Free Web NovelChapter 1088: Chapter 961: The More You Use Favors, the Cheaper They Become
"Alright, your dad and I have it figured out. Just remember to keep your mouth shut and not spread rumors outside. Keep practicing the accordion and whatever else... Make sure to practice every day, especially during the selection so you don’t embarrass yourself."
Wen Yu confidently shook his head and laughed, "Don’t worry about it. I’ve learned these instruments from my sister for so long, while I may not be better than the Ping’an brothers, I’m not bad either."
"You..." Cheng Ruzhu was at a loss for words and lightly poked him with her finger. It was indeed the right decision to transfer the child to a different school. Even though he doesn’t live at the Zhou Family, he has learned a lot.
Wen Yu, unconcerned, brushed his close-cropped hair with a smile and a hint of a carefree attitude. With one hand in his pocket, this demeanor made Wen Congwen, who had just entered, frown.
"Did you see your grandma? How is the old lady’s health?"
Wen Yu immediately straightened up his left hand and stood properly, "Dad, my grandma says she’s doing well and she wants you and mom not to worry. By the way, my eldest cousin is being transferred here. My grandpa said that last time uncle was scared by grandma, so now cousin and cousin-in-law will accompany them in Beijing. It’s settled and should be done before the year’s end."
Cheng Ruzhu smiled happily, "That’s the way it should be. It’s perfect since your cousin-in-law is pregnant. When the baby arrives, the house won’t feel so lonely."
"Mom, how could it be lonely? I already told grandma that she can help me find a partner. When I get married, I’ll live there and keep them company."
Wen Congwen glared at his son, "You’re old enough to think before you speak. Don’t talk recklessly about this in front of your grandparents; they might have thoughts."
"Oh, aren’t big brother and second brother both getting married? With you all there, it’s already enough for grandpa and grandma." Wen Yu said as he noticed his dad’s face darken, he immediately smiled, "Alright, I understand what you mean. You’re worried about people thinking I want to take advantage of the grandparents, right? Since my grandpa and grandma have someone to accompany them, I’ll step back."
Cheng Ruzhu, seeing this, immediately signaled her son with a look, "Don’t go out wandering around when you have nothing to do. Quickly go and keep your grandparents company; they seem to have something to tell you."
"Understood!" Wen Yu saluted and immediately slipped out. If he stayed any longer, his dad would start giving lectures, and he’d rather take a few hits than listen to the "tight headband" talk.
Seeing their son slip away, Wen Congwen shook his head, "This kid is never serious, but he did say something right. It’s time to start arranging for the eldest son’s marriage."
"No rush, I’ve noticed his grandma is already preparing." Cheng Ruzhu pulled him to sit down, "I called Jiao Jiao, but she wasn’t there; Xiao Wu answered.
He wants to go to his hometown; he hasn’t been back in a long time and is worried about neglecting it. Plus, who knows when the educated youth will return to the city, which relates to future family issues.
I think he has a very good point. Later, he suggested if he should look for someone and find a way for the child to go directly to the countryside under his registered family’s jurisdiction to join a team?"
Wen Congwen nodded in agreement, "He’s still looking ahead. Sixteen is neither too old nor too young, and it’s not long before they’ll need to find partners."
After pondering for a while, he continued, "Let’s not rely on Xiao Wu for now; I’ll find a way to solve it with some old friends in the next couple of days. There’s no need to make him send favors for such small matters."
Cheng Ruzhu also thought this way; favors grow thinner the more they are used. Zhou Jiao and her husband have helped their family too much over the years, and it’s best not to bother them with anything insignificant.
By the weekend, a rain in the afternoon cleared the summer’s stuffiness, and the Ping’an brothers pushed a flatbed cart accompanied by Zhang Guoqing and Zhou Jiao.
"Mom, do you want to sit on it?"
Zhou Jiao immediately shook her head; she wasn’t old enough to be pulled by her son. It would be embarrassing.
On this rare day off, Zhou Jiao originally planned to take the kids to the hutong courtyard to chat with the master. But the old man, skilled in enjoying life, had already gone to the countryside early in the morning.
Now the kids said they wanted to go to a nearby recycling station to buy some old newspapers and wood for fire kindling. The real meaning behind this suggestion made Zhou Jiao unable to refuse.
After crossing an intersection, Zhang Guoqing saw the kids head right and quickly reminded, "Go left."
Ping’an was momentarily stunned, then his eyes lit up, and he changed direction to continue pushing. Seems like his dad often visits these nearby junk yards.
After walking and stopping for half an hour, they finally reached the recycling station near the city gate.
As Zhang Guoqing said, there are many smart people in Beijing, and some four to five people were busy picking through the piles in the remote courtyard.
Zhou Jiao first negotiated with an aunt at the entrance, randomly pointing to the cart and casually giving a reason; she secretly slid a small amount of money according to the "rules."
Zhang Guoqing sheepishly touched his nose. Lucky he didn’t wear his military uniform today; otherwise, it would really affect his image. He took the cart and let the kids go inside first.
When Zhou Jiao saw the kids running to the dump area, she raised her eyebrows in surprise and asked Zhang Guoqing in a whisper, "Why aren’t they sorted and cleaned into warehouses here?"
Zhang Guoqing lightly shook his head and signaled to speak at home. A historic city with thousands of years, in every nook and cranny there’s no shortage of contraband, and the waste transfer stations in several districts have long been piled up.
As for this place, it is near the outskirts and far from the paper factory. Several collection stations nearby continuously dump the worst trash here.
There are indeed many things, but the value is low, so it’s not noticed. When it’s time to clean up, it coincides with the wave of people going to the countryside. Occasionally there’s a truck pulling away items once a month, and the staff are naturally perfunctory.
Zhang Guoqing doesn’t see value in the authenticity and ignores the severely damaged paintings with only half a picture, as well as those fragmented ceramics.
Thus, he focused his energy on those damaged pieces of wood. Some items can be pieced together into chairs or stools.
"Mom, this broken box can be fixed by Dad for you to store cash."
"I have one too. Once it’s washed, I’ll use it to store snacks for Grandma."
Zhou Jiao smiled at an old man watching, glanced sideways at the twins in amusement. Do they really think people don’t recognize quality? Learn to stop when gaining.
May 1st narrowed his eyes a bit with a smiling face, greeted the old man warmly, and squeezed in among them for a chat, while Liu Yi cleverly shifted position to grab things from the trash.
Ping’an quietly searched for books in a corner, soon filling a sack with broken books, which he gestured to Zhou Jiao, indicating the sack, as he moved next to May 1st.
"Go play over there; don’t disturb the elders."
One of the old men waved his hand, indicating the woman guarding the door with a laugh, "It’s fine. Little fella, quickly go find that granny and see if she’ll let you into the house to search for comic books."
May 1st eagerly nodded, "Will do, thank you, grandpa. Be careful not to fall here; I’ll go find the old lady first."
Ping’an watched his brother run off and smiled apologetically to the group, bowed his head down and kept rummaging, gradually moving closer to Zhou Jiao with his findings.
