Chapter 40 About to Go on a Blind Date

After a busy afternoon, Cheng Jiajia and several other women, with the help of Aunt Cao, rubbed salt and Sichuan peppercorns on all the remaining fish, marinated them for a few hours, and then hung them outside to air dry.

The rows of plump fish drying in front of several houses made the families who didn't go to catch them very envious; their eyes were glued to them as they passed by.

In those days when resources were scarce and every household lacked meat, seeing so much surplus meat was bound to make one's mouth water.

To prevent anyone from coveting his salted fish, Grandpa Guo specially moved a small stool to sit at his doorstep, right next to where the salted fish were drying.

Someone stared intently at his salted fish, so he glared at them.

"What are you looking at? Trying to steal my fish?!"

Ma Gaosheng chuckled awkwardly, his eyes still glued to the plump, salted fish. He swallowed hard and said, "No, no, Uncle Guo, you and your wife can't possibly eat all this salted fish. How about this, my family will exchange a few for you? Don't worry, we guarantee you won't lose out; it'll be the same price as the supply and marketing cooperative."

Ma Gaosheng originally thought there weren't many fish left in that small puddle, and that going there would likely be fruitless, so he didn't go to join the fun. Who would have thought that everyone would bring back so many fish?

If only I had known, if only I had shamelessly gone with them this morning.

Of the several families in their front yard, only his family didn't have any fish, which made him not only craving it but also feel extremely embarrassed.

Ma Gaosheng felt that the family in the front yard was living the best life, so how could they all have fish to eat while his family didn't?

So they set their sights on the fish at Grandpa Guo's house.

He felt that the price he offered was not low, and that Guo Laokou'er, who loved to take advantage, would definitely agree. After all, those fish were free, so he would make a profit no matter how much he sold them.

Unexpectedly, Grandpa Guo immediately flew into a rage upon hearing this, cursing, "Pah! The same price as the supply and marketing cooperative? Why don't you say that the supply and marketing cooperative requires ration coupons for fish? You're out of your mind! Trying to take advantage of my family? Dream on! Let me tell you, as long as I, Old Man Guo, am alive, you can forget about taking advantage of my family!"

Who is it?

They clearly wanted to take advantage of him, but they insisted on putting on an act of magnanimity, saying, "You took advantage of me, but I'm magnanimous and won't hold it against you." Who are they trying to annoy?!

Even Guo Lao Kou'er doesn't have such a thick skin!

Ma Gaosheng's smile froze for a moment, and he cursed inwardly the old man who never got enough of taking advantage!

He quickly explained, "No, no, you've misunderstood, Uncle Guo. I sincerely want to exchange the fish." He gritted his teeth, "How about this, if you think it's too little, I'll add 5 cents per pound, okay?"

Grandpa Guo said decisively, "Why would I exchange? I won't! I still need to send some to my two sons. My own family isn't even enough to eat, so how can I have any extra to give to others?"

Although Guo Lao Kou'er likes to take advantage of others, he also knows what's important. Selling the fish to this person is speculation, and if the person reports him, he'll be in deep trouble.

Besides, Ma Gaosheng isn't an honest man; after all that haggling, he only offered to add 5 cents.

For the same price, it's better to sell it to their two sons. You'd make the same money selling it to them, and you wouldn't have to worry about being reported for speculation! It's perfectly safe!

Seeing the man's displeased expression and the glint of a sharp light in his eyes.

Grandpa Guo rolled his eyes and kept muttering, "If you want fish, go to the supply and marketing cooperative. I don't do speculation here, lest I get reported by those malicious people. If you try this again, don't blame me for reporting you to the neighborhood committee and having them give you a lecture!"

Ma Gaosheng's heart skipped a beat. How did he know what he was thinking?

Ma Gaosheng did indeed have the idea of ​​reporting Guo Laokou'er for speculation and profiteering after eating the fish, but how did that old man know? He even shut his mouth beforehand.

