The clamor assaulted Cheng Ran's eardrums. He hadn't stopped, not wanting to get involved, and continued walking forward.
But out of the corner of his eye, he saw the stall owner bending down to pick something up, and the figure inexplicably felt familiar to him…
"Comrade, you have to be reasonable! These are all genuine mountain products. You can't slander me just because I sell them cheaper than you city folks!"
"Hey! You're getting cocky now? Who slandered you! Look at you, you don't look like a decent person at all. Do you think we city folks are easier to fool than you country bumpkins? Get out of here... Take your junk and get out!"
They started arguing and even fighting. The argument continued to escalate, and as more people gathered, Cheng Ran couldn't see what was going on. He unconsciously moved over there.
"You can slander me all you want, but I won't allow you to slander my character!"
"Oh ho, you poor bastard, you dare talk to me about dignity? Do you even know what my family does? Once I open my mouth, you can forget about staying in this market, or even the entire Beijing area!"
"Say it again..."
"What's wrong with me saying a few more words? Do you dare hit me? Go ahead and do it!"
"Hahaha... I knew you wouldn't dare, you bunch of country bumpkins..."
"you……"
He had just raised his hand when he saw Cheng Ran in the crowd, so he abruptly put it down.
"Battalion Commander Cheng..."
Small restaurants outside the market
Hong Xing kept his head down, not daring to look at Cheng Ran. His eyes were already red, and he just kept eating without saying a word.
When he was at the market, he almost didn't recognize Hong Xing. The once energetic young man was now unshaven, his buzz cut had grown into a vagrant's hairstyle, his skin was a bit whiter but looked dull, and he smelled of smoke.
Cheng Ran frowned deeply, and only spoke after Hong Xing had finished his bowl of rice.
"I've already had the person in charge of market order deal with that person. Don't take it to heart and let it affect your mood."
Hung Hing wiped his eyes, still not daring to look up, and choked out a thank you in a muffled voice.
"Thank you, Battalion Commander Cheng."
"Just call me by my name when we're out."
As he spoke, he handed over a glass of water, his inner sighs remaining hidden as he carefully protected Hung Hing's pride, without asking a single extra question.
"Brother Cheng... Brother Cheng, I..."
He was fine when he didn't speak, but once he opened his mouth, this big young man covered his face and cried like a baby, unable to stop.
"I'm sorry... I... I'm so useless."
Cheng Ran patted his shoulder, gently comforting him and helping him calm down.
There weren't many people in the small restaurant, and no one paid attention to them. Hong Xing sobbed twice, then drank a glass of water to calm down. Perhaps it was because he had been holding it in for too long, or perhaps it was because he had absolute trust in Cheng Ran, that he slowly opened his heart.
When did you arrive in the Beijing area? Where are you staying?
Cheng Ran first asked a few key questions. Although the temperature was not low now, it was still cool at night, and he didn't seem like someone who would be willing to spend money to stay in a hostel.
“I…” Hung Hing swallowed hard. “I have a place to stay.”
"Take me to see." Seeing him stunned and unable to reply, he sighed, "I knew it. Come on, let's solve your accommodation problem first, then I'll give you some money for food. We can plan the rest later. Swallow your tears, you big man!"
"yes!"
Hong Xing felt like he was back in the army, being managed by Cheng Ran. He unconsciously saluted and respectfully accepted the salute.
After finding him a place to stay, we started talking about his situation.
Since being injured on a mission, Hung Hing has been recuperating at home. He has given all his money to his family. The doctor said that he suffered severe brain damage. Although he has woken up, no one knows what will happen to him in the future. He does not want to have brain surgery and has been left in this state.
He had only arrived in the Beijing area three days ago, carrying only a basket of mountain produce and penniless...
"Brother Cheng, are you and your wife... alright?"
"You want to ask about Molly, right?"
Seeing through his thoughts at a glance, Cheng Ran directly brought it up, a slight smile playing on his lips. Sure enough, Hong Xing looked a little embarrassed.
"She should be doing well too. She's back with her parents, got into a prestigious university, and has a bright future ahead of her. I won't bother her."
"really."
Cheng Ran nodded. Although he was Hung Hing's comrade-in-arms, in every aspect, the gap between Hung Hing and Molly was not even a little bit.
“But I don’t want to just fall into this state. Even if I’m not good enough for her, I have to improve myself for my own sake. That’s why I came to Beijing. I can’t see any hope in my hometown.”
After listening to Hung Hing's words, Cheng Ran looked up in surprise. He had originally prepared to play the role of a comforter, but now he realized that he didn't need to at all. The other party's self-healing ability and ambition were much stronger than he had thought.
"Brother Cheng, I really envy you and your wife for being able to develop so well on your own. I've always longed for this kind of relationship where you both grow together. But there are some things I can't force. I can only do my best. Even if Molly and I don't have a future, I will still silently support her and work hard together. If... she ever needs my help in the future, I will be there to lend a hand immediately. That's enough."
As he spoke, tears welled in his eyes, revealing his unwavering resolve. His feelings for Molly had transcended the ordinary lust between a man and a woman, rising to a higher level that made Cheng Ran feel ashamed for a moment.
His Adam's apple bobbed twice as he realized he was still throwing a tantrum over ordinary companionship... something inside him was suddenly awakened.
He licked his dry lower lip. It was getting late outside, and if he didn't go back soon, he would miss picking up his loved one.
Cheng Ran stood up and patted Hong Xing on the shoulder again: "If there's anything I can help with, just let me know. We all want you to be alright."
"Thank you, Brother Cheng, I understand."
Hung Hing saw him off, and the two parted ways for the time being.
After returning home, Cheng Ran thought about it a lot and decided not to reveal Hong Xing's activities in the Beijing area for the time being. Whenever he had free time, he would go to the market to take a look.
Jiang Wanqing's moisturizing cream has gone from being sold on campus to being sold off campus. Some manufacturers have even approached her to discuss cooperation, wanting to mass-produce and market the product.
Jiang Wanqing couldn't make a decision on this matter alone; she needed to discuss it with Molly and the other three, since they had built this business together.
We specifically arranged a time after class for everyone to sit down and discuss the sale of the patent.
Molly unconditionally supported her and wouldn't interfere whether she sold the patent or not. Shen Huan and Qin Meng remained silent, while Yue Shuzhen vehemently opposed it.
"No! I disagree!" She slammed her hand on the table and stood up.
“Tell me your reasons.”
Jiang Wanqing remained calm and did not deprive her of her right to offer her opinions.
“It’s very simple. We know that even if you sell the patent, you won’t keep all the money for yourself. I admire your character, but if this happens, we won’t have a sustainable way to make money in the future.”
“I think Shuzhen is right…” Shen Huan raised her hand slightly and said timidly, “We’re seeing things are improving. If we sell the patent now, no matter how much we earn in the future, it won’t matter to us.”
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
