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The reborn of paranoid boss cannon fodder wife(336-340)
🕑 Added 2024-04-05 11:02:25 +0000 UTCChapter 336: Dream Back
The little one remained silent with clenched fists.
It was neither here nor there, without saying a word.
That poor scholar had nothing, only making Lulu suffer. Of course, he had to give Lulu money!
Bai Lu didn't hear a response; she only felt that the kid was trying to act mature, despite having the intellect of a three-year-old.
Let's talk about work... he didn't understand that either.
Let's talk about emotions... he understood even less.
Let's stick to reminders: "In the future, if you have something to say, misunderstandings can't last overnight, you know?"
"I have no misunderstandings," the kid denied.
Bai Lu's tone turned cold: "Who said that I'm playing the field?"
"I don't know."
He just thought she didn't like him, that's all.
"Lulu, be good... go to sleep."
Bai Lu brushed off the hand trying to comfort her on her shoulder, sat up, and looked at the clearly outlined face on the bed through the faint moonlight, meeting those eyes full of confusion and incomprehension.
Her tone was serious: "I'm telling you something very important. Don't let it go in one ear and out the other. In the future, if there are any conflicts, speak up. Don't keep them in your heart.
"The longer you keep them, the deeper the conflicts, the deeper the misunderstandings. Eventually, when the misunderstandings are resolved, there will be cracks in the relationship."
The last sentence was a relationship advice given by a psychology professor to Bai Lu and all the students.
Based on personal experience, he imparted his wisdom.
Xiao Cheng saw Bai Lu's serious expression and promptly nodded: "I understand."
"Lulu, go to sleep."
Bai Lu didn't sleep, her eyes half-closed as she stared at him with a gaze that was both gentle and chilly, scanning him from top to bottom.
"And Yun Ruolin's matter shouldn't be concealed either."
The kid instantly sat up: "I have nothing to do with her! Lulu, don't misunderstand!"
Bai Lu sighed softly: "I'm talking about the future."
He decisively responded with an "okay," pulled her close, and laid her back down, once again displaying his possessiveness from earlier.
Their arms intertwined, the sound of fabric rubbing against fabric, amidst the summer warmth, threads of heat permeated the air, flowing through their clasped hands on the bed, transferring warmth between their skins, sparking silent flames.
If not for the fan, Bai Lu would have been overheated.
She was starting to think like a big shot.
Explanation needs to be tailored to the audience. She must wake up early tomorrow; she must wake up before the big shot does!
As night fell and the world woke up, birds sang, and a hint of dawn crept into the sky.
The speckled ceiling reflected in slightly opened dark eyes, gradually expanding like a gaze into the abyss. Something soft stirred in his embrace, he felt a little dazed, and his heavy brain suddenly woke up.
His gaze followed.
Soft long hair spread over his chest, a young girl's face sleeping peacefully on the pillow, breathing gently, cheeks slightly flushed, her boneless hand encircling his waist.
As if afraid he might leave suddenly.
Xiao Cheng narrowed his eyes.
He had drunk too much last night, still hungover, which led to this absurd illusion.
Scene after scene, painful images replayed in his mind, clear vision once again obscured by mist.
Everything had changed...
Or had it always been this way...
All those warm and tender moments were like illusions, transient as a dream. Upon waking, they returned to square one.
But why were they so vivid, so gentle, so real, making him believe they could last forever?
It turned out it was all a misunderstanding.
Thinking unspoken affection was still affection.
Forgetting... she had never admitted it.
Xiao Cheng held the only warmth tightly in his embrace.
The deep eyes cleared of mist, covered by darkness layer by layer, the last trace of warmth replaced by coldness.
As the blood temperature dropped to zero, the beast broke free from its cage, the bloodthirsty and violent factor returned to the billions of veins.
Limbs and bones regained their chill, the breath at the fingertips lost its warmth, returning to its original state.
The warmth in his embrace gradually eroded and disappeared, inch by inch.
Until... it vanished.
Xiao Cheng's cold eyes flickered with a hint of light.
His gaze slightly lowered, firmly locking onto the soft figure in his arms, a cold curve lifting the corner of his thin lips.
Lulu...
Whoever you have in your heart, it can only be me.
...
Abandoned hospital.