However, he couldn't admit it on the surface. "No, Uncle Guo, I just wanted to trade two fish with you. We're neighbors, who would report me? Are you serious? Going to report me to the neighborhood committee? We've been neighbors for so many years, don't you trust me?"

Grandpa Guo glanced at him dismissively and snorted, "Who knows?"

Ma Gaosheng: "!!!"

Damn it, damn it!

All I wanted was to buy some fish at a low price. Why is this old miser so difficult to deal with?

Cheng Jiajia heard this from inside her house and burst out laughing. She quickly ran outside and shouted, "Uncle Guo, could you please keep an eye on my salted fish while you're at it? I don't want any greedy cats running around outside to have their eyes on them!" She had to make it clear upfront, lest some shameless people turn their attention to her salted fish, which she wouldn't sell!

Before Grandpa Guo could hesitate, he added, "A handful of sunflower seeds a day!"

Grandpa Guo, who had initially intended to refuse, instantly beamed with joy and readily agreed, "Sure! Sure!"

"Hey, Xiao Cheng, you're so generous! You don't like to take advantage of others!"

The implication in those words is quite obvious.

Cheng Jiajia suppressed a laugh; this old man Guo was really interesting!

Ma Gaosheng's face instantly turned extremely ugly. He glared fiercely at Cheng Jiajia, "You bitch, what business is it of yours!"

Cheng Jiajia wasn't afraid at all; she glared back even more fiercely.

Ma Gaosheng: "..."

Damn, why does this woman look so fierce? He guiltily looked away, a little afraid to meet her gaze!

Cheng Jiajia withdrew her gaze with satisfaction, glanced at the door of the west wing, and saw a head quickly shrink back.

Cheng Jiajia and Grandpa Guo's words not only embarrassed Ma Gaosheng, but also dissuaded some people who were secretly eavesdropping.

Jiang Qiubai patted his chest in relief, thank goodness Cheng Jiajia hadn't noticed.

I originally wanted to trade some fish with the other side to help Ocean Brother get some nutrition, but now it seems that won't work. I'll have to think of something else.

To be honest, ever since Cheng Jiajia and Grandpa Guo said those words, neither of their families has come to exchange fish anymore, and Cheng Jiajia is happy to have some peace and quiet.

There were a few arguments in the front yard because of this, but that's another story.

That evening, when Yu Junsheng came home from get off work, Cheng Jiajia told him the whole story.

Yu Junsheng strongly agreed with Grandpa Guo's approach, "Indeed, we can't change it. There are too many monsters and scoundrels in this courtyard, and they're not united. Who knows if they might turn around and sell you out?"

"Based on my understanding of Ma Gaosheng, he might actually be thinking about this."

Cheng Jiajia thought about it carefully, "No wonder, I thought his face looked strange, and I thought he was upset by Grandpa Guo. It turns out that someone had hit the nail on the head."

For dinner, Cheng Jiajia stewed fish soup and then stuck a ring of flatbread around the edge of the pot. The flatbread also absorbed the deliciousness of the fish soup, making it taste quite unique. Cheng Jiajia learned this recipe from the aunties in the courtyard, and she didn't expect it to turn out so well.

Yu Junsheng loved to eat. After finishing his meal, he took another pancake and casually picked up a piece of fish belly meat for Cheng Jiajia, saying, "Wife, you have to be careful when you interact with him in the future."

Although there are often quarrels and fights in the compound, they all happen within the compound itself, and very few people take things to the authorities. But who knows what will happen in the future.

Cheng Jiajia snorted and cursed, "You little rascal!" Then she complained, "He even glared at me!"

Yu Junsheng was filled with righteous indignation. "What?! How dare he glare at my wife?! Don't he have any eyes left?! I'll put a sack over his head tomorrow!"

Cheng Jiajia rolled her eyes at him, annoyed, and gave him two words: "Exaggerated!"

