Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Chapter 35 You're such a clever little devil!

Xia Mingyue was a little surprised when she saw the two cents Wang Chengpeng handed her. She thought Wang Chengpeng had already accepted the two cents, but she didn't expect it to be just a misunderstanding.

That's true; people who are truly focused on reading wouldn't care whether the money tucked between the pages of a book has fallen out.

Thinking of this, Xia Mingyue said directly, "Comrade Wang, actually, these two cents were originally intended as money for your vegetables."

"Do you remember the stir-fried shredded carrots and pork you treated us to at noon that day? This is the money I paid for that dish."

"Borrowing books is just a small favor; I'm really embarrassed to accept something so valuable from you."

If it were just some coarse grain steamed buns or cornbread, Xia Mingyue would have accepted it, since it wasn't expensive.

However, in this era when meat was hard to come by, a plate of stir-fried shredded carrots with pork was quite expensive, and Xia Mingyue simply couldn't bring herself to accept it against her conscience.

Xia Mingyue's willingness to pay doesn't mean Wang Chengpeng is willing to accept it: "Those are books. Books have a price, but knowledge is priceless."

"Even if it's just a plate of stir-fried shredded carrots and pork, or even the best dish, it's all worth it if it can be exchanged for books."

"Could it be that Xia, the educated youth, doesn't want to share knowledge with me, which is why she intends to make things so clear?"

"I thought Xia Zhiqing was a generous person, but I never expected him to be so selfish."

Xia Mingyue: ? ? ?

I kindly lent them books and paid for their food, so why am I suddenly considered a selfish person?
Seemingly noticing Xia Mingyue's confusion, Wang Chengpeng smiled slyly and said:
"However, I don't think Xia Zhiqing is that kind of person. I think it's all a misunderstanding."

"How about this, my family also has some books, although they are very common, but there might be some that Xia Zhiqing needs."

"If you need it, I can lend you some."

"As for the stir-fried carrots and pork slices before, why don't you cook a little more next time you cook and treat me to it? It would be a way for you to repay this favor to me."

"As for the two cents, please don't mention it again."

Wang Chengpeng's words were reasonable, especially when he mentioned that he had books at home, which made Xia Mingyue's eyes light up.

However, when the topic of exchanging meals came up, Xia Mingyue blushed for no apparent reason and said in a very low voice:

"But, but I can't cook."

Most of these female educated youth sent to the countryside came from relatively well-off families, especially the best-off ones, so it was quite normal for them not to know how to cook.

This situation left Wang Chengpeng somewhat dumbfounded. How could his perfect plan have been ruined so easily?

Now I'm stuck in an awkward situation, unable to keep the money or return it.

However, just as the two were caught in an awkward silence, a voice finally broke the silence between them:

"You two are so stupid, you can't even solve something so simple."

"Mingyue, you can't cook, so why not just buy it?"

"Comrade Wang, would you be willing to sell a dish to Xia Zhiqing for two cents, and then let Xia Zhiqing use that dish to treat you back?"

The speaker was naturally Xia Mingyue's best friend, An Qiuyun. At this moment, her eyes were shining with a kind of "wisdom" that was hard to look directly at.

What is this all about?

After all that, didn't I still end up taking two cents from Xia Mingyue?
You are such a clever little kid.

Wang Chengpeng was speechless and immediately decided to reject An Qiuyun's "good suggestion".
Unexpectedly, Xia Mingyue seemed completely oblivious and readily agreed, saying:
"Qiuyun, you are a genius. You actually came up with such a good idea."

"Comrade Wang, just do as Qiu Yun says, and you can sell me one dish."

"I'll treat you to this dish in return, and then we'll be even."

Why does someone who usually seems so shrewd appear a bit dull at crucial moments?

Or perhaps it's because An Qiuyun's ability to lead people astray is too strong that she led Xia Mingyue astray?

Completely baffled, Wang Chengpeng had no choice but to compromise, saying:

"It's pointless to haggle over every penny." "How about this, I'll take the two cents, and I'll treat you to another dish at noon today."

"From now on, let's not talk about this anymore. We're even."

There was a lot of braised pork left over from last night, so you can imagine what the lunch delivered today will be like.

In this respect, Xia Mingyue actually benefited somewhat.

However, since he had already incurred a favor by borrowing the book, this actually suited Wang Chengpeng's thinking perfectly.

Xia Mingyue only then realized that An Qiuyun had led her into a trap. She glared at An Qiuyun, annoyed, and said:
"Okay, that's it."

"However, it is somewhat unexpected that Comrade Wang has books at home. If I have time, I will definitely visit your home."

The three of them were about to continue their conversation when Wang Fucheng interrupted them.

It's working hours now, let's talk about this later.

Before long, everyone returned to their posts and began another busy day.

Not only in learning, but even in manual labor, Wang Chengpeng can gain proficiency.

As his skills gradually improved, he became more and more adept at his work, always managing to do the most work with the least amount of effort.

Not only did they work quickly in half a day, but they also felt almost no fatigue, which was in stark contrast to the other educated youth around them who were drenched in sweat.

Time flies, and soon it was time to prepare for lunch.

The group casually found a shady spot under a tree to sit down and prepared to have lunch.

Those with less comfortable living conditions would bring their own lunch from home in the morning; although it was cold, it was enough to fill their stomachs.

Those with better financial means will have someone deliver the food. Although it's the same thing, freshly made hot food always tastes better.

Wang Meiyan always arrived on time, carrying a carefully woven little bamboo basket, and skipped and hopped into the fields.

It must be said that Wang Meiyan looks much better after the family split up; she is no longer the pale and thin woman she used to be.

In addition, Wang Chengpeng would always buy her delicious food, which made her much more cheerful.

It was precisely for this reason that Wang Tieshan sternly warned Wang Chengpeng to be careful not to go too far.

Even if you hide it well, people can tell how you've been doing lately just by looking at your complexion and health.

This is also why Wang Chengpeng felt that his uncle's family was burying their heads in the sand. Who could be so fat and bloated if they were starving?
From afar, Wang Meiyan greeted Wang Chengpeng, and the moment the two met, she pulled him to a secluded corner.

"Brother, I brought you something good, come and eat."

Sharing is a virtue, but definitely not when you yourself are lacking in it.

So, if someone brought good food from home, they would invite that person over to eat it privately, just like Wang Meiyan did.

His sister meant well, but Wang Chengpeng had already promised Xia Mingyue that morning, so he naturally wouldn't break his promise.

He then pointed in Xia Mingyue's direction and said to his younger sister, "Little sister, do you see that older sister? Go and call her over to eat together."

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's instructions, Wang Meiyan's eyes widened, and she looked at Wang Chengpeng with disbelief, whispering:

"Brother, we had braised pork for lunch today, it was so delicious, you can't call anyone over."

"If you really intend to share, let's do it tomorrow."

Wang Chengpeng gently tapped his younger sister's head and said with a smile, "You little rascal, I wouldn't have called anyone if it weren't for braised pork."

"Don't be stingy, go and call them over quickly."

"I'll bring you some delicious little cakes next time I go to the city."

(End of this chapter)