In the pitch-black, dimly lit ward, a young girl was bound to a clean bed with cold chains, struggling. Her mouth was stuffed with a cloth soaked in medicine, unable to call for help.
Evil laughter approached the bedside, mingling with the rattling of desperate iron chains, crushing to a halt.
A thin, rough hand reached out...
"Bang!"
Bai Lu abruptly opened her eyes, cold sweat dripping from her forehead, her breath cut off by the nightmare finally restored.
Her chest heaved violently, her heartbeat pounding like a drum, as if it wanted to jump out of her chest.
Dilated pupils stared at the ceiling, calming down after a while, her gaze focused and regained clarity.
"Why... did I have that dream again..."
Bai Lu pressed her throbbing temples and got up.
Her fingertips, touching the bed, felt a chill, her brain buzzing, her gaze scanning the bed and its surroundings.
No one around.
The room was empty, only her.
Bai Lu slapped her forehead in frustration, one hand still feeling the remnants of the nightmare, wiped it away, and walked out.
"Clang!"
A water ladle fell to the ground.
Xiao Wei, standing in front of the broken jar, didn't care whether the ginger onions had been watered, he rushed to the main house.
"Sister-in-law! What's wrong, are you sick again?"
"No, I'm fine."
Bai Lu was puzzled by the question, ran her hand through her uncombed hair, "Oh... I got up too quickly, didn't have time to tie my hair. I'll tie it later when I go back. Where's your brother?"
Xiao Wei looked at Bai Lu's pale face, her lips devoid of any color, her small fingers clenched tightly.
"Big brother had something to do and went out. He told me before he left, if you asked, to tell you he went to the dock to discuss business with Jiang Zhengang."
It should be about the fruit export business; they needed to collaborate with Jiang Zhengang via the water route, as they had discussed over the phone earlier.
Bai Lu sighed softly, "Alright."
She could only explain when he came back.
"Sister-in-law, you look very pale, just like when you had a fever before, and your lips are... Sister-in-law, are you feeling unwell? Shall we go to the hospital?"
Xiao Wei didn't want to say Bai Lu was sick, but her complexion was really frightening, just like during those feverish days.
Looking at Xiao Wei's worried gaze, Bai Lu touched her forehead, which felt cold.
Touching her lips, they were cold too. Subconsciously biting her lips, warmth gradually seeped out.
"I'm fine now. It was just a nightmare. I'll be fine after washing my face."
Xiao Wei didn't believe it.
Because even after washing her face, Bai Lu still looked pale.
Only her lips had regained some redness, probably from biting just now, but they weren't as healthy-looking as yesterday.
Xiao Wei looked at Bai Lu, who was leisurely eating wontons, pursed his lips, and tentatively suggested, "Sister-in-law, shall we call big brother back?"
"When you were sick before, it was big brother who took you to the hospital. Let's call big brother back to take you to see a doctor."
Bai Lu smiled and looked up at Xiao Wei, her bowl already three-quarters empty, half believing and half doubting.
"How about... we call big brother back?"
"Before, when you were sick, big brother took you to the hospital. Let's call big brother back to take you to see a doctor."
Title: Chapter 337: Meeting
Bai Lu gently patted the little one's head, comforting him: "It's okay, really."
"Your brother is busy with work and needs to earn money to support the family. Let's not disturb him if we don't have anything important. After we finish the wontons, we'll go tend to the vegetables. Then you'll see if I'm okay or not."
If she had the strength to wield a small hoe for planting vegetables, her body should be fine. Xiao Wei slightly relaxed.
But there was no time for planting vegetables.
Because there was another matter at hand.
"Big brother said the building materials for the new house will arrive today."
Xiao Wei took out a neatly folded piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Bai Lu. "It's the list of materials that big brother gave. When the goods arrive, he wants you to help check them."
"Okay."
Bai Lu knew that Xiao Cheng had already chosen the materials and hadn't expected them to arrive so soon.
There were quite a few items, densely packed on the entire sheet of paper, ranging from large floor tiles to antique-style lanterns. Every item was personally selected by Xiao Cheng.
Looking at the list, Bai Lu could already imagine how beautiful and magnificent the new house would be once it was built.
After all, the materials were unique and had caused a sensation in the new town as soon as they arrived.
The neighbors on the street were amazed.
