hong Kong. Li Huaide was very regretful as he just walked out of the police station. The police came to his door because of the motorcycle he sold at a low price. As soon as they accused him of illegal sales, Li Huaide was immediately dumbfounded.

Fortunately, the police in Hong Kong recognize money, and Li Huaide was released after paying a fine of 50,000 Hong Kong dollars and being detained for one day.

The police in Hong Kong love money very much. Li Huaide felt this and fined him 50,000 in one go, which was enough to buy several houses in Hong Kong. He had to pay this money himself. The Hong Kong police seemed to have calculated that he had earned 50,000 in recent days and confiscated it all in one go.

As for the motorcycles that had been sold, they were all seized by the police. From their frank words, we knew that these would be sold legally. As for the money from the sales, there was no doubt that it was all theirs. The tax department was not involved in the whole process, and Li Huaide did not dare to ask more questions. The police said that if the tax department took over, it would not be such a cheap deal. Not only would they lose everything, but they would also have to spend the rest of their lives in jail.

Li Huaide knew that he couldn't go out for a while. If the person who bought his car saw it, he would probably be in big trouble. They spent money but their car was confiscated.

I have been fined so heavily that I cannot afford the compensation, so I can only hide in the factory and not go out.

Fortunately, the news from his father-in-law gave him some hope, otherwise, he would not want to stay in Hong Kong for even a day longer. It was too damn dangerous. A deputy department-level cadre dared not even reveal his identity here. If a few policemen were only concerned with making money by issuing fines and not paying much attention, it would be a joke if this news got back.

There are many people from mainland China in Hong Kong, but I have never heard of a deputy department-level official being taken away for tea by a small policeman.

My father-in-law has officially taken office and is in charge of the economy. According to his idea, the Ministry of Commerce will set up a special agency in Hong Kong and learn from Dongsheng Company to try to open up the North American and European markets. If successful, he will be able to completely get rid of the capitalists who are sucking blood from the steel mills.

With this piece of news as a guarantee, Li Huaide finally calmed down and decided to cooperate well and make outstanding contributions to the country's foreign exchange earning cause.

"Damn capitalism! Even if I, Li Huaide, die in battle here, I will not run away. Come on, let the storm come even harder. I, Li Huaide, am not afraid!"

After Li Huaide encouraged himself, he still felt a little awkward. It was the first time he pronounced his own name, and he felt a little awkward. What did "you bad" mean? What was wrong with him? Why was he still preparing for a tough battle in the capitalist camp?

Back at the factory, I had another headache thinking about how to face several sales staff and two charming secretaries.

The workers at the steel rolling mill have been here for a year and according to regulations, they will go back at the end of the month and be replaced by a new group of people. Li Huaide thought about it and it seemed that nothing had been missed. A lot of foreign exchange had been paid back for the replacement of the workers, and the foreign exchange for the motorcycles that were intercepted and sold was also filled in at the ex-factory price. As for those that were not sold, they could be delivered directly to Dongsheng Company next time, and there would be no problem with the accounts.

It seemed that his own money was affected a little. The more than 10,000 yuan that was exchanged for workers' foreign currency was lost. It was really hateful. This was Li Huaide's six years' salary to make up the amount. Li Huaide still felt a little painful.

Mr. Lou also felt the pain. He couldn't transport the hard currency at home. It took him a long time to find a middleman. The middleman was quite capable. He had already sold all the first batch of hard currency in exchange for a storage certificate from HSBC Bank in Hong Kong.

Unfortunately, the middleman took away 30% of the profits.
"Master, should he still do the rest?"

Mrs. Lou looked at the small storage certificate and asked in a low voice, while Mr. Lou covered his chest.

"Let me think about it. This is too much of a loss. He converted it based on the domestic recycling price and we already lost once. Then he went to Hong Kong and cheated us of the remaining 30%. It's too much. In total, we lost nearly 50%."

Mrs. Lou was also helpless. There were too many things in the cellar and there was really no way to move them. The management was strict now and it was difficult to move them. Besides, there was no suitable and safe place. Except for this building, all other properties had been donated.

