Chapter 70
After Meng Wanqiu left, Pei Xingzhi greeted Leng Han, put down the tea, and sat down opposite Leng Han.
Leng Han took the cup and poured a cup for them. A rising mist of hot water blurred his vision slightly. He rubbed his fingers against the cup's surface, and the cool touch gradually warmed. In such weather, a cup of hot tea couldn't be better.
"Captain Leng, what brings you here this time?" Pei Xingzhi took a sip and went straight to the point.
Leng Han wasn't one to beat around the bush. He raised his eyelids, looked at Pei Xingzhi, and said bluntly, "Engineer Pei, do you still remember our operation?"
Pei Xingzhi nodded, "I remember."
The 715 Project's unique nature has drawn the attention of hostile parties and foreign forces. During this period, the 715 Project's security department detected an unusual situation. A mysterious individual's whereabouts had infiltrated the area. To protect the safety of these researchers, Leng Han and his team launched this operation.
"We have already determined the whereabouts of that person. He has been approaching someone recently, and we plan to take advantage of him." Leng Han continued.
Pei Xingzhi raised his eyes and looked at Leng Han with understanding. He opened his thin lips and asked, "Is that man Li Xuezhi?"
Although his tone was inquiring, Pei Xingzhi's eyes were full of certainty.
"Yes, it's him, Li Xuezhi." Leng Han nodded. Ever since Li Xuezhi openly and secretly inquired about the details of Pang Minghe and Pei Xingzhi, he came into their sight.
This person is extremely narrow-minded, conceited, jealous of others' talents, and has no ability but is always ambitious. He is a complete villain with no bottom line.
"We noticed Li Xuezhi, and so did those people. Li Xuezhi covets power, but lacks ability or insight. This kind of person is the easiest target to be seduced."
Pei Xingzhi understood. "So, Captain Leng, what you meant by 'playing the game' is deliberately keeping this fool in the factory. Pretending to support him, putting him in a seemingly glamorous position, satisfying his desire for power, and occasionally leaking some insignificant false information to confuse the people over there."
"That's right, it's better to guide than to block. The abnormality of July 15 is no longer a secret. Since those people want to come and find out, we will do as they wish." Leng Han looked at the table with sharp eyes.
However, Pei Xingzhi was concerned about one thing. "Speaking of which, if we reveal this 'important' news to Li Xuezhi over time, will they believe it?"
Hearing this, Leng Han showed a rare sneer on his face, "Don't worry about that. Those people look down on us. No matter what level they are at, they always act superior. They don't believe that our country can design and produce powerful weapons and machinery."
Pei Xingzhi frowned slightly and sighed, "That's good. Our country has always followed the principle of keeping a low profile and making a fortune in silence."
"So, what we're asking Engineer Pei to do is to help us stabilize Li Xuezhi, and then leak him some 'important information' from time to time. The ultimate goal is to fool the people over there."
Pei Xingzhi nodded, looked at Leng Han seriously and said, "I understand, Captain Leng, don't worry, I can do it."
Leng Han used tea instead of wine and toasted Pei Xingyi, "Thank you for your hard work."
Pei Xingzhi waved his hand and said, "It's my duty." He was just dealing with Li Xuezhi, it wasn't a big deal.
Just like Leng Han said before, blocking is not as good as easing. Keeping Li Xuezhi, this fool, will prevent them from not giving up and sending powerful people to cause trouble for them. What's the point of giving him some face? He can't make any waves.
The two discussed some details in detail, and the white mist in the cup gradually disappeared. When the sun set and a dreamy pink and purple color appeared on the horizon, Leng Han glanced at the watch on his hand.
Then he stood up, his face showing his usual indifference, and said goodbye to Pei Xingzhi, "Thank you for the hospitality, I'll be leaving now."
Pei Xingzhi pulled out a chair and stood up, saying politely, "It's getting late, Captain Leng, why don't you stay for dinner?"
"No, I still have things to take care of, so I won't stay any longer. Thank you."
Pei Xingzhi did not try to persuade him to stay and sent Leng Han away. As soon as he opened the door, he happened to see Meng Wanqiu playing with the puppy at the door.
In his hand, he held a wooden stick with a string tied to it and a small piece of steamed cake tied to it. He waved it left and right, up and down, and kept talking to the puppy, saying things like "You're too slow", like a child.
Leng Han looked at her, his eyes softened unconsciously, and there was a slight movement in his heart, which he didn't even notice.
Seeing Meng Wanqiu sitting on the ground, Pei Xingzhi frowned and went over to pull Meng Wanqiu up. "Why are you sitting on the ground? Be careful not to catch a cold."
Meng Wanqiu patted his pants nonchalantly and said to the two of them, "Are you done talking?"
Pei Xingzhi touched Meng Wanqiu's hand and was relieved to find it wasn't cold. "Now that we're done, I'll see Captain Leng off."
Meng Wanqiu shifted her gaze to Leng Han, "Wait a moment, I'll go get something."