"Wow! What great stuff is this? I've never seen anything like it!"
"Look at these glazed tiles you only see on TV! And these marble floor tiles that shine so brightly, the patterns on the original wood floor tiles are so clear and smooth. We were all wrong in our guesses before!"
"The house will be so beautiful after it's built... definitely the most beautiful one in the entire town."
"More than just the town, there's nothing this good even in the city. Once Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu's house is built, it will definitely be the most beautiful and magnificent house in the whole of Pingcheng."
Amidst the neighbors' praises, Bai Lu spotted a familiar figure in the crowd.
Walking towards her with an umbrella in hand.
As noon approached, the sun hung high, casting waves of heat. The air was hot.
The girls with longer hair, the aunts, and grandmothers had all tied up their hair to prevent the heat from suffocating them and causing sweat to drip down their necks.
Even Bai Lu had tied her hair into a low ponytail, curled three times in the middle, forming a gentle bun.
Only "her" hair was half-up, half-down, dressed in a simple and elegant knee-length white dress, as if she couldn't feel the heat at all. With a smile on her face, she strolled leisurely as if she were out shopping.
The two of them unexpectedly met under these circumstances, without any signs or expectations.
"Bai Lu?"
The Bai Lu in Yun Ruolin's imagination, the Bai Lu she had heard about, should have been a timid and weak girl, pale and thin, never leaving her house.
But the Bai Lu before her, under the sunlight, stood tall with her head held high, her skin glowing, shining white, wearing a simple white shirt and pants, exuding an aura beyond ordinary people.
Just standing there, her radiance overshadowed everyone around her, standing out from the crowd.
And she could converse with everyone confidently and naturally, showing no signs of timidity or weakness, with a friendly and easy-going tone.
It was nothing like the Bai Lu she knew.
There was only one possibility.
Reborn.
Yun Ruolin stopped three meters away from Bai Lu, but Bai Lu had a look of unfamiliarity on her face.
"You are?"
Yun Ruolin smiled and spoke: "Yun Ruolin."
Bai Lu: "Oh."
Yun Ruolin: "..."
The truck delivering the materials had already left.
The neighbors had also gone back to buying groceries and cooking at home.
At Xiao Cheng's old house, there were only Bai Lu and Yun Ruolin left.
The scene was eerily quiet and strange.
Finally, it was Yun Ruolin who spoke first: "Are you brother Cheng's wife?"
Bai Lu forced a smile: "Which Cheng?"
Yun Ruolin's grip on the umbrella handle tightened slightly, but her smile remained unchanged: "Xiao Cheng."
Bai Lu: "Oh."
"Yes."
Her voice was as calm as water, without any hint of emotion or sincerity.
If it were in her previous life, Yun Ruolin would have believed the "Bai Lu" before her and felt no emotions towards Xiao Cheng.
But at this moment, she didn't believe it. Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng were about to build a new home together, yet there was no emotion between them.
"Is brother Cheng not at home?"
Bai Lu asked in return: "Are you looking for him?"
Yun Ruolin paused for a moment, then glanced at her: "Do you know who I am?"
Bai Lu smiled faintly: "You're the market operations worker for the air conditioning brand."
Yun Ruolin nodded.
Bai Lu added: "As brother Cheng told me."
Yun Ruolin: "..."
"And brother Cheng said you came to Nan City for market research. He didn't know about it originally. It was your father who told Li Si, and Li Si told brother Cheng. He also said that if you have time, you should meet us and we can have a meal together as a show of hospitality."
Bai Lu said everything she knew, leaving no stone unturned.
In one sentence, she cleared up Yun Ruolin's relationship with Xiao Cheng, and also politely hinted that Yun Ruolin couldn't afford to eat.
That's why her father had asked Li Si and Xiao Cheng to extend hospitality and invite her to dinner.
When the host extends hospitality, it's only natural for both the male and female hosts to invite. Xiao Cheng and I are the hosts.
Yun Ruolin's smile seemed to freeze on her face, or perhaps she maintained her composure.
After a moment, she spoke again: "My father is worried about me being alone outside and not adapting, so he asked brother Cheng to extend hospitality and take care of me."
Bai Lu remained expressionless: "Oh."
She showed no emotions of anger or annoyance, nor did she ask any further questions, as if she didn't care at all.
