Chapter 10 Comparison of State-Run Restaurants

Not only did they not receive any betrothal gifts, but they also lost a large sum of dowry and were frightened. Dong Dalei and his wife completely lost interest in Yu Junsheng and had no patience to entertain him. They didn't even ask him to stay for a meal and simply gave him a few perfunctory words before asking Cheng Jiajia to see him off.

As soon as they left the tenement building, Cheng Jiajia apologized to Yu Junsheng with an embarrassed look on her face, "I'm so sorry, you must have found this amusing."

Yu Junsheng didn't take it to heart at all. "What's the big deal? When you live in our compound, you'll see even more outstanding talents. And there will be different surprises every day."

"Let me tell you, this morning when I was just about to leave..." she blabbed, recounting how Ren Yongsheng and Dong Xiangxiang were caught having an affair that morning, and how Dong Xiangxiang ended up committing suicide by hitting her head against a wall.

He realized halfway through his conversation that it wasn't appropriate to tell Cheng Jiajia this dirty business. After all, she was still a young girl, and Yu Jun was afraid of offending her ears, or that she might think their compound was a den of dragons and tigers and change her mind halfway through the marriage.

He was about to add a few more words when he noticed the girl's eyes were sparkling, and she asked expectantly, "What happened next? What happened to the girl who hit the wall? Did the man agree to marry her?"

Yu Junsheng: "..."

Thinking back to Cheng Jiajia's performance at the Dong family, Yu Junsheng fell silent. He had been too young!

He felt that if this girl came to their compound, she would definitely thrive!

Suddenly, her stomach growled twice. Cheng Jiajia pretended to look at the sky casually and said, "It's lunchtime now. Come on, I'll treat you to a state-run restaurant!" She could listen to gossip anytime, but lunch couldn't be missed!

Yu Junsheng tried hard to suppress his laughter. "You have food coupons?" It wasn't that he looked down on people, but the Dong couple didn't seem like the type to give Cheng Jiajia money and coupons.

Cheng Jiajia snorted, "Hurry up and follow me! I'll take you to have some fun!" Of course, she had some money in her hands. Besides the savings her grandparents had accumulated, there was also the pocket money the original owner had saved up. The girl had sewed it into the inside pocket of her shirt before leaving, and Cheng Jiajia had kept it carefully with her these days, without letting the Dong family notice. Although it wasn't a lot, it was enough to treat people to a meal.

Since Cheng Jiajia had already said so, Yu Junsheng naturally wouldn't compete with her to pay for the meal. He didn't believe in the idea that a woman shouldn't pay for a meal, and he also understood that Cheng Jiajia meant well by inviting him to dinner today. The future son-in-law was visiting. Since the Dong family hadn't left him with a meal and hadn't chased him away, Cheng Jiajia had come to make up for it herself, which was a way of saving face for him.

Looking at the young girl ahead, so proud and spirited as if she were going to war, Yu Junsheng smiled and his eyes narrowed. He was growing more and more fond of his little wife.

They didn't walk far before choosing a nearby state-run restaurant... cough cough... not the one they went on a blind date with last time.

It was a twist of fate, really. After they sat down, they happened to find Zheng Haiyang and Jiang Qiubai at the next table.

However, Cheng Jiajia raised an eyebrow. These two are moving fast. It's only been a few days, and their relationship has already reached the point where they can eat together.

She wasn't embarrassed, but eating with these two was a little awkward. However, it was lunchtime, and the state-run restaurant was full, so she couldn't change tables. But she wasn't one to back down from trouble; when it came to making people uncomfortable, she was fearless!

However, there are indeed people who are eager to cause trouble.

Since being "insulted" by Yu Junsheng at the state-run restaurant, Jiang Qiubai has also come to hate Cheng Jiajia, believing that this vixen seduced Yu Junsheng and caused her to be so humiliated. As for the fact that she herself had taken a liking to Zheng Haiyang at another table, she didn't mention it at all.

She glanced at Cheng Jiajia and Yu Junsheng behind him, and said sarcastically, "Some of you probably haven't even stepped foot in a state-run restaurant before. Do you even know how to order food?"

"Don't order food but not have money to pay the bill, that would be a laughing stock!" Jiang Qiubai naturally ignored the blind date. In her opinion, it was her brother Haiyang who treated her, and Cheng Jiajia was just benefiting from his hospitality, so it didn't count as a proper meal.

