Siheyuan: A Very Happy Era

Chapter 546 It's all about money.
"Aunt Zhen!"

"Hey? Qiangzi, you're back!"

"Yes, I just got back a couple of days ago."

Hearing this answer, Zhen Hexiang felt a pang of sadness, but she quickly composed herself and hurriedly got up to pour Li Guoqiang a glass of water.

"Um, Aunt Zhen, are you free later? There's something I want to tell you."

Li Guoqiang reached out and took the enamel teacup, then looked at Zhen Hexiang's gentle and delicate face, a hint of admiration appearing in his eyes.

Compared to Qin Jingru, Qin Huairu, and Yu Li, Zhen Hexiang's character and qualities are undoubtedly more valuable.

If it weren't for the fact that she had a child, he might have wanted to take Zhen Hexiang with him.

"Okay, wait for me a moment, I'll go ask for leave."

Upon hearing Li Guoqiang's words, Zhen Hexiang didn't ask what it was about. She immediately nodded in agreement, then turned and walked out of the office to ask her supervisor for leave.

Before long, she walked back quickly, a smile on her face, making it clear that she was in a good mood.

However, when she brought Li Guoqiang home and heard him say that he was taking his wife and children to Jinshanbao and wouldn't be coming back as often, the smile on her face vanished instantly.

"Are you telling me this because you're planning to abandon me?"

"No, that's not what I meant. I just came to tell you about this so you won't overthink things since you haven't seen me for several months."

Seeing Zhen Hexiang's reaction, Li Guoqiang hurriedly offered an explanation.

"So, you're not coming back for the next few months?"

Zhen Hexiang's expression had just softened when she heard that Li Guoqiang wasn't trying to sever ties with her, but then she heard that she wouldn't be able to see Li Guoqiang for several months, and a wave of bitterness washed over her.

In her view, this was no different from being dumped.

"That's hard to say, we'll see how it goes!"

Li Guoqiang shook his head and then told the truth.

According to his plan, and considering the operational needs of Xiangmizhai, he will try to return once a month in the future.

However, he certainly wouldn't make any promises too readily, lest Zhen Hexiang keep waiting for him to return.

Rather than giving Zhen Hexiang some unrealistic hope, it would be better to make the situation seem worse from the start.

That way, when he comes back, he can give Zhen Hexiang some surprises.

"Ok!"

Upon hearing this answer, Zhen Hexiang lowered her head and remained silent for a while.

Then, she suddenly looked up and said earnestly, "Qiangzi, why don't you take me with you?"

"Are you alright? If we take you there, what will happen to your two children? What about your family?"

Upon hearing this, Li Guoqiang was slightly taken aback, and then asked with some surprise.

"I"

Upon hearing this, Zhen Hexiang was speechless.

Originally, she wanted to take her child with her to Jinshanbao with Li Guoqiang, but when she heard Li Guoqiang ask about her family, her decision wavered.

Moreover, what identity should she assume when she goes with Li Guoqiang?

"Alright, I know you'll miss me. I'll try to come back to see you more often in the future. Just stay here and live a peaceful life, raise the child, and take good care of your family."

Seeing Zhen Hexiang like this, Li Guoqiang quickly tried to comfort her.

After saying that, he saw that Zhen Hexiang was still a little down, so he simply stopped talking and took a step forward to pull her over.

And just like that, more than an hour passed quickly.

Finally, Zhen Hexiang rested her head on Li Guoqiang's shoulder, and then complained in a slightly coquettish tone, "You! You really don't cherish me at all!"

"Ah!"

Upon hearing this, Li Guoqiang chuckled inwardly, then reached out and lifted Zhen Hexiang's chin, saying with a mischievous grin, "Isn't this exactly what you wanted?"

"Hate!"

When Zhen Hexiang heard Li Guoqiang say that, she immediately lowered her head in embarrassment.

To be honest, she herself couldn't understand why she seemed to become a different person whenever she was with Li Guoqiang.

After much thought, she could only conclude that it was because she genuinely liked Li Guoqiang.

Li Guoqiang was well aware of this, and knew that it was entirely because Zhen Hexiang had a strong desire for power, which was why she appeared so compliant.

After lingering like that for a while, seeing that it was getting late, Li Guoqiang got up to go back.