Directly steering the conversation to a dead end.
Yun Ruolin took a deep breath, her gaze turning to the pile of building materials at Xiao Cheng's old house.
"Is brother Cheng going to build a new house here?"
Bai Lu smiled: "Isn't it obvious enough?"
Yun Ruolin maintained a polite smile: "brother Cheng has good taste. When I introduced the building materials company to him, I was worried he wouldn't like them."
Bai Lu: "I liked them. He asked for my opinion, and I said I liked them, so he bought them."
Yun Ruolin: "..."
Bai Lu added politely: "He spent the money whether there was a discount or not. He spent his own hard-earned money, so there's no question of owing anyone a favor."
Yun Ruolin was well-educated and well-mannered, never revealing emotions she shouldn't. Even her micro-expressions were flawless.
But at this moment, there was a slight fluctuation in her gaze, staring at Bai Lu without moving.
Bai Lu smiled: "Miss Yun, do you have any other questions?"
Yun Ruolin withdrew her gaze, speaking casually: "I heard your college entrance exam scores were good, enough to get into a good university."
Bai Lu had always been low-key, but she explained what needed to be explained: "I got full marks in all subjects."
"I was the national top scorer in this year's college entrance exam."
Yun Ruolin tightened her grip on the umbrella handle: "That's good."
Bai Lu nodded: "I think so too. During the college entrance exam, brother Cheng personally took me there and picked me up. My perfect score also has something to do with him. He's really good to me."
Yun Ruolin's smile gradually faded: "brother Cheng has always been generous to his friends."
Bai Lu agreed: "He's not only generous to his friends, but also to his wife."
Yun Ruolin casually turned her head to look at her: "You're probably not of legal marriage age yet."
Bai Lu didn't deny it: "We're unmarried fiancees who have invited our elders to dinner."
Chapter 338: Take Care in the Future
Even though it was a fact.
Yun Ruolin maintained her smile, because in this day and age, the concept of marriage had long been abolished.
Unmarried couples didn't count for much.
"I believe you've seen it on TV too, there's a wider and better world out there. The economy here is ten years behind other provinces and isn't suitable for starting a business.
"Xiao Cheng is like a dragon trapped in shallow waters here, with no use for his business acumen. The outside world is where he belongs, where he can realize his ambitions."
Bai Lu replied calmly, "Who said this place is shallow waters?"
"Wherever brother Cheng is, there are no shallow waters. The electrical appliance store in town is the best proof."
Yun Ruolin lifted her gaze slightly, "Little Pingcheng."
Bai Lu remained composed, "Even in Little Pingcheng, one can strike gold."
Yun Ruolin glanced at her, "Your vision is too small."
Bai Lu didn't boast, "Even in a small town like this, there are opportunities for success."
Yun Ruolin said, "Having many friends makes the journey easier."
Bai Lu lightly smiled, "Friends with clear minds can cooperate, but friends who need guidance for every little thing will only hold you back."
The sunlight pierced through the umbrella, casting light on Yun Ruolin's tightly gripped hand, revealing the whitened fingertips.
If Yun Ruolin had any doubts before, she was now a hundred percent sure that Bai Lu had been reborn.
Moreover, in her previous life, Bai Lu should've have died after falling into the river; she might have had some adventures.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have such a clear mind now, completely shedding her past foolishness and weakness.
Bai Lu noticed Yun Ruolin's discreet scrutiny and could guess what she was thinking. However, she didn't intend to conceal or explain.
The original owner's personality was vastly different from hers. She had started to change since Yun Ruolin arrived, and this was inevitable. She couldn't continue to act dumb and naive; she had her own nature and her own life to live.
The neighbors in town were aware of her changes, and it was easy for Yun Ruolin to find out.
Pretending to be foolish and ignorant was meaningless; performing like a clown for others wasn't her style.
After Yun Ruolin left, Xiao Wei ran over with a water cup that had been left in the sun for a long time: "Sister-in-law, it's so sunny, drink some water to quench your thirst."
Bai Lu touched the little one's feverish head, took the water, and drank it all, then gently reminded him, "It's cooler under the big tree."
Xiao Wei felt a bit embarrassed and whispered helplessly, "But the sun shines through the leaves and still burns... Sister-in-law, let's go home and plant vegetables."