Leng Han was stunned for a moment, but before he could answer, Meng Wanqiu had already gone in.
After a while, Meng Wanqiu came out with a small cloth bag.
Meng Wanqiu threw the bag in Leng Han's direction. "These are some medicines I made. I don't know when they can be used. There's also the one I used on Xu Hang last time in it. You can use it on your own."
Leng Han raised his hand to take it. He didn't expect Meng Wanqiu to give it to him on her own initiative. A sense of uncertainty flashed through his heart. "Thank you."
Pei Xingzhi watched from the side, pursing his lips and showing no emotion. The two of them threw the ball while the other caught it. Their tacit understanding made him feel like an outsider, and he felt jealous.
After everyone left, Meng Wanqiu and Pei Xingzhi went into the house, with Xiao Hui jumping behind them.
Meng Wanqiu glanced at Pei Xingzhi and asked curiously, "What did you talk about?"
Pei Xingzhi glanced at her indifferently and said something completely unrelated, "You really care about me, don't you? You even offered to send me medicine, huh."
The last "ha" was full of sarcasm.
After saying that, he ignored Meng Wanqiu and strode forward, leaving her behind.
Meng Wanqiu: ...Why do I feel like the air is filled with an increasingly strong sour smell?
Okay, I’m jealous again.
Looking at Pei Xingzhi's back, Meng Wanqiu also snorted, "How childish."
Meng Wanqiu thought Pei Xingzhi was just having a brief temper tantrum and could be comforted with a simple coaxing. However, she didn't expect Pei Xingzhi to be particularly stubborn this time, with the same sarcastic look on his face for three days.
This made Meng Wanqiu annoyed and she was too impatient to coax him. In this way, the couple, who had been married for almost three years, ushered in their first cold war.
But despite the cold war, Pei Xingzhi remained a responsible husband. He took care of all the housework and, apart from the lunch in the cafeteria, he would still prepare a hearty dinner for Meng Wanqiu at home in the evening.
Now both of them receive double salary, and they never compromise on food. They often exchange chickens, ducks, geese and other things with villagers in nearby villages. Those villagers all know the couple who spend money lavishly. Other families in the alley are jealous and secretly say that Meng Wanqiu is a spendthrift.
It's just a matter of getting pregnant and giving birth to a baby, it's like having a golden egg in your belly.
Li Xuezhi and Qu Miao have always regarded Pei Xingzhi and his wife as thorns in their eyes, and they always compare themselves with them in everything. If Meng Wanqiu's family ate duck today, Qu Miao would definitely cook a chicken tomorrow.
As she ate like this, Qu Miao's weight increased sharply after she became pregnant. She used to be a slender girl, but now her waist is twice as wide as before.
Although the baby was one month younger than Meng Wanqiu, her belly was even bigger than Meng Wanqiu's. Meng Wanqiu knew that the mother was eating too well and the fetus had grown too big.
This is very bad. It will be painful to give birth to the child.
Meng Wanqiu was born with a big appetite, but she consumed a lot every day. Her martial arts skills were running all the time, and most of the food she ate was consumed.
Ever since Meng Wanqiu became pregnant, Pei Xingzhi has been in charge of all the household affairs. Although Meng Wanqiu is not weak, Pei Xingzhi still stops her from doing anything tiring or mentally exhausting.
During this time, Pei Xingzhi's greatest improvement was in his cooking. Previously, he was only a novice who could make longevity noodles. Now, he's been making it a lot, and he occasionally consults with Aunt Feng, a housewife of decades, and Brother Zhu, a former soldier in the kitchen squad. He has become a master chef who masters dishes from both the north and south.
She didn't know if it was Meng Wanqiu's illusion, but she felt that during the cold war with Pei Xingzhi these days, the meals he cooked were particularly delicious. The dishes were not only novel, but also well-presented, and looked very appetizing.
That day, Meng Wanqiu and Sister Gao finished their meal in the cafeteria and then made an appointment to take a walk in the square.
However, at this time the square was filled with people rehearsing for various things, and Meng Wanqiu and Sister Gao, two idle people, became the exceptions.
When I walked this way, people disliked me because I blocked their view. When I walked that way, the workers performing dances disliked me because I was in the way.
The two looked at each other, smiled, and left the square reluctantly.
"Oh, there are more and more people in the square recently." Meng Wanqiu sighed as he glanced at the crowded square.
Sister Gao nodded in agreement. "That's right. It's the first cultural evening, and everyone's taking it very seriously. But there are so few rehearsal rooms, and they're often hard to come by. Since the evening is about to start in two days, everyone's just rehearsing right here in the square."
"What kind of program has Lili prepared?" Meng Wanqiu asked curiously. She hadn't seen Su Lili for several days.
"I heard they prepared a song," Sister Gao replied, then asked, "What program did your department prepare? Why haven't we seen any activity?"
Speaking of this, Meng Wanqiu said helplessly: "Don't even mention it. More than a dozen people can't put together a show. Our section chief is almost worried to death. He is even laughed at by other departments when he goes out to attend meetings."