Upon seeing this, Zhen Hexiang's previously smiling face suddenly turned somewhat disappointed.

"Alright, don't think too much about it. I'll try to come back to see you more often."

Seeing Zhen Hexiang's reaction, Li Guoqiang quickly offered a word of comfort.

Then, taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention outside, he opened the door and quietly left.

Zhen Hexiang stared blankly at the house, which had become somewhat empty again, for a long time before finally letting out a soft sigh.

Before we knew it, it was evening.

After a day of adaptation and adjustment, Xu Yuchang, Ma Hongjun, and Sun Jinda were basically able to master the daily operations of Xiangmizhai.

Even if it may have some impact on business, it will only be temporary.

Before long, Li Guoqiang will bring some villagers from Jinshanbao to take over the positions of Shang Xiuzhen, Pan Qiaoyan, and others.

In addition, to put Qin Jingru at ease, he also recruited her into Xiangmizhai and gave her a formal job.

In addition, Xu Yuying did not occupy a position at Xiangmizhai; she was a village representative temporarily transferred from Jinshanbao to supervise the accounts.

In other words, after returning to Jinshanbao this time, he only needs to bring four more people with him.

As they closed for the day, Luo Huijuan, Shang Xiuzhen, and the others stood at the shop entrance, quietly looking at the Xiangmi Zhai signboard and everything inside, their faces showing a hint of reluctance.

It can be said that this shop is the result of their joint efforts and also holds many shared memories for them.

But all good things must come to an end, and now it's time to say goodbye.

"Let's go!"

Soon after, at Li Guoqiang's call, Luo Huijuan, Shang Xiuzhen, and the others, carrying their children, boarded the tricycle one after another and followed Li Guoqiang back.

At this moment, Xu Yuchang, Sun Jinda, and Ma Hongjun stood at the shop entrance, silently watching Li Guoqiang and Luo Huijuan leave, their eyes filled with complex expressions.

Once upon a time, they were just country bumpkins who had just come to the city from the countryside, knowing nothing and finding everything strange. But now, they have not only married city wives and had a son, but they have also become the owners of the renowned Xiangmi Zhai shop, becoming capable city dwellers.

All of this was brought to them by Li Guoqiang.

It can be said that without Li Guoqiang, they would not be where they are today.

They had originally planned to repay Li Guoqiang's kindness if they had the chance in the future.

Who would have thought that Li Guoqiang would suddenly decide to take his wife and children back to Jinshanbao!

Soon, the rumbling sound of the tricycle gradually disappeared into the dimly lit street.

Seeing this, Xu Yuchang and the others exchanged glances, then quickly closed the shop door and hurried home to be with their wives and children.

Not long after, Li Guoqiang, Luo Huijuan, and the others returned to the courtyard. As soon as they entered their own courtyard, they saw Qin Huairu and Jia Zhangshi arguing and pulling at each other.

"Li Guoqiang, you're back just in time. I have something to tell you."

As soon as Jia Zhangshi saw Li Guoqiang enter, she immediately put on a stern face and called out.

"Qiangzi, um, I'm sorry! My mom heard you're taking your wife and kids to the countryside, and she insists on coming to see you."

Seeing this, Qin Huairu hurriedly and somewhat awkwardly offered an explanation.

As she spoke, she tried to pull Jia Zhangshi away.

However, with her strength, she simply couldn't move Jia Zhangshi's fat body.

Just as she was getting extremely anxious, she suddenly heard Li Guoqiang's voice.

"Aunt Huai Ru, let go of your mother-in-law and let me have a proper talk with her!"

"This"

Upon hearing Li Guoqiang's words, Qin Huairu hesitated.

Others might not know, but she knew perfectly well why Jia Zhangshi had come to see Li Guoqiang.

What if Jia Zhangshi says something she shouldn't and angers Li Guoqiang? Will their family still be able to live a good life in the future?

"Get out of my way!"

At this moment, Jia Zhangshi didn't care about anything else. She directly threw Qin Huairu aside and strode over to Li Guoqiang.

Just as she was about to speak, she saw Li Guoqiang suddenly turn around and walk towards the door, clearly wanting her to come inside and talk.

She didn't object and immediately followed.

Seeing this, Qin Huairu was about to follow when Luo Huijuan signaled Qin Jingru to stop her.