"Okay."
Bai Lu rested her hand on the little one's head and shielded him from the scorching sun as they headed home. "Yesterday, we didn't buy enough vegetable seeds. I'll go to the market again and buy some, along with ingredients for dinner."
"What do you want to eat?"
"Anything." The little one had no specific preferences.
Bai Lu chuckled, "Alright, then we'll have a feast and wait for your brother to come home."
"Yeah! Great!"
...
The teahouse was a good place to discuss business.
Quiet, high privacy, and customer confidentiality guaranteed that nobody would overhear anything.
Whether it was bribery or networking, everything could be summed up with the words "talking business."
Today's tea gathering was arranged by Jiang Zhengang to facilitate communication among relevant parties. When you're involved in waterway activities, it's inevitable to have contact with related individuals. Setting up a scenario is easy.
Besides Jiang Zhengang and Xiao Cheng, there were also two officials from the water department.
"Please take care in the future."
"Of course, we'll take care of each other, Xiao Cheng."
After exchanging pleasantries and discussing matters, they finished their tea. Those who shouldn't linger left promptly.
Xiao Cheng and Jiang Zhengang escorted them to the teahouse's entrance.
Under the sunlight, a taxi slowly pulled over, and the two officials got in, one after the other.
"Xiao Cheng, just a moment, we have some work to do today, so we'll take our leave first."
"The sun is strong, you two go back."
"Take care."
"Safe travels."
The taxi departed from the bustling area.
Only then did conversations start inside the taxi.
"Why is Xiao Cheng still developing in Pingcheng? I always thought that after he withdrew from the big boss's organization, he would give up and go elsewhere to pursue his career." Zheng Wen was quite surprised.
"The key lies in fruit export trade. It requires water transportation, which means he's challenging the big boss and Li Chengbin, as well as the five major buyers in Nan City. I don't know what he's thinking..."
"It doesn't matter what he's thinking. What matters is that we're now caught in the middle and in a difficult situation."
"Even if we take the money, we can't just let them pass. If the big boss and Li Chengbin have objections, let them sort it out themselves."
"I don't think Xiao Cheng is someone who will suffer losses. Last time, when Li Chengbin's men clashed with the big boss's men at the dock, I suspect..."
"Enough, let's not worry about things we shouldn't. Let's just watch from the sidelines."
"If the city gate catches fire, it won't burn us. Besides, Liu Zhenguo's side has been active lately. Let's gather some information..."
The teahouse continued its business.
The fragrance of tea filled the air, lingering gently.
"Are you really planning to settle down in Pingcheng?"
Jiang Zhengang finished pouring tea, filled Xiao Cheng's cup, and then filled his own.
Last time's sandalwood was thought to be startup funds for Xiao Cheng's venture down south, but it turned out to be the foundation for staying in town. It was unexpected.
Xiao Cheng, lost in thought, held the tea cup tightly, and after a while, he said, "This is home."
Seeing him lost in thought, Jiang Zhengang thought he was worrying about the progress of things and comforted him, "Don't worry, receiving gifts to do things has been a common practice since ancient times. It's the same in any line of work or industry."
"There shouldn't be any problems at the gate; it's the big boss and Li Chengbin's side you need to be prepared for."
Chapter 339: Let's Go Back
Xiao Cheng had built quite a network of connections during his years with the big boss.
In the past, he hadn't considered staying in the province for his career, so he hadn't actively cultivated his relationships.
The turmoil caused by the four major forces last time, as well as the power and connections he used, were all part of his "preparation" to follow him in secret.
Xiao Cheng had always been clear about what it meant to work for the big boss.
In fact, he had been preparing, both openly and covertly, all along and had never slackened.
Opening up the fruit trade within the province, both by land and by sea, was the fastest and most long-term plan.
Xiao Cheng had thoroughly researched coastal cities' processing plants, which were no less capable than their inland counterparts.
They could be long-term partners, and the most suitable partner for water transportation was Jiang Zhengang.
To deepen their cooperation, Xiao Cheng didn't mind disclosing more decisive information.
"It's time for a reshuffle in Nan City too."
Jiang Zhengang, seeing Xiao Cheng's determined demeanor, finally realized that the dragon had awakened.
All the major upheavals in Nan City were related to him.
