Chapter 061 Yang Zhiqiang's blind date

Shi Qiu Shui was young, but not stupid. When he heard that something exciting was going on, of course he wanted to watch.

Not only did she want to watch the fun herself, she also wanted to drag her father to watch it with her.

So, when she got home, she started chattering about the blind date next door, Yang Zhiqiang, who was going on that Sunday. Then, she blinked her big eyes and said, "Dad, aren't you curious?"

Shi Yue: "They're on a blind date, why should I be curious about it?"

Shi Qiushui: "I'm curious. On Sunday, I'll definitely go over and see what's going on."

Shi Yue: ...

He twitched his lips and said, "Alright, if you want to join in the fun, go ahead."

Anyway, they don’t have any activities planned for this Sunday.

The next day, Yao Dazui sent a message that the girl agreed to meet him in the courtyard on Sunday. Shi Qiu Shui became even more excited.

Shi Yue was confused. It wasn't like she was meeting a child like Shi Qiu Shui, so why should she be so excited?

However, Shi Yue couldn't stop Shi Qiu Shui, the gossipy little guy.

Early on Sunday morning, Shi Qiu Shui got up early without anyone calling her. The first thing she did was to drag Shi Yue to the small park to exercise.

"No, I don't want to. I'm not going to exercise. If you want to go, go to the backyard to find your Uncle Zhao and exercise with him." Shi Yue covered his ears, turned over, and continued to sleep.

Shi Qiushui: "Dad~ Dad, get up~ Dad~"

Shi Yue: “Huff, huff, huff—”

Shi Qiu Shui blinked, and finally gave up calling Lazy Dad.

She walked with her short legs to wash herself, and then ran to the backyard. When she arrived at the door of Zhao's house, Zhao Hui and Zhao Ran just opened the door and came out.

Seeing Shi Qiushui, Zhao Hui asked without any surprise, "Xiaoqiu, your father didn't get up again today?"

Shi Qiushui nodded vigorously and said, "Well, Uncle Zhao, my dad is staying in bed again, and he asked me to go for morning exercise with you."

"Okay, let's go." Zhao Hui has become accustomed to this situation.

Zhao Hui, who does morning exercises every day, has better physical strength than Shi Yue. After running two laps around the small park, Zhao Hui was just a little out of breath. He was nothing like Shi Yue, who collapsed on the ground and couldn't even stand up.

"Hey, Xiaoqiu, did your dad tell you what he wanted to eat for breakfast today? I'll buy it for you when we get home later." Zhao Hui still had the energy to care about the breakfast of the Shi family's father and daughter.

Shi Qiushui: "Uncle Zhao, no need. My dad gave me money. I can buy it myself."

Zhao Hui: "Okay."

After resting for a while in the small park and watching Li Xiuying dance for a while, Zhao Hui walked home with the two children. When they passed by a breakfast stall, Zhao Hui bought a big bag of fried dough sticks, and Shi Qiu Shui bought two trays of small buns. Carrying breakfast, they returned home quickly.

When Shi Qiu Shui returned home, Shi Yue was already up.

He stayed in bed not because he couldn't wake up, but because he didn't want to go for morning exercise. As soon as Shi Qiu Shui and Zhao Hui left for morning exercise, he got up.

At this moment, Shi Qiu Shui came back, and he was still urging Shi Qiu Shui.

"Oh, my girl, look at how sweaty you are. Come, quickly get a basin and wash your face. I won't go anymore, I'm done."

Shi Qiushui: ...

She curled her lips and handed over the breakfast: "Then I'll go wash up, Dad, you take out the breakfast and put it in the basin."

Shi Yue: "Yeah, okay."

He took the breakfast and opened the cupboard to get the things he was packing while muttering quietly, "You only bought buns, but no soup? I'll make some more soup. Xiaoqiu, do you want porridge or egg soup?"

Shi Qiushui thought about it and simply said, "Egg soup."

Shi Yue: "Okay, go ahead. I'll make egg soup right away."

He slipped on his slippers and walked towards the small kitchen. Shi Qiu Shui quickly took the basin to wash up.

She came to the side of the pool and Yang Zhiqiang was also washing up.

Because they had agreed beforehand that they would not tell anyone that they were meeting each other, but just have a simple meeting, so Yao Dazui did not spread the news that Yang Zhiqiang was going to have a blind date in the courtyard today. No one else in the courtyard knew about this, and they were quite surprised to see Yang Zhiqiang at this moment.

"Hey, Zhiqiang, when did you come back? I didn't see you yesterday."