"But we can't help it. Besides, it was already agreed upon at the time. It's a pleasant surprise that they can bring it over. We have no choice."

"Yeah! No choice!"

Lou Bancheng looked at the list in his hand. As a tycoon who had been to Hong Kong many times, he had some knowledge. This thing was real, and he had orders worth nearly two million at home.

Mr. Lou was cautious with the hard currency he brought this time and only took out a small portion to test the waters. Now it has succeeded, but even Lou Bancheng feels distressed about the expense. After all this trouble, half of his fortune will go into someone else's pocket. This is the savings that Lou Bancheng has accumulated over so many years.

"He can't be fed to death. He's too greedy. I can't do this. Let me think about it again." Mr. Lou felt very painful. If he donated half of his fortune, maybe he could leave in an honest way and come back with dignity in the future. Now he felt so aggrieved. It was something a real man should not do.

"It's been delayed for several months. Will something bad happen if I don't leave now?" Mrs. Lou was still very worried. For the sake of her little fortune, she lived in fear for several months. Fortunately, no one came to visit, but her daughter was always complaining. Now the matter between her and He Yuzhu was still hanging there, and the master was holding on to the household registration booklet and refused to let go, and her daughter could do nothing about it.

But this is not a long-term thing. The man named He Yuzhu came up with a good idea. Mrs. Lou has already thought about it. When the time comes, she will just keep the girl there. Mr. Lou seems to have changed his mind about this silly boy who never leaves him. She might as well keep him there as a son-in-law. Besides, the silly girl has already handed herself over.

Master Lou was very solemn and thought for a long time. "I am increasingly confused about this era. There are chaos everywhere. It should be very unstable, but the capital seems to be fine. Look at everyone. They have enough food to eat and work enthusiastically every day. No one has had any problems."

Mr. Lou was very confused. He was now locked up at home and was not very clear about many news. However, several major events were reported in the newspapers. Logically, the situation should be chaotic and a person like him would certainly not be able to escape. However, he had been living in fear for several months, but there was no movement at all.

"If you ask me, it's already here. Nothing has happened for so long, so it shouldn't be a big deal. Besides, I'm being honest now and I haven't made any mistakes. Maybe I can get to shore safely."

Looking at Mr. Lou who was worried about gains and losses, Mrs. Lou sighed. It was him who lost his temper at that time, and it was also him who regretted it now.

"Since you have decided not to leave, let Ezi get married. Fortunately, it's not October yet, so it's not a big deal. I think He Yuzhu is very concerned about our daughter. She has told him everything, and even after all this, he still wants to go to Hong Kong to get a marriage certificate."

Mr. Lou felt upset whenever he talked about his daughter. This silly girl had turned her back on others before she even got married. She even dared to spread such a secret at home. If anything went wrong, the whole family could be killed. Fortunately, after a scare, this silly girl was still a little lucky. He Yuzhu did not report it and even wanted to go to Hong Kong to get a marriage certificate. Only then did Mr. Lou start to like Silly Zhu. He thought he was a man of affection and righteousness. He was reluctant to abandon his sister, and reluctant to abandon Lou Xiao'e.

It's just a bit foolish. After getting the certificate, he still wants to run back. Mr. Lou was so angry and laughed at Silly Zhu's idea. What kind of weird brain can come up with such an idea? After getting the certificate, the couple will live in separate places from then on. It's too bizarre. The funny thing is that the silly girl actually agreed. What a pair of fools.

"If we are not from the same family, we will not enter the same door!"

Mrs. Lou, who did not wait for Mr. Lou's reply, heard him sigh for no apparent reason, but she quickly understood his intention.

"Since we are a family, let them get the job done. I have been complained by this little girl every day. I don't know how I have survived the past six months."

"Don't worry, good things never come too late. I've taken a liking to this kid. It's rare to find someone so loyal and righteous these days. Just tell me, I supported so many people back then, but now that things have changed, they all stay away from me, as if I were a pile of shit. Over the years, the only ones who have come to visit us are the Xu family. It's a pity that his child is so useless."

