Courtyard houses: Those who are capable are rewarded, and many children bring many blessings.

"Everyone says feelings grow over time, but it seems you have no feelings for me at all, it's all just scheming!" Niu Dazhuang was unhappy.

"Hehe, you said it yourself, feelings develop over time, and we've only been together a short while!"

"Damn it!" Upon hearing this, Niu Dazhuang didn't care whether guests would come or not, and grabbed the man and dragged him onto the sofa.

"Hehehe... I thought you wouldn't care about my thoughts. I guess you're not a heartless person."

Niu Dazhuang suddenly realized that this woman had a bit of a masochistic tendency; the rougher the movements, the more excited she became…

Lin Yongmei was a little stunned. So her owner still cared about her after all…

It was about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn when someone knocked on the door.

Chen Xueru quickly straightened her clothes, while Lin Yongmei went out to welcome the two blond-haired foreigners in.

As usual, Chen Xueru stood up to give Elena a cheek kiss. Perhaps she stood up too quickly, or perhaps... her legs went weak and she sat back down.

Niu Dazhuang was well aware of his own strength and knew that she would go weak in the knees, so he quickly helped her up.

"Dear Chen, are you feeling unwell?"

"No, I just got up too fast and I'm a little dizzy. Elena, please sit down. Vladimir, please sit down too."

"Chen, if you're alright, take us to the pub. I can't wait." That's how Soviet men are when it comes to drinking—they're always so eager.

Elena sat next to Chen Xueru. Women are meticulous; just now, due to the time crunch, Chen Xueru's hair was a bit messy, and her cheongsam was wrinkled.

The blush on her pretty cheeks hadn't faded yet. She hadn't shown any disgust when she saw Niu Dazhuang casually offer a helping hand.

In summary, these two have an unusual relationship, and something must have happened just now.

Elena leaned close to Chen Xueru's ear and whispered, "Chen, is this your new boyfriend? Did we come at the wrong time? Did we interrupt your intimate moment?"

"He's not the kind of boyfriend we traditionally envision, but he's more like the kind of boyfriend you have in your country." The two of them had already underestimated each other.

Vladimir shrugged, looking helpless. Niu Dazhuang stood up, took out a Daqianmen cigarette, and handed it to him: "Don't rush, let them talk for a while, let's go outside and have a smoke!"

Seeing the two of them go out for a smoke, Elena raised her voice: "Isn't this great? Chen, you can earn your own money, why do you still need to depend on a man? Look at me, I've never thought about getting married."

If Vladimir can't satisfy me that day, I'll kick him without hesitation.

"I've come to terms with it now. I'll just live like this!"

"That's right! You've heard that all the famous people in our country have lovers, and not just one."

Think about it from another perspective: you're his lover, and he's your lover too. If you're happy together, stay together; if you're not, break up and find another. There are plenty of men out there. Tell me, what is it about this man that attracts you? You've fallen for him so quickly?

"Hehe, I won't tell you. I'm afraid if I do, you'll hold a grudge. I'm fine now, let's go!" Chen Xueru was knowledgeable in military strategy, and the more she said this, the more curious Elena became.

"I was just about to say that you've become more open-minded, but why are you backing down now? In our Tsarist Russia, a lover could be shared with a close female friend."

"You said it yourself, it was before. Besides, our country isn't as open-minded as yours. Not only are women not open-minded, but men are too!" As she spoke, Chen Xueru stood up, tugged at her cheongsam, and then tidied her messy hair in front of the mirror.

"Oh my god, it seems we're not really best friends after all! This is so heartbreaking!"

"Elena, don't you have Vladimir now?"

"Our relationship is based on mutual interests. I'm after his status in China, and he's after my money. If you're willing..."

"Stop it, I don't want to. I still prefer the men from our own country."

"It's because you're not open-minded enough. Trying something different would be nice, but you lack the courage to try new things!"

"Don't say that in front of Dazhuang. If he finds out that you tricked me into sleeping with other men, he'll kill you, and he'll never agree to us dating again."

Elena slapped her forehead with her left hand: "Oh my God, how can you still have such thoughts? You're not an independent-minded woman. You've disappointed me so much."

"Alright, don't be disappointed. I'll explain it to you slowly later. Don't keep Vladimir waiting." With that, he pulled Elena out.

The group of five walked for about twenty minutes before arriving at the tavern.

When Xu Huizhen saw so many people arrive, she quickly stepped out from behind the counter to greet them.

"Huizhen, I'm introducing you to two foreign friends today. These are..."

Before Chen Xueru could explain, Vladimir reached out and tried to grab Xu Huizhen's hand.

Xu Huizhen, however, reached out to Elena. That's where Xu Huizhen's cleverness lay.

Vladimir withdrew his outstretched hand and awkwardly touched his nose.

Niu Dazhuang patted him on the shoulder and whispered, "Our customs are different from yours. Women's hands and waists are not to be touched by men casually."

"Hey, you're not being honest. I've shaken hands with women from your country when I'm working, and they haven't shown any sign of displeasure!"

"That was official etiquette; this is for ordinary people now, understand?"

Vladimir shook his head: "Really?"

"Come on, sit over there. Take a look tonight, see if this proprietress's hands have ever been touched by a man."

The most frustrated person wasn't Vladimir, but Cai Quanwu with the crooked neck, watching as Xu Huizhen sat down next to Niu Dazhuang with great enthusiasm, chatting and laughing.

How could she possibly keep her affair with Niu Dazhuang a secret from him? Although he hadn't witnessed it himself, he was always in the yard whenever Niu Dazhuang came over during that period.

Cai Quanwu draped a handkerchief over his shoulder, forced a smile, and quickly walked over: "Huizhen, you go keep an eye on things at the counter, I'll take care of them!"

Xu Huizhen knew exactly what he meant. She turned to look at Cai Quanwu, her eyes clearly showing displeasure, but her smile hadn't faded: "Xue Ru brought friends over, why are you joining in the commotion! Go back to the backyard and see if Xiao Jingli has kicked off her blankets."

Cai Quanwu could see the displeasure in her eyes, and sighed inwardly, but on the surface he still had to pretend to be happy.

"Alright! You sisters have a good talk, I'm going to the backyard to check on the kids!" Her expression changed as she turned around.

Mr. Niu, who was drinking idly at the next table, saw the whole situation.

"Xue Ru, you can't do this! Now that you have a man, you've forgotten about your best friend! It's been so long since you came to visit me!"