"You, boy... I didn't expect this."
Jiang Zhengang laughed heartily, appreciating Xiao Cheng's audacity. "Nan City is so tough, yet you manage to bite into it. Anyone else would have broken their teeth by now. Well done!"
"Being prepared is common sense in business. You know a lot about this industry. I'm just starting out. Please take care of me in the future."
"Of course, let's take care of each other."
Jiang Zhengang laughed. "I've been out in the world a few years longer than you. If I had your courage, I'd be rich by now."
Jiang Zhengang had managed to remain neutral between the big boss and Li Chengbin, consistently vying for territory. He had his own faction due to his ability to balance the three parties' relationships, and was elected the leader of the association.
When it was necessary to give orders and make the most important decisions, the members would follow his arrangements.
Now, Jiang Zhengang wanted to bring this force to follow Xiao Cheng, which was a well-considered decision.
Nan City was bound to change sooner or later.
After the upheaval, the people on the docks under the big boss and Li Chengbin had already begun to stir.
When the time came for full-scale warfare and the fight for territory, they would no longer be able to remain neutral.
They would have to either side with the big boss or Li Chengbin; there was no possibility of refusal.
Jiang Zhengang had seen Xiao Cheng's ability to handle things and knew that Xiao Cheng was not only courageous but also intelligent.
Those who could accomplish great things were the most suitable to follow.
But Xiao Cheng had never been interested in the docks. To be precise, he wasn't interested in anything. He only collected debts and built his power without any enthusiasm.
Jiang Zhengang knew that Xiao Cheng didn't want to stay in the province. After leaving the big boss's organization, he would definitely go south.
As expected, after Xiao Cheng left the organization, he sold the wood and made a start-up fund.
Unexpectedly, however, Xiao Cheng didn't go south to start a business; instead, he opened an electronics appli store in Pingcheng and set his sights on fruit trading.
Jiang Zhengang was secretly pleased. He could roughly guess the source of Xiao Cheng's change—it must be his little wife at home.
Last time he sold the wood in another province, Xiao Cheng had been worried all the way and had called home that night.
This proved how important his little wife was to him.
Seeing Xiao Cheng finish discussing business and start to look absent-minded again, Jiang Zhengang couldn't help but smile and say, "Let's go back."
"Your little wife must be worried sick. I don't have any problems here. Whenever you have fruit ready, we'll ship it out of the province.
"We've worked together before, so things will surely be handled properly. If fruit can replace sand and stone as the main export route, then we'll all follow your lead."
Xiao Cheng snapped out of his reverie at the sound of Jiang Zhengang's voice.
With these words, Jiang Zhengang had completely taken sides.
After a few casual words, the two went downstairs together.
"Hey! Isn't this Brother Cheng?"
Liang Jianming had just finished collecting fruit in another village and had come to the teahouse with some friends to relax. He suddenly saw Xiao Cheng coming downstairs and stared at him with drunken eyes.
He was pulled forward by his friends to join in. "Brother Cheng, are you in the business now?"
"Are you here to discuss business at the teahouse? Aren't you here to collect debts? Changing your profession? What kind of business are you planning with Boss Jiang? Sand and stone won't do, right? That's the big boss's business. Do you have the guts to compete?"
At first, everything was fine, but the last sentence struck a nerve, and Liang Jianming's friends quickly pulled him back.
They didn't dare to look at Xiao Cheng's potentially murderous expression and hurriedly explained.
"Brother Cheng, he's drunk and talking nonsense! Don't take him seriously."
"Jianming has had too much to drink and is babbling nonsense. Please don't mind him."
With the obstacle out of the way, Xiao Cheng ignored him and walked away coldly.
Jiang Zhengang didn't want to cause trouble with a drunkard, especially one of the five major buyers in Nan City.
Their business conflicted with what they were going to do, so it was best to avoid trouble.
But just as the two were about to leave, the obstacle stumbled over again and blocked their path. "Wait! Brother Cheng, where are you in such a hurry to go?"
Xiao Cheng's tone was cold. "Get lost."
If Liang Jianming hadn't been drunk before, he would have left after being met with such a cold response. After all, anyone in the business knew not to provoke the Dragon of Dao Kou, and anyone with a normal brain wouldn't seek death.
And Liang Jianming was no exception.