Yang Zhiqiang: "I came back last night. It was quite late and it was already dark."

"Oh, so, Zhiqiang, you're taking a day off today and not opening the store? That's not right. I saw Li Juan went to work as usual this morning, didn't she?"

Yang Zhiqiang: "Oh, I'm off today, but the store is still open as usual, and there are people watching over it."

"Oh, that's what I was talking about. Hey, Zhiqiang, my family wants to buy a color TV soon. What brand do you think is good? You sell these things, so you must know more about the pros and cons of these brands. Can you recommend some to me?"

Yang Zhiqiang: "Ah, a color TV. You can buy a Peony brand, Feiyue brand, or Venus brand. Any of them will do..."

"Zhiqiang, please recommend one to me. I'll buy whichever one you say is good. I won't buy it anywhere else but your store."

Yang Zhiqiang: "If I have to choose one, it would be Peony brand. After all, it is our local brand. I think it is quite suitable."

"So, how much is the Peony brand TV in your store?"

Yang Zhiqiang: "It depends on the size you buy. Different sizes have different prices..."

"Hey, just tell me how much the cheapest price is in your store. Be honest. We've been neighbors for years, you can't gouge me..."

Yang Zhiqiang still had a smile on his face, but it was no longer sincere.

Ever since he opened his shop, he has encountered this kind of thing many times. People want to buy things from him at a low price, but he gives them the cost price, which means he doesn't make any profit himself. However, people are always not satisfied and compare prices everywhere. If they find a shop that is cheaper than his shop, they will think he is ripping them off and say he is dishonest.

He was extremely reluctant to receive such acquaintances. He didn't make much money but had a lot of work to do.

But after all, they were neighbors living in the same yard, and they saw each other every day. It would not be appropriate for him to refuse too harshly.

He smiled and was about to say something when Old Lady Yang called him.

"Zhiqiang, what are you dawdling about? You just wanted to wash up, but why did it take you so long? Did you forget you have something else to do today?"

Although Old Lady Yang was soft-hearted, she was not stupid. She heard what the neighbor said to Yang Zhiqiang and knew that Yang Zhiqiang must be unhappy, so she called for help.

Yang Zhiqiang quickly responded: "Hey, Mom, I'm done washing, I'll be back soon."

He turned around, smiled at the neighbor who had just spoken, and said politely, "Well, Auntie, if you want to buy a TV, come to my store another day and we can talk in detail. My mother is calling me, so I have to go back first."

After he said that, he hurried home carrying the washbasin.

"Tsk, he just asked how much a TV costs, why can't he just tell me directly? He even made me go to his store to see what I'm looking for? If I go to his store, he'll definitely rip me off, I'm not going..."

After Yang Zhiqiang left, the neighbor's face drooped and he started to complain mutteringly. Shi Qiu Shui heard it clearly.

She secretly glanced at the neighbor who was talking. It was the old woman Huang from the Huang family in the backyard. She had heard from Yao Dazui before that this old woman was not easy to get along with.

Now it seems that they are not easy to get along with. It seems that she needs to stay away from this family in the future.

After watching a little gossip, Shi Qiu Shui washed up and went home with a washbasin. After entering the house, she went into the kitchen and whispered to Shi Yue about the old woman.

After listening to this, Shi Yue also felt that Old Lady Huang was not a good person. It was obvious from what Old Lady Huang said that she thought Yang Zhiqiang was trying to cheat her, but Yang Zhiqiang clearly didn't say anything. If she really thought that Yang Zhiqiang was trying to cheat her, then she shouldn't have bought a TV from Yang Zhiqiang.

You took the initiative to find someone, but you think they are trying to cheat you out of your money. What kind of person is that?

Shi Yue: "Old Lady Huang is not a good person. Don't associate with her in the future. She is from the backyard anyway and doesn't live in our front yard. We can't have much dealings with each other in normal times."

Shi Qiushui nodded: "Yes, Dad, I know."

Shi Yue: "Okay, then you take that bowl out first. My egg soup is ready. I'll serve it right away and we can eat."

"Okay~" Shi Qiushui ran to the cupboard to get the dishes and chopsticks, and then put them on the table. Shi Yue also brought out the egg soup.

The father and daughter sat down and were about to enjoy their breakfast when they suddenly heard a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Shi Yue felt strange. Who would knock on his door so early in the morning?

The person knocking on the door didn't say anything, but knocked twice more.