"I'd rather do it myself than have you put the sacks on them."

Yu Junsheng chuckled awkwardly, then placed another piece of fish belly on Cheng Jiajia's plate, flattering her, "My wife is the best!"

He wasn't as good at putting sacks on as his wife, but he could try other things.

Ma Gaosheng works as a purchasing agent in a machinery factory. Everyone knows that this position is lucrative, and he doesn't believe that the person in this job has a clean backside.

He won't cause trouble, but he's not afraid of trouble either.

Anyone who dares to harm their own little family with their wife should not be blamed.

"Oh, by the way, did you know that Zou Qingshu is going on a blind date in a couple of days?"

"Aunt Hao is quite fast, which shows she's really afraid of being bothered by the mess in the yard."

Yu Junsheng raised an eyebrow, then smiled and said, "I really want to see what Zou Qingshu said to that woman that made her leave in anger."

"Don't even think about it, you have to go to work." Cheng Jiajia told him to face reality.

She raised her chin and said arrogantly, "But I can watch the whole thing and tell you about it when you get off work!"

This little guy is just so adorable.

Yu Junsheng playfully pulled her close and planted a kiss on her cheek, his tone equally irreverent, "Oh my, my wife is so wonderful! She's perfect in every way, I adore her so much!"

Cheng Jiajia pushed him away in disgust, "I'm eating, your mouth is all oily!"

Yu Junsheng hugged her tighter, grinned mischievously, and whispered something in her ear.

In an instant, Cheng Jiajia's ears turned bright red, and her eyes glared at the person with watery eyes, "You pervert!"

"Just tell me, do you want to give it a try?"

Cheng Jiajia nodded hesitantly, "Okay... I guess so!" After reading so many theories, she actually really wanted to give it a try.

Yu Junsheng's eyes flashed, and he quickly made a condition, "Then we have to make it clear that I have to be on top once."

Cheng Jiajia glanced at him and nodded decisively, "Okay!"

Yu Junsheng chuckled, "That's great!"

Finally, finally!

He's finally going to turn things around!

That evening, after a flurry of activity, Yu Junsheng finally rose from the ashes and became the one mentioned above.

He laughed smugly, "Wife, tonight I'll show you your man's magnificent figure! I guarantee you'll never forget it after seeing it once!"

From now on, he'll always be the one at the top!

Cheng Jiajia kept smiling.

Yu Junsheng assumed she was eagerly anticipating it and was about to bend down to begin his battle—

His wrist was suddenly grabbed and pinned behind his back, and then, with a dizzying spin, he was lying on his back on the bed.

Yu Junsheng: "!!!"

This damn familiar feeling!!

He said anxiously, "Hey, honey, didn't we agree on this? Why didn't you keep your promise, honey? Ouch! Hiss..."

Yu Junsheng's voice gradually became indistinct.

Cheng Jiajia sneered. Want to turn the tables? No way!

...

In the west wing of the Zheng family's house, in Zheng Haiyang's room.

Zheng Haiyang's back injury hasn't healed yet, so he can't engage in marital intimacy, but he has other ways to enhance his relationship with his wife.

He held Jiang Qiubai's hand, looking at her with deep affection, "Qiubai, it's all thanks to your family that we can eat fish."

Hearing Haiyang praise her like that, Jiang Qiubai felt very proud. She had finally helped Haiyang!

Finally, I'm not a burden to this family anymore!

Zheng Haiyang asked cautiously, "Did you really not pay for this fish? I know everything about your family situation, you don't need to hide anything from me."

He pretended to get up and take money from the bedside table, saying, "I have some money here, you can take it."

Jiang Qiubai quickly stopped him, "No, no, Brother Haiyang, this fish really didn't cost any money. It's a thank-you gift from someone, it's free. You can keep the money for yourself, you don't need to give it to me."

She's just a housewife and doesn't really need the money, but how can a grown man like Haiyang not have any money? She can't accept the money.