Of the five major buyers, his power was the smallest, and his numbers were not enough to match Xiao Cheng's firepower.
In the past, when he encountered Xiao Cheng, he would just ignore him and move on. Water and fire never mixed.
But now, he was trying to block Xiao Cheng's way with drunken eyes and talking nonsense.
"You want to talk business. Let me guess. Is it the fruit from that mountain village of the Xiao family?"
Xiao Cheng looked down at Liang Jianming with a cold and indifferent gaze, as if he were looking at ants. He didn't even bother to respond.
But Liang Jianming continued on his own: "I remember... I heard... Isn't Xiao Village your hometown? Those people from that small place are so ignorant. We offered them a good price, but they refused to sell. They really want to suffer!
"In the end, they even called a young girl." Liang Jianming laughed with narrowed eyes. "She's beautiful, unbelievably beautiful, but she's got a problem with her head. She actually helped those poor guys drive us away, completely blind to the situation."
Chapter 340: In Need of Discipline
Xiao Cheng's eyes filled with a chilling aura, his face as cold as a frozen pond, his provoked presence stirring the surroundings.
This was the first time Jiang Zhengang had seen him so concerned about Xiao Village, getting angry at the slightest mention of it, his temper ready to explode.
It was completely unprecedented, something that never would have happened before.
"I was saying, Cheng..." "Boss Liang!"
Jiang Zhengang interrupted Liang Jianming's drunken rambling, saying, "Boss Liang has a business meeting scheduled, let's head upstairs quickly."
Even if one seeks death, there should be a limit.
Liang Jianming's friends, not as drunk as him, naturally understood better than Liang Jianming himself the consequences of angering Xiao Cheng.
Urgently dragging Liang Jianming back, one of them said, "Jianming, let's go upstairs quickly!"
"If we don't go upstairs soon, Uncle Lei and the others will be anxious. The business hasn't been settled yet..."
Liang Jianming was not annoyed by being dragged away. He whispered mysteriously to Xiao Cheng, "Brother Cheng! Let me tell you secretly, that pretty girl from the village is named Bai Lu."
"When she just walked out of the crowd, some poor guys from Xiao Village greeted her. I overheard it."
"Let me tell you, if it wasn't for Bai Lu suddenly appearing, the fruits from Xiao Village would be on the market by now. Your poor fellow villagers wouldn't have to continue gnawing on tree roots, biting tree bark, scrimping even on sweet potatoes."
"Tsk tsk tsk~ It's so pitiful! Brother Cheng, this kind of meddling beauty is in need of discipline..."
Liang Jianming said with a lewd smile.
He didn't notice that Xiao Cheng had rolled up his sleeves, revealing his powerful forearms in the air. With a grip, his knuckles emitted a terrifying sound.
Jiang Zhengang was shocked and stunned by Liang Jianming's reckless "discipline..." talk. Apart from Xiao Cheng's wife, who else could Bai Lu be?
Daring to touch the sensitive nerve, it's no wonder Xiao Cheng exploded in rage.
"Brother Cheng, please calm down! We'll leave right away! Jianming talks too much nonsense, blocking your way. We'll take him away immediately, let's go!"
"Don't block the way, Jianming! Let's go, let's go!"
Liang Jianming's friends, unaware of why Xiao Cheng suddenly erupted in anger, were terrified and hurriedly dragged Liang Jianming away.
But Liang Jianming stubbornly clung to the pillar at the teahouse entrance, squinting his eyes and licking the pillar, "Little beauty Bai Lu~ Fair-skinned and tender, as beautiful as a fairy, but disobedient and meddlesome, in need of discipline... When I catch her and bring her home..."
Xiao Cheng's fist clenched, veins bulging, just as he was about to kick the pillar, he caught sight of a steel pipe behind the door.
He changed direction.
...
The sun sets in the west.
Smoke rises from the small town, carrying the aroma of cooking, wafting through the streets.
"We've got a feast ready!"
Bai Lu brought out the last dish, a slightly spicy chicken, placed it on the table, took off her apron, and looked at the table full of home-cooked dishes with a sense of accomplishment.
Xiao Wei brought over three bowls of rice and placed them on the table, arranging them in their respective positions.
Sniffing the fragrant dishes, Xiao Wei's small eyes, filled with resentment and anticipation, looked towards the door, "Why hasn't Big Brother come back yet?"