Shi Yue frowned and stood up, walking towards the door while shouting, "I'm coming, I'm coming, stop knocking."

As he spoke, he walked quickly to the door and opened it with a swish. He saw Captain Xu standing at the door. Captain Xu was not wearing a police uniform at the moment, but casual clothes.

He exclaimed in surprise, and asked, somewhat bewilderedly, "Captain Xu? What brings you to my house so early in the morning?"

Captain Xu: "I have something to tell you. Well, let's go inside and talk."

Shi Yue: "Ah, okay, okay..."

He turned aside to let Captain Xu in. Captain Xu came in and saw breakfast on the table. He smiled and said, "Are you and your daughter having breakfast? Oh, I'm really unlucky to come here."

Shi Yue waved his hands quickly: "No, no, Captain Xu, you're joking."

He warmly invited Captain Xu to sit down and said, "Well, have you had breakfast yet? If not, I'll give you a pair of chopsticks. Would you like to sit down and eat something with me?"

Captain Xu: "No need, I've already eaten."

Shi Yue: "You've already eaten, forget it then. Then I'll pour you some water, would you like some?"

Captain Xu: "No, I'm not thirsty. Shi Yue, please stop busying yourself. Sit down first and I'll talk to you about business."

Shi Yue sat down: "Okay, let's get down to business. Tell me, what's the matter?"

He looked a little nervous and confused.

Serious business? What serious business is there that requires you to come to him so early in the morning?

Captain Xu noticed his nervousness and said with a smile, "Don't be nervous. I'm looking for you for good news."

He said, "Do you remember those antique scammers you reported to me the day before yesterday?"

Shi Yue: "Ah, I remember, what happened to them?"

While chewing on a bun, Shi Qiu Shui stared at Captain Xu with wide eyes. Were those scammers caught?

Captain Xu didn't keep the suspense and said directly: "We have already arrested those two scammers, so you don't have to worry about them cheating again."

Shi Qiushui: "That's great!"

Shi Yue: "Just arrest them. I've always been worried that they'll cheat again."

Captain Xu smiled and said, "I knew you were thinking about this matter. We caught them yesterday and came to inform you of the news early this morning."

He paused and continued, "That's right. They're involved in other cases, so we can't disclose their arrest yet. We hope you'll cooperate with us and keep this matter confidential."

Shi Yue nodded seriously: "Okay, Captain Xu, don't worry, I will definitely keep it a secret."

Captain Xu: "Oh, yes, and because this case has to be kept confidential, we can't give you a reward until it's closed. Don't worry, our police department will definitely not treat you unfairly, but you just have to wait."

He felt a little embarrassed when he said this.

Shi Yue said cheerfully and generously: "It's okay, it's okay. Captain Xu, it's more important for you to catch the bad guys. It doesn't matter whether I get the reward or not."

Captain Xu's eyes flashed with admiration. He had always thought that Shi Yue was a good comrade. He had repeatedly provided clues to the police, helping them catch several criminals and prevent several vicious incidents from happening.

After hearing Shi Yue's words, Shi Yue's image in his mind was further enhanced with a brilliance that was not for fame or gain.

The more Captain Xu looked at Shi Yue, the more he felt that he was a rare good comrade. He patted Shi Yue on the shoulder and asked what was in his heart without noticing: "Shi Yue, do you want to work in our Public Security Bureau?"

Shi Yue was stunned, his eyes widened. He and Shi Qiu Shui were indeed father and daughter. His shocked expression was exactly the same as Shi Qiu Shui's face of disbelief next to him.

The father and daughter of the Shi family stared at Captain Xu and thought, how can someone like me/my dad work in the Public Security Bureau?

Captain Xu found it somewhat amusing to see the father and daughter, who looked like they were cut from the same mold. He covered his mouth with his hands and chuckled, then asked, "Why, Shi Yue, don't you want to work at the Public Security Bureau?"

Shi Yue thought, nonsense, he definitely doesn’t want to!

Not to mention whether he would still have the same position and salary as his current job in the machinery factory if he went to the Public Security Bureau, just think about how much more tiring the work in the Public Security Bureau would be than working in the machinery factory?

He knew that even Captain Xu, the team leader, would work all night long whenever a case came up. It wasn't like working at a machinery factory, where everyone got off work at a set time and rarely worked overtime except for special circumstances. Even when he was working, he'd just sit in his office, drink tea, and read the newspaper. The daily workload was minimal, and he didn't have to worry about anything.

If you work at the Public Security Bureau, you will be responsible for the safety of the people. He definitely can't do this!