Coincidentally, Cheng Jiajia had almost forgotten about the last blind date. She wondered which weirdo had scheduled it for the afternoon, which was neither here nor there, outside of mealtime. The two of them chatted for ages and only drank a glass of water, which was probably free. She suspected that Zheng Haiyang had deliberately done this to avoid paying for the meal.

Cheng Jiajia wasn't really craving the food, but this whole thing was just irritating. It seemed like things hadn't worked out between her and Zheng Haiyang, but even if they had, would they just be dismissed with a glass of water? Although people these days value frugality, this blind date was way too cheap.

Thinking of this, she said sarcastically, "How could I not? Didn't I go to the state-run restaurant last time and have a glass of plain water? I learned how to order food just by watching!"

"Comrade Yu, let's have a feast at the state-run restaurant today, and let everyone see if I know how to order food!"

If someone tries to annoy her, she'll naturally annoy them back and see who's more embarrassed!

Zheng Haiyang looked embarrassed and quickly pulled Jiang Qiubai back, who was about to continue mocking Cheng Jiajia. "Qiubai, the food is getting cold. Let's eat quickly! Whether others order food or not doesn't really matter to us. As long as we eat well, that's all that matters."

Cheng Jiajia pouted and didn't say anything more. Saying too much would affect her appetite!

Just then, the waiter came over to take their order. Cheng Jiajia glanced at the glass noodles and minced meat and braised eggplant on the table next to the two people, and ordered in one go, "Braised pork, shredded pork with sweet bean sauce, sliced ​​pork with Sichuan peppercorns, scrambled eggs, and six ounces of rice!"

Four meat dishes—that's how extravagant we are!

Yu Junsheng was slightly surprised, but only for a moment. Judging from today's situation, this girl probably hadn't eaten anything good at the Dong family's house. He'd have to make sure she got some good nutrition when she got to his house.

"Comrade, that's two dollars and sixty-two cents in total, plus six ounces of grain coupons and six ounces of meat coupons."

Cheng Jiajia took out the money and handed it to the waiter. She even raised her eyebrows triumphantly at the dumbfounded Jiang Qiubai. Seeing that the waiter's eyes were red with envy, she turned her head with satisfaction. Little brat, trying to play with me?

When it comes to being infuriating, she's never lost! That's just how petty she is!

Of course, Cheng Jiajia didn't order so many meat dishes entirely to spite Jiang Qiubai; it was mainly because she herself was craving them.

Since arriving at the Dong family's house, a whole month has passed, and she hasn't seen a single speck of meat. Good heavens, a whole month!

Every meal consisted of boiled vegetables and pickled vegetables with cornbread. Occasionally, there would be a bowl of thin rice porridge so watery it was almost impossible to see your reflection in it. It was enough to fill her stomach, but Cheng Jiajia's mouth was so bland that she could hardly taste it anymore. Now, whenever she heard the word "meat," her mouth would involuntarily start watering.

She didn't know if Liang Shuangyue didn't want her to take advantage of her, or if the Dong family's meals had always been like this, but she guessed it was the former. After all, judging from the mental state of her stepsister Dong Siwei and her half-brother Dong Chenyang, they weren't people who were always lacking in food.

Moreover, Cheng Jiajia estimated that the family of four would occasionally sneak out for a treat behind her back. How did she know? Well, sometimes Cheng Jiajia could smell the aroma of meat on Dong Siwei. You have to admit, her nose was incredibly sensitive at that time. In a state of chronic lack of oil and water, her nose was extremely sensitive to the smell of meat.

It's a painful memory. Because of that incident, even though Cheng Jiajia had money, she didn't dare to eat meat at state-run restaurants. She was afraid that people would smell the meat and expose her wealth. Let alone rinsing her mouth, even if she did, the meat smell would only be fainter, not completely gone. People with a sensitive nose could still smell it.

After a month of strictly abstaining from meat, she was practically green with envy. Now that she had the chance to eat meat, of course she wanted to eat her fill! She wasn't afraid of being smelled by that family when she got back; she could just say it was Yu Junsheng who treated her!

The waiter quickly counted the money and handed the change to Cheng Jiajia, saying, "Comrade, here's 48 cents back, keep it safe." He then gave Yu Junsheng a disdainful look, his eyes clearly saying "gold digger," and scoffed, "First time I've ever seen a man come to a state-run restaurant and make a woman pay!"