Soon, Li Guoqiang and Jia Zhangshi sat down at the tea table in the room. Before Jia Zhangshi could say anything, he took out a large black coin from his pocket and placed it on the table.

When Jia Zhangshi saw the money, her eyes lit up. Then, she hesitated for a moment, and instead of reaching for it, she frowned slightly and asked, "What do you mean by this?"

"Ah!"

Seeing that Jia Zhangshi was still putting on airs at this point, Li Guoqiang chuckled inwardly and asked with a smile, "Didn't you say you'd give me three yuan a month for retirement? Now that I've given it to you, why are you asking me what I mean?"

"What about the ten yuan?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Jia was delighted, and then glanced at Da Heishi with a flicker in her eyes.

"This is for the next three months, of course."

Li Guoqiang immediately guessed what Jia Zhangshi was thinking and then bluntly interrupted her delusions.

"Oh!"

Upon hearing this, a look of disappointment flashed across Jia Zhangshi's face.

Fortunately, she knew that Li Guoqiang was not easy to talk to, so even though she was somewhat disappointed, she did not make any excessive demands. She simply reached out and put the large black bill into her pocket.

"Grandma Banggeng, is there anything else you want to say?"

When Li Guoqiang saw Jia Zhangshi accept the money, he raised an eyebrow and then asked indifferently.

"No, there's nothing to say!"

Looking at Li Guoqiang's nonchalant demeanor, Jia Zhangshi felt a sudden jolt, then quickly shook her head and replied.

In fact, the main reason she suddenly came to his door was because she was worried that Li Guoqiang would dump Qin Huairu and then cut off her monthly pension of three yuan.

Now, without her even having to say anything, Li Guoqiang has already given her three months' worth of pension in advance, so how could she dare to say anything out of turn?

"Alright, then please go back if there's nothing else! I still have a lot to do!"

Upon hearing this, Li Guoqiang immediately told the guests to leave, without showing any courtesy to Jia Zhangshi.

When Jia Zhangshi saw Li Guoqiang's attitude, a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes. Then, thinking of the big black bag she had already stuffed into her pocket, she didn't dare to say anything and could only obediently stand up and walk out.

"Mom, you're not saying anything inappropriate, are you?"

When Qin Huairu saw Jia Zhangshi come out with a slightly sullen face, her heart immediately jumped into her throat. Then, ignoring Qin Jingru and Luo Huijuan who were still standing next to her, she hurriedly went forward and asked with concern.

When asked the question, Madam Jia did not answer, but glared at Qin Huairu with some annoyance before quickening her pace toward the hanging flower gate.

Seeing this, Qin Huairu was also a little confused about what was going on.

She wanted to find Li Guoqiang and get to the bottom of things, but she was worried that doing so would anger him. In the end, she could only stomp her foot and anxiously chase after Jia Zhangshi.

Seeing this, Luo Huijuan's eyes flashed with a thoughtful expression. She then quickly went into the house and, looking at Li Guoqiang who had just stood up, asked with concern:
"How are you? Are you alright?"

"Ah!"

Upon hearing this, Li Guoqiang couldn't help but chuckle and say, "What could possibly be wrong? She came to our door just for money."

"Well, it's okay."

Upon hearing Li Guoqiang's words, Luo Huijuan immediately felt relieved and hurriedly turned around to go to the kitchen to help with the cooking.

Seeing this, Li Guoqiang hesitated for a moment, then went out and found Qin Jingru, and whispered, "Let's go! Let's go to your house and talk to Xu Damao."

"Ok!"

Upon hearing this, Qin Jingru's eyes lit up, and she hurriedly went to the backyard with Li Guoqiang, forgetting that she hadn't eaten yet.

At this time, Xu Damao was also secretly pondering the news that Li Guoqiang was going to take his wife and children to the countryside, and he had some doubts about the matter of practicing basic skills.

After all, he had been practicing for over a month and hadn't gotten any feel for it at all.

If it weren't for the scene of Li Guoqiang taking him to a high altitude and then plummeting down, which kept spurring him on, he probably wouldn't have been able to hold on much longer.

Just as he was wondering whether he should go to Li Guoqiang to ask for clarification, he suddenly heard the sound of a door opening. He turned around and saw Qin Jingru with a bright smile, leading the dashing Li Guoqiang as they strode in.

(End of this chapter)