However, he certainly couldn't be so blunt with Captain Xu. He considered his words and said, "Well, Captain Xu, to be honest, I really don't want to work at the Public Security Bureau. But don't get me wrong, it's not that I think there's anything wrong with the Public Security Bureau. It's mainly because my Xiaoqiu is still young and needs someone to stay home, and the work at the Public Security Bureau is quite busy, so..."

Captain Xu nodded.

That's true. The Public Security Bureau, especially their Criminal Investigation Detachment, is so busy that they don't even have time to eat. Shi Yue has young children at home, so it's really not suitable.

He rubbed his nose and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Shi Yue, I didn't think it through. Just pretend I didn't ask you this question today."

Although he said so, he felt a little regretful in his heart.

Although he said this casually today, he had actually been thinking about letting Shi Yue work at the Public Security Bureau for a long time.

The main reason was that he envied Shi Yue, who had a physique that allowed him to run into criminals whenever he went out.

Of course, in addition to being concerned about Shi Yue's physique, another reason was that they felt that Shi Yue, having come from the military, was suitable for work at their Public Security Bureau. Retired soldiers were very likely to be assigned to the Public Security Bureau, but Shi Yue's timing was unfortunate. Their Public Security Bureau was fully staffed this year and had no vacancies for new hires, so Shi Yue was assigned to the machinery factory.

Captain Xu originally thought that if Shi Yue wanted to come to the Public Security Bureau, he would apply for an additional position there, which would be considered a return to normal. Unfortunately, Shi Yue was unwilling to come to the Public Security Bureau for the sake of his daughter...

Although it was a pity, Captain Xu could understand Shi Yue's love for his daughter. Besides, Shi Yue's wife passed away early, so it was normal that he was unwilling to come for his daughter's sake.

Shi Yue smiled. He didn't think Captain Xu had anything to apologize for. He said, "Captain Xu, even if I didn't work at the Public Security Bureau, I would notify you immediately if anything happened."

If you do good things, you will get bonuses, and he will definitely notify you.

Captain Xu nodded: "Okay, come to me if you have any questions."

He looked down at his watch and said, "It's getting late. I have to get back to the team. I'll be leaving now. You can continue with your breakfast."

Shi Yue: "Hey, Captain Xu, why don't you sit down for a while?"

"I'm leaving now." Captain Xu came in a hurry and left in a hurry. Before Shi Yue could get up to see him off, he had already walked out of the yard.

After seeing Captain Xu off, Shi Yue sat down at the table and ate a bun in a good mood. Although Captain Xu did not send a bonus this time, he knew from his tone that the case involved in the two scammers must be a big one, otherwise there would be no need to keep it secret.

The bigger the case involved, the bigger the reward.

Shi Yue still knew this truth.

Shi Qiu Shui was eating the buns happily. The little girl was just as smart as her father. She knew that after the case was over, her father would definitely get a lot of bonus.

Then her father will definitely take her to eat roast chicken again!

The father and daughter of the Shi family were eating happily when they heard a burst of hearty laughter and talking outside. Shi Qiu Shui stretched his neck curiously to look, only to see Yao Dazui leading two strange women, one old and one young, into the yard.

Her eyes lit up.

The young one brought by Yao Dazui must be the blind date for Yang Zhiqiang!

She ran to the door with the buns in her hand, opened the door and read the gossip openly.

Although Shi Yue had said before that he was not curious about other people's blind dates, he now quietly walked to the door with a bun in his hand to join in the fun.

It’s true that although Yao Dazui has a big mouth, he has never told a lie. His blind date Yang Zhiqiang is really pretty.

The girl looked to be in her twenties, with waist-length hair tied into a high ponytail, a fair oval face, and a pair of bright almond eyes. Her gaze was clear and bright, and she had a pure and innocent temperament. She spoke softly.

Just by meeting her once, Shi Qiu Shui knew that Yao Dazui was right. This was indeed a beautiful girl with a good temper.

Seeing Yao Dazui leading a strange girl in, some curious people in the courtyard asked, "Yao Dazui, what is this...?"

Yao Dazui smiled and said, "Oh, this is my sister and her daughter. They came to play with me today."

"Oh, then why are you in the front yard? Aren't you at home?"

Yao Dazui: "Well, my old sister heard me say that Lao Yang's insoles are well made, and she was curious, so she asked me to bring her over to take a look, so she can secretly learn from him."

“Oh oh oh…”

Although everyone agreed verbally, they were all thinking in their hearts that this matter must not be that simple.