Mrs. Lou was unable to respond. This incident almost became a laughing stock for the Lou family. If Lou Xiao'e had married at that time, her new son-in-law would have been caught for adultery within two months, and the Lou family would have been completely disgraced from then on.

“There are fewer and fewer people like this!”

Hearing that Mr. Lou was still sighing but did not respond to his daughter's matter, Mrs. Lou became a little anxious.

"Is this why you asked me to lend him money when the Xu family asked you for help last time?" "Yes, even though that kid is not very good and is nothing, Old Xu still respects us. Instead of letting other people get the big ocean and yellow croaker for free, I might as well lend them to them. It can also be regarded as a good story of master and servant."

"My son is like this, it can only be because I didn't teach him well. He follows me. Master, you may have misjudged me."

Knowing that his wife had looked down on this family since she found out about Xu Damao's dirty deeds, Master Lou was not angry. "This life is long. He has been like this for so many years. Even if he has been lying to me, I will accept it. Regardless of whether it is true or false, he has been treating me the same way for so many years, so what's the harm in lying to me?"

Mr. Lou's calm and indifferent attitude made Mrs. Lou feel very uncomfortable. Is this still the same Lou Bancheng who was once so powerful?

"Master, since you are not leaving, you should quickly arrange Ezi's affairs. I think He Yuzhu is a sensible person and will not complain. He has been delayed for half a year and has no resentment. When the time comes, let your daughter bring more toys over to comfort her."

Mrs. Lou’s idea was very simple, but Mr. Lou still shook his head.

"I said there's no rush. I like this son-in-law. You can tell Ezi that we can have a secret relationship. I don't mind. Even if he stays at my house secretly, I will pretend I didn't see anything. But it's better to wait to get the marriage certificate."

Mrs. Lou couldn't understand why Mr. Lou's thoughts kept changing, which made her very uncomfortable.

"Don't ask. This matter cannot be decided yet. If I don't leave now, it doesn't mean I won't leave in the future. Of course, it is possible that I won't leave in the future. Let's wait and see. I always feel that there will be big things in the second half of the year."

"You can't keep putting it off like this. If you keep putting it off, your daughter will grow up. What if one day..."

Mrs. Lou spoke too quickly and almost let the cat out of the bag, so she quickly stopped talking.

"What if something unexpected happens someday?"

Mr. Lou still asked, and Mrs. Lou answered cautiously. "What if the two of them are old and still drag their feet on getting the marriage certificate? Will He Yuzhu be unhappy? He's not young anymore. Will he look for someone else?"

"No, in my opinion, these two silly kids are stubborn and won't change. Just follow my instructions and everything will be fine."

After these few months of sticking with each other, Mr. Lou has finally seen through Sha Zhu's true nature. Although he still has some opinions about him not paying enough attention to his personal image, he is a trustworthy person and is absolutely sincere to his daughter.

In this day and age, if you can meet someone like this, what else can you ask for? Mr. Lou finally understands everything.

"Isn't he a cook? I heard from Ezi that he likes to study recipes. Don't you have your family's ancestral recipes? Give it to him as an apology. Let him think about it carefully. Maybe our family's good future will depend on him."

Mr. Lou had already made the worst plan, and Mrs. Lou just laughed in her heart. The master then remembered that he had sent it away long ago, but he was trying to please her.

"Master, this is a good idea. Even if Ezi doesn't have our help anymore, she can still live like this."

Mr. Lou slowly laid down on the recliner, "If we can get there, we will help the young couple open a restaurant. I have seen He Yuzhu's cooking skills, they are very authentic. After learning your family's recipes, it may be possible for him to make a name for himself there."

Seeing that the master's tone showed more and more respect for He Yuzhu, Mrs. Lou was both happy and sad. She had finally waited for the master to completely accept her, but he was still dragging his feet and not allowing them to get the marriage certificate. What kind of thing was this?