Everyone around them was giving them strange looks. An ordinary person would have been blushing with embarrassment, but who was Yu Junsheng? Was he an ordinary person?

He wasn't embarrassed at all; instead, he straightened his back and confidently met the gazes of those around him.

So what? He's proud of living off women, but you guys want to be like him and nobody lets you!

Everyone cursed inwardly: "Pah, what a stingy gigolo! I don't know what blind woman could have been to fall for this pretty boy!"

...

Next door, Jiang Qiubai, who had been secretly competing with Cheng Jiajia, was completely focused on how she could order four meat dishes and still have so much cash on hand. She was extremely indignant. Why did Cheng Jiajia, a peasant from the countryside, have so much money, while she had to hand over every penny of her monthly salary to her family? Why? She was a worker, much better off than Cheng Jiajia, a peasant! Why didn't she have a single penny to her name?

Zheng Haiyang was also very jealous. Although he earned 35 yuan a month, he had a heavy family burden. His three younger siblings were all in school, and he had to give 25 yuan to his mother for household expenses every month. He could only save 10 yuan for himself, which was not enough to afford to eat at state-run restaurants, let alone order so many meat dishes as he pleased.

He said jealously, "It must have been Yu Junsheng's dowry. She's from the countryside, she's never seen the world. She can't keep any money she has. She spent all that money without thinking about what to do next."

Zheng Haiyang glanced at the minced meat vermicelli and braised eggplant, picked up a piece of braised eggplant with his chopsticks and handed it to Jiang Qiubai, saying meaningfully, "A thrifty and hardworking woman like you is more suited to a good life. We'll definitely have a prosperous future together."

Jiang Qiubai gave him a shy glare, "What nonsense are you spouting in public!" But she felt a sweet warmth in her heart.

Zheng Haiyang said affectionately, "What's the big deal? Qiu Bai, you are the best girl in my heart. Meeting you is my luck."

Jiang Qiubai blushed and whispered, "Brother Haiyang, you are also the best comrade in my heart, much better than that Yu Junsheng."

Cheng Jiajia, who had just finished ordering and happened to overhear, was speechless. Suddenly, she felt a little full.

Cheng Jiajia gave Jiang Qiubai a complicated look. If you want to fawn over your partner, just do it. Will you die if you don't put others down?

To be honest, these two are a perfect match, truly deserving of being the male and female leads! They should be locked in already, don't ruin things for others!

She glanced at Yu Junsheng with sympathy. This guy was really unlucky; he had to go out for a meal and still get trampled on by his former blind date.

Yu Junsheng retorted, "Jiajia, you're so good to me. I'm so glad I chose you, otherwise how could I have eaten four meat dishes? Other women aren't as generous as you!" He was subtly criticizing her, but it was also true. In his dream life, Jiang Qiubai hadn't spent a single penny on him, before or after marriage, nor had she ever bought him anything, not even a towel. Instead, she frequently used the household allowance he gave her to support her family. Later, when she got together with Zheng Haiyang, she continued to subsidize that scoundrel Zheng Haiyang.

So everyone else uses his salary except him?

Yu Junsheng grew angrier the more he thought about it, and couldn't help but mock again, "A person's fate is truly unpredictable. If I hadn't changed my blind date, would I have been able to eat meat today? I might even have had to save the scraps of meat to send to my future in-laws' family for my brother-in-law. It's clear that even God is looking out for me, letting me avoid a huge pitfall!"

"Pfft!" Cheng Jiajia couldn't help but laugh, giving Yu Junsheng a thumbs up. "That mouth of his must be poisoned!" she thought. But she really liked it! Haha!

Jiang Qiubai, who was about to ask Zheng Haiyang if she could keep the minced meat and vermicelli to take back to her younger brother, was startled. Her face flushed red, and she glared at Yu Junsheng. How could there be such an annoying man? He was just as petty and gossipy as a woman!

Zheng Haiyang was confused and thought Yu Junsheng was showing off that he was a kept man. He felt contemptuous. He put a piece of minced meat in his own bowl and a piece of braised eggplant in Jiang Qiubai's bowl, urging, "Eat quickly, the eggplant at this state-run restaurant is really delicious."

Then, as if remembering something, he laughed and said, "I wish I could eat this every day."

Jiang Qiubai quickly composed himself and said, "Brother Haiyang, I'll learn it when I get back, and I'll make it for you every day after we get married."