"Is he still busy..."
"Maybe."
Bai Lu diverted her gaze from the slightly open door and picked up the remote control. "Let's watch TV for a while. He should be back soon."
"Are you hungry? Do you want some fruit first?"
Xiao Wei's eyes were fixed on the delicious feast, decisively shaking her head, "Not hungry."
"Let's watch TV and wait for Big Brother."
On the TV screen, there was a scene of earth-shattering battles, quickly overshadowing the allure of the feast on the table.
The bright eyes of the two, big and small, were glued to the TV, completely captivated.
The aroma of the food went unnoticed.
The rice, untouched.
Until...
An advertisement appeared, instantly cutting off their attention, redirecting it back to the table.
Bai Lu looked at the steaming hot dishes, now slowly cooling, sighed, and looked back at the door, "Does your brother have a phone?"
"Jiang Zhengang's phone?" Xiao Wei shook her head, "No, Big Brother just said he'd be back before sunset."
But now the sun had already set.
As darkness fell, the red clouds were shrouded in darkness, eroded and covered, and it was about to be night.
Bai Lu got up, "I'll go out and see..."
Before she could finish her sentence, the door creaked open from outside.
"Big Brother!"
Xiao Wei called out and immediately went to serve the food.
Perhaps waiting always made people feel like time was dragging on forever. Bai Lu had been waiting to say something for a long, long time, but now, as she watched the tall figure closing the door behind him, she couldn't control her steps and rushed towards him, falling into his arms, "Why are you back so late... Hmm?"
"Why is there a smell of blood!"
As Xiao Cheng turned around, he was hugged tightly by Bai Lu, and in his dazed state, he heard her words, subconsciously saying, "It's someone else's."
Only after answering did he realize it was inappropriate.
He wanted to explain but it was too late.
Bai Lu's gaze scanned his hand accurately and landed on the hand behind his back, and...
She grabbed it.
"What happened to your hand?"
Bai Lu smelled the source of the blood, picked up the large hand, and looked at it in surprise, her eyes widening.
"Why are there still shards of glass!? Your joints are bleeding freshly. Did you...?"
"Lulu."
Xiao Cheng suddenly hugged Bai Lu tightly, who was full of concern, without pulling back the hand she held. Instead, he raised his other hand to stroke her head, running his fingers down her soft hair.
His tone was slightly lowered, "Let's eat first."
"But..." Bai Lu pushed Xiao Cheng away, but held onto his wrist, trying not to touch the wound.
"The glass shards need to be removed first."
Xiao Cheng saw the concern overflowing from her eyes, his heart slightly moved, and his gaze shifted to the main house.
There, was the scent of home.
Xiao Wei had already scooped up three bowls of rice and placed them in their respective spots, silently staring at the TV as if it were transparent.
He didn't see anything.
Didn't know anything.
The TV drama was good, the food was fragrant, his stomach was hungry... What are Big Brother and Sister-in-law doing?
Bai Lu wanted to tend to Xiao Cheng's wound, but Xiao Cheng led her to the table to eat instead, giving a straightforward reason.
"I don't like cold rice."
But didn't you used to eat it often before?!
Bai Lu wanted to drag him back to the room, "It'll be quick, and the food won't get cold so fast. Even if it does, we can reheat it, no need to eat cold rice."
"I don't want to wait."
Bai Lu was pushed into the chair, still holding onto his hand, "Who asked you to come back so late."
Xiao Cheng held her hand back, gripping it tightly then letting go. Under the table, she held onto it again.
He glanced at her with a slight raise of his eyes.
With a light sigh, he picked up his chopsticks, picked up a piece of braised pork ribs, and put it in her bowl, "Eat first."
Bai Lu pursed her lips, looked down at the dishes gradually piling up in her bowl, quickly ate the first piece of braised pork ribs.
After swallowing it whole, she immediately reminded, "You need to eat quickly."
Xiao Cheng watched her chubby cheeks like a little pufferfish, smiling softly in response, "Okay."
Xiao Wei didn't know why his brother and sister-in-law's hands were in such a peculiar position, one on the table and one under the table.
He was curious but dared not ask, dared not say, and dared not peek under the table.
Better to just eat quietly.
