Free Web NovelChapter 167: Chapter 167: Scoundrel
The private dining rooms at the state-run restaurant were on the second floor. As Wen Yaozu climbed the stairs, he grumbled, "Those two just now were even worse than me."
He had a reputation at school for being a no-good troublemaker.
After seeing those two, he felt completely outclassed. Talking trash behind someone’s back was one thing, but getting caught and then turning around to blame the victim...
Huo Jingyuan looked at him, an easy smile on his face. "Today, your brother-in-law will treat you to whatever you’d like."
"Do you even have any money on you? And you’re here talking about footing the bill."
Huo Jingyuan handed over his entire salary, so he was completely broke. "We’re married. Isn’t your money my money?"
Wen Ci was reminded of a popular online saying. Her eyes curved into crescents as she smiled. "Your money is my money, but my money is still my money. Got it?"
"Is there a difference?"
"A world of difference."
When they reached the second floor, they found the private rooms were decorated in an elegant style. Behind a screen was a miniature landscape of mountains and rivers, and the gentle sound of flowing water filled the air.
A waiter brought over the menu. "You can order anything on the menu, and if there’s something you want that isn’t listed, you can order that as well."
"Alright."
Wen Ci opened the menu and ordered a black fish soup. Black fish was good for recuperation.
Then, she handed the menu to Wen Yaozu. "You can order the rest. But only four dishes, alright?"
Four dishes and a soup were more than enough for the three of them.
The portions at the state-run restaurant were generous.
Wen Yaozu pouted. "Sis, can I really only order four dishes?"
"And four dishes isn’t enough for you?"
"It’s not. I want to order five."
Wen Ci sighed softly. "Fine."
In the end, Wen Yaozu ordered Beijing Roast Duck, Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs, Sichuan and Chongqing Twice-Cooked Pork, Braised Beef in Soy Sauce, and Stir-fried Shredded Potatoes.
Wen Ci raised an eyebrow.
’I thought he would order five meat dishes.’
’I didn’t expect him to include a vegetable dish.’
Wen Yaozu grinned broadly. "You need a balance of meat and vegetables for a nutritious meal. And shredded potatoes are pretty good."
Shredded potatoes were his favorite vegetable dish. He could tolerate most others, with the sole exception of bitter melon.
Before long, all the dishes had arrived.
Wen Ci stood up and ladled a bowl of the black fish soup for Huo Jingyuan. "Drink this. It’ll help you recover faster."
"It’s not some miracle cure."
"Just drink it."
Huo Jingyuan did as his wife said and downed the entire bowl of soup in one go.
The next moment, another piece of black fish appeared in his bowl. He looked up, exasperated. "Can you let me serve myself?"
"You don’t like it?"
"I like it."
Wen Yaozu just kept quiet and stuffed his face. Every word spoken was a bite lost, and opportunities to eat at the state-run restaurant were rare.
-
By the time they finished eating, the sky had grown dark.
The streets had grown quiet. Wen Ci shoved her hands into the pockets of Huo Jingyuan’s jacket to keep them warm.
"Have you thought this through? If you really want to learn about computers, you’ll have to listen and behave from now on."
Wen Yaozu’s expression was more serious than ever. He raised his right hand, holding up three fingers. "I’ll learn! I swear, from now on, if my brother-in-law tells me to go east, I’ll never go west. If he tells me to go south, I’ll never go east!"
Wen Ci was very pleased with his attitude.
"So, are there any fees for the Beijing Military Region?"
"There shouldn’t be a fee," Huo Jingyuan replied.
At the beginning of the year, a directive was sent out to all military regions. It stated that units with the means should purchase a computer using public funds. If a soldier purchased one at their own expense, the unit would be responsible for providing a free connection to the front-line network.
The Northwest Military Region was simply too remote for the signal to reach; only the provincial capital had coverage.
"Huh? No fee?"
"I’ll go and ask tomorrow. If it’s possible, I’ll have Grandpa ask someone to bring that computer over."