Sha Zhu, who was unaware of the unexpected events that had occurred here, was at home, presenting his arrangements as if he were presenting a treasure. With Brother Zhu's backing him up, he was in a good mood.

"You think our team leader can help?"

Sha Zhu was cautious and just said that Zhu Xuefeng could help cover their affairs and they were destined to be husband and wife in this life. Lou Xiao'e was also very surprised. Does the team leader have this ability?

Sha Zhu nodded, "He didn't say what he could do, but he did agree to help me. You may not know my brother very well. It's not a sure thing. He wouldn't say that. He really has the ability. Whether you believe it or not, I still believe him."

Lou Xiao'e glared at Sha Zhu in reproach, "Who said I don't believe it? I don't know how capable our team leader is. He went there last year, so he might have a way. Haha, good news, Zhuzi, I love you to death."

When Lou Xiao'e heard Sha Zhu say that it was a sure thing, her heart was already flying. The long-awaited happy day was beckoning to her. She was so excited that she was about to rush over, but unexpectedly, she heard a voice outside the door.

"Pillar."

Sha Zhu was stunned. Isn't this Qin Huairu? Why is she here at this time? Although it was not dark yet, she should have seen it when she brought Lou Xiao'e into the yard just now.

"Oh, Sister Qin, wait a minute, I'll open the door."

Sha Zhu glared at Lou Xiao'e, helped her sit down, held down her restless hands, and whispered instructions.

"Don't be weird, I'll ask her what's going on."

Lou Xiao'e nodded without saying anything. She saw Sha Zhu unbolt the door bolt and open the door.

"Sister Qin, what's the matter?"

Qin Huairu chuckled, "If there's nothing wrong, my sister-in-law can't come to you. You too, it's not even dark yet, why are you closing the door so early?"

As he said that, he walked inside. Sha Zhu didn't know whether to stop him or not. He was scratching his head for a moment.

"I came to check. You haven't sent me clothes for a while. I have nothing to do tomorrow, so I'll come and get them myself. Oh, and the bed hasn't been washed for a while. I remember the last time I washed it for you was in the summer. You're such a grown-up, but you're still so unrefined. Who will be willing to marry you then?"

As he said that, he walked into the door and seemed surprised to see Lou Xiao'e, and was stunned.

"Oh, Ezi is here too. Sorry for what I just said. Look at my mouth."

Sha Zhu was going to do something with Lou Xiao'e, and it was open to the public in the yard. Even the bedding was prepared by Auntie and Qin Huairu. However, few people knew about it because things went wrong several times.

"Oh, Sister Qin, it's okay. He is a bit unruly. I will take care of him from now on. Don't worry about the dirty clothes. I will help him wash them."

But Sha Zhu knew that Lou Xiao'e didn't even wash her own clothes at home, so how could he let Lou Xiao'e wash them for him? But it seemed a little inappropriate to hand it over to Sister Qin in front of Lou Xiao'e, and he didn't know how to start the conversation for a moment.

"Sister, you are too polite. You are a grown-up girl who has never married into a family. It's not good for you to do such a thing. Besides, I have been helping Zhuzi with his dirty clothes, quilts, and sheets over the years. It's okay. I have washed his stinky socks and pants that can stand up. Don't be embarrassed. Just think of me as his sister. When you really marry into the family, you won't need to help me."

Seeing Qin Huairu say this and Sha Zhu not saying anything, Lou Xiao'e felt a little unhappy.

Seeing Qin Huairu easily find Sha Zhu's dirty clothes, remove the bed sheets, and skillfully find clean sheets from the cupboard to change into, Lou Xiao'e felt very uncomfortable.

She stood up without saying a word, picked up her small bag, and walked out the door without looking back. Sha Zhu wanted to stop her, but saw Qin Huairu coming out with a pile of dirty clothes and asked.

"If you have any more, take them all out."

Sha Zhu glanced at Qin Huairu and slapped his thigh in frustration. "My sister Qin...", then he turned around and went out to chase Lou Xiaoe.

(End of this chapter)