Zheng Haiyang didn't delve into what kind of help it was, but simply grasped Jiang Qiubai's hand and said sincerely, "Qiubai, you're amazing!"

He casually remarked, "Such delicious fish, I wish I could eat it every day." Then he chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Look at me, what nonsense am I talking about? What kind of family can afford to eat fish every day?"

"Qiu Bai, just take it as me talking nonsense, please don't take it to heart."

Jiang Qiubai's eyes flickered. Actually, she had promised to do someone a favor, which was why that person gave her the fish.

However, she was also thinking that if things went well, she would ask that person for a few more fish so that she could give Brother Haiyang more nourishing food.

In the Qin family's house in the Third Courtyard, the elderly couple's room was filled with the image of Aunt Yan tossing and turning in bed.

Qin Weimin said impatiently, "What time is it? Why aren't you asleep yet?"

Qin Weimin worked overtime until late today and was very tired. He went straight to bed after dinner and a quick wash, so he was unaware of what had happened in the yard.

Aunt Yan hesitated before telling Qin Weimin about Bai Xiaohui.

"Old Qin, what should we do?" Actually, she had already thought of a solution, but she was still a little hesitant, since if this matter succeeded, it would offend people.

Qin Weimin listened attentively, but unlike Aunt Yan, he didn't object; instead, he was secretly pleased.

“Xiaohui is a girl we’ve watched grow up. She’s a good person, and our two families know each other quite well. Since the third brother and she have taken a liking to each other, there’s no need for us to object. Let them be. If they really get together, it will be a good thing.”

Aunt Yan: "..."

Aunt Yan thought to herself with resentment, "If the two families become related by marriage, it will be even easier for you and that old hag to get along, won't it?"

No, she absolutely cannot let the third son marry that bitch's daughter!

Aunt Yan became even more determined in her mind to make that decision.

...

Time flies, and soon it was time for Zou Qingshu's blind date.

Early in the morning, Grandpa Zou's family started getting busy.

Because Zou Qingshu had previously angered and driven away the women he had been alone with, Aunt Hao decided to hold the blind date at her home this time.

With me there to help out, I can keep that brat from saying too many inappropriate things.

Actually, it was also a way of showing the woman his family's financial situation. In case he couldn't stop his son from saying something unpleasant, he hoped the girl would be less bothered by his family's good financial situation.

Aunt Hao was well-liked in the courtyard, and many people came to help her, including Cheng Jiajia.

However, she mainly watched a few older women and young wives decorating.

Grandpa Zou's family is well-off, so they would never engage in the kind of marriage fraud that involves borrowing things to arrange a marriage.

The older women simply placed the larger items in prominent positions and covered the scratched cabinets or tables with a pretty cloth, and that was about it.

Everyone was already chattering away, all very curious about what Zou Qingshu's blind date looked like.

"I heard that girl comes from a well-off family. Do you think she's good-looking?"

"Hmph, as long as your family is well-off, that's enough. Being good-looking won't put food on the table."

"That's not how it works. If your wife is beautiful, your grandchildren will be beautiful too. Just like Xiao Cheng and Jun Sheng, their children are sure to be good-looking!"

"Xiao Cheng, when are you and Junsheng planning to have a baby?"

Cheng Jiajia, “…” How did the conversation turn to her?

Cheng Jiajia feigned a shy smile, stomped her foot, and said, "Oh dear, Auntie, please don't talk about me. Tell me about Zou Qingshu's girlfriend!"

Outside the courtyard, at the corner of an alley not far away.

Qin Ziwen was dressed in a Zhongshan suit with a white shirt underneath, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, a pen tucked into his chest, and a stack of documents in his hand—a typical intellectual look, ready to go.

On the other side, Aunt Yan was furtively watching in one direction when she suddenly saw two women, one young and one middle-aged, approaching. She quickly whispered to her son, "They're here, they're here!"

He then turned and gestured to another person, "They're here!"