Why would you go to a friend's house as a guest when you have to go to his neighbor's house to see what's going on?

Everyone glanced at the pretty girl behind Yao Dazui, and then thought of Yang Zhiqiang who was resting at home today, and they understood a little.

This girl might be here to meet Yang Zhiqiang.

Everyone understood it in their hearts, but no one said it out loud.

After all, the other party didn't say that they were here to see each other, so outsiders like them shouldn't say anything either.

Everyone saw through the situation but didn't say anything, exchanging gossipy glances while occasionally glancing at Old Lady Yang's door.

Yao Dazui came to Old Lady Yang's door in a pretentious manner and knocked twice. Old Lady Yang opened the door, warmly welcomed Yao Dazui and the other two in, and then immediately closed the door.

Although it only took the time to open and close the door, it was enough for the people in the yard to gossip.

"Hey, hey, hey, did you guys see that just now? Before Lao Yang closed the door, Yang Zhiqiang was talking to that girl."

"Yes, I saw it. He was even smiling at that girl. This girl must have come here to see Zhiqiang today. There's no doubt about it."

"To be honest, this girl is really beautiful."

"I think so too. This girl is really pretty and knows how to dress herself up. Yang Zhiqiang is really lucky..."

"Hey, you sound so sarcastic. What? Are you interested in that girl too? If you are interested, just go after her. When she comes out later, go up and chat with her..."

"What a joke, I was just saying it casually. She's Yang Zhiqiang's blind date..."

Everyone in the yard was talking about it, but the father and daughter of the Shi family did not participate in the discussion because they had the inherent advantage of being neighbors of the Yang family. They squatted directly at the door of the Yang family and eavesdropped on the gossip inside.

After all, the doorstep of the Yang family is also the doorstep of the Shi family.

The atmosphere in the Yang family's house was quite harmonious. How should I put it? The two protagonists of today's blind date, Yang Zhiqiang and Pan Mingzhu, were not young anymore, and it was not their first blind date. They seemed to be quite accustomed to this situation.

With the addition of Yao Dazui, who can talk and liven up the atmosphere, the scene can't be ugly.

Yao Dazui took Pan Mingzhu and Pan's mother to sit in the house and introduced them to each other first.

This is the normal process. Although the matchmaker gave each party each other's information before meeting today, they still have to be introduced when they meet.

After the introductions, it was time for the two young men to chat. Yang Zhiqiang was, after all, a small business owner, dealing with people all day long, so he spoke first: "Hello, Comrade Pan."

Pan Mingzhu also spoke openly: "Hello, Comrade Yang."

Yang Zhiqiang: "Comrade Pan, I heard you're a bus conductor. I have friends at the bus station. Which route do you run? Maybe you know my friend?"

Pan Mingzhu: "Really? I run the fourth route, the one from Jinsong to Gongzhufen."

Yang Zhiqiang: "Oh, the line that starts from Dabei Kiln, passes Wangfujing, and goes to Gongzhufen?"

Pan Mingzhu: “Yes!”

Yang Zhiqiang: "What a coincidence! My friend was on that trip. He was the driver. You should know him. His name is Huang Haifeng, but I usually don't call him by his full name. I just call him..."

Pan Mingzhu quickly answered: "Big Wang! Oh, Big Wang, I know him. Because he has a big tongue, he can't tell the difference between Huang and Wang. Every time he says his own name, he says his name is Wang Haifeng."

Yang Zhiqiang: "Yes, yes, yes..."

Because they knew each other, the two young people quickly became familiar with each other. Seeing the two people chatting, Yao Dazui took Pan's mother and Old Lady Yang out of the door.

As soon as Yao Dazui came out, she saw the father and daughter of the Shi family squatting at the door. Looking at the two who were obviously eavesdropping, the corners of her mouth twitched.

But this was not a good time to criticize them, so she didn't say anything. She just waved her hand and told them not to block the door.

After driving away the father and daughter, she pulled the two mothers aside to chat. Old Mrs. Yang had some doubts before, and now was the best time to resolve them.

Yao Dazui gave Old Lady Yang a look, indicating that she could ask if she had any questions.

Old Mrs. Yang got the hint and asked hesitantly.

"Well, big sister, I want to ask you, how come your daughter is still unmarried at this age?"

For fear that the other party would be unhappy, Old Lady Yang immediately patched it up.

"Well, I don't mean anything else, I'm just asking, don't get me wrong."

"If you don't want to tell me, that's fine. I'm just asking."