"Qiu Bai, you're such a good woman." Zheng Haiyang smiled with satisfaction, thinking that this way he wouldn't have to spend any money.

"Haiyang, you are the best man in the world." Jiang Qiubai smiled happily. Her Haiyang was the best man in the world, not a stingy gigolo like Yu Junsheng. Her brother was so thin, what was wrong with him eating some meat to nourish himself? Haiyang would definitely not say anything.

The two were so affectionate that they almost hugged each other.

Cheng Jiajia's deadpan expression: "..." Can you two be a little more discreet? This is a public place! Aren't people supposed to be reserved and conservative at this time? Huh? Huh? Huh?

She looked like she had been through a lot, which amused Yu Junsheng. However, these two were indeed disgusting, and he was also disgusted by them. He rolled his eyes.

He deliberately spoke loudly: "Some people just have no manners. They're all lovey-dovey in public. It's really indecent!"

The bustling restaurant fell silent instantly, everyone turning to look in Yu Junsheng's direction.

Zheng Haiyang and Jiang Qiubai separated as if they had been electrocuted, their faces flushed, and they didn't forget to glare fiercely at Yu Junsheng, that bastard!

However, they became much more well-behaved after that and didn't dare to use greasy trash talk to harass other diners anymore.

Fortunately, the chef at the restaurant was quick and efficient, and Cheng Jiajia and her group's dishes were served soon.

Without exchanging many words, the two picked up their chopsticks and began to eat. Yu Junsheng didn't feel embarrassed at all that the woman was treating them; the two of them immersed themselves in the food, eating with great relish.

Jiang Qiubai sniffed, smelling the aroma of meat wafting from next door. Looking at the vermicelli, minced meat, and braised eggplant on her table, she suddenly lost her appetite. She comforted herself, thinking, "Well, a little meat is better than nothing. At least it has some meaty flavor. When I take it back to Yaozu, he'll be happy."

Zheng Haiyang was completely oblivious to the thoughts swirling around in the other person's mind. He ate the vermicelli and minced meat one bite after another with his chopsticks, exclaiming, "State-run restaurant, your cooking skills are really good! This meat is so delicious!"

So, when Jiang Qiubai came to his senses, he found that the vermicelli and minced meat had been eaten.

Jiang Qiubai: "..."

A wave of grievance washed over her, and she stammered, "Brother Haiyang..."

"What's wrong?"

Jiang Qiubai looked at his greasy lips and swallowed the words she was about to say. Oh well, Haiyang-ge has it tough too; with so many mouths to feed, he rarely gets to eat meat. She shouldn't blame him. At least there was some braised eggplant.

"Nothing, I just wanted to ask if there was enough food for you."

Zheng Haiyang pointed to the eggplant in the bowl, "There's still plenty left, how could it not be enough? Qiu Bai, why aren't you eating? Is it not to your liking?"

Jiang Qiubai shook his head, hesitated, and said, "I'm full."

Unfortunately, Zheng Haiyang didn't see it. He took out the lunchbox he had prepared earlier and said very naturally, "I plan to take these leftover braised eggplants back for my mother and younger sister. You don't mind, do you? My mother has never eaten anything good in her life, and braised eggplant is her favorite."

Jiang Qiubai's expression stiffened for a moment, then he praised, "How could that be? Brother Haiyang, you are so filial! Your aunt has suffered. From now on, I will take care of her with you and let her enjoy a peaceful life."

Cheng Jiajia and Yu Junsheng, who were forced to eavesdrop, almost choked on their food. They looked at each other, thinking the same thing: Is that all? The male and female protagonists in the book? God really has no eyes!

When they had almost finished eating, Cheng Jiajia remembered the gossip she had only heard halfway through. Feeling curious, she asked Yu Junsheng what happened next.

Unexpectedly, the girl was still thinking about it. Yu Junsheng raised an eyebrow and didn't hide anything, saying directly, "When I left, they were taking her to the hospital. I guess the Ren family will agree to marry Dong Xiangxiang, but they are not good people. They won't just swallow this loss. The girl is no pushover either, and there will be plenty of trouble in the future."

What he didn't say was that Ren Yongsheng also had a girlfriend. The woman seemed to come from a well-off family and had even defied her parents for him, moving out of her parents' house.

If they knew about Dong Xiangxiang's affair, they probably wouldn't have let Ren Yongsheng off so easily.