Hearing this, Sister Gao burst into laughter. "And then? Was there any result in the end?"
Meng Wanqiu nodded. Finally, there was no one left in the department, so Wu Guifen told the section chief that her daughter could play the clapperboard and could let her daughter perform a show on behalf of their department.
But how could an outsider represent the Finance and Accounting Department? So Wu Guifen's daughter, Wu Dani, became a temporary worker in the department.
Sister Gao said, "This person in your department is quite smart. With just a short time, he sent his daughter to work in the factory."
Meng Wanqiu nodded. Ever since Wu Guifen's warning, she had become much more low-key and cautious. She was also diligent in her work. It was precisely because of this that the section chief was willing to give her daughter, Wu Dani, a chance.
Well, everything has cause and effect.
"By the way, where is your Pei Gong?"
Pei Xingzhi.
When she heard the name, Meng Wanqiu couldn't help but pout in anger. This guy hadn't spoken to her for a few days.
When she saw Meng Wanqiu like this, Sister Gao knew that the couple must have had a conflict.
However, Sister Gao hissed in surprise, "Engineer Pei dotes on you so much, yet he actually quarrels with you."
Meng Wanqiu rolled her eyes. "What are you spoiling me for? I spoil him too. Haha, men are all the same. It's true that after being married for a long time, there's no emotion. He hasn't spoken to me for a few days."
Sister Gao's eyes widened. "How many days have you not spoken? Come on, tell me what caused the quarrel between you two."
There was no way to talk about what happened at the 715 Institute, so Meng Wanqiu changed some details, gave a different version of the story, and told Sister Gao.
"So, you gave something to another man in front of Mr. Pei, and you didn't even give this thing to Mr. Pei."
Meng Wanqiu spread his hands and said as a matter of course: "He can't use it, why should I give it to him?"
Why does he need those medicinal powders? With her around, Pei Xingzhi doesn't need them at all.
Sister Gao couldn't help but hit Meng Wanqiu, "Silly girl, you don't understand this, men, this kind of creature, sometimes he is more generous than anyone else. But sometimes, he is more stingy than anyone else."
"Of course, he's stingy with his own wife. No matter what it is, as long as it involves his own daughter-in-law, this man is more childish than a little kid."
"Men are possessive of their wives. You gave things to someone else in front of Mr. Pei. Mr. Pei must be furious."
Meng Wanqiu explained: "I tried to coax him, but he didn't appreciate it."
"Ah, I've said so much, why don't you understand? Mr. Pei is angry with you because he's jealous. He cares about you." Sister Gao paused and asked, "Has he been working at home these days?"
"Yes, he does everything, including washing clothes, cooking and washing dishes." Meng Wanqiu counted on her fingers.
After hearing this, Sister Gao said enviously, "You little girl, you've made me a little envious. You're living in a blessed state but you don't know how to appreciate it."
When she quarreled with Lao Zhu, he didn't even work, and even ate separately. He even deliberately made delicious food to tempt her.
Meng Wanqiu frowned and thought for a moment, then muttered, "He's unreasonable."
She was delivering medicine to Leng Han on official business, not just to him alone. Wasn't there someone else there?
Sister Gao hugged Meng Wanqiu and whispered in her ear, "Ah, sometimes a man is not only a husband, but also a son. Sons are unreasonable. You should be more patient and coax a man like a child, and he will naturally be coaxed. If necessary, you can do it in bed..."
The first time someone talked to her about sex outside, Meng Wanqiu blushed and her whole body was emitting heat like a boiling kettle.
"Haha, what are you still ashamed of? You're almost a mother. Listen to me. I promise to coax Pei Gong into submission."
"Remember one thing, men are just like that." Sister Gao put her arm around Meng Wanqiu's shoulders and said in an air of being an experienced person.
Meng Wanqiu blushed and nodded.
What Sister Gao didn't know was that Meng Wanqiu and Pei Xingzhi usually played many more tricks than she had imagined.
Recently, there has been nothing to do in the accounting department, so we get off work much earlier than usual.
There is no one in the office now. The factory recently opened a reading room with many books in it, and other people in the department invited us to go and take a look.
Meng Wanqiu didn't go. She tidied up briefly, watered the orchid on the table, and then went to the window with a cup of water, watching the workers rehearsing enthusiastically in the square outside.
I couldn't help but think of Pei Xingzhi. Their department also had a performance and they should be rehearsing now.
Or, let’s go and take a look. Meng Wanqiu bit her upper lip and this idea suddenly came to her mind.
Pei Xingzhi told her that the place where they rehearsed was just after they settled the last incident, and then the two of them started a cold war.
Out of respect, Meng Wanqiu never went there once. Thinking about what Sister Gao said at noon, her heart softened.
Pei Xingzhi always coaxed her in the past, so this time she took a step back, it was no big deal.
Thinking of this, Meng Wanqiu packed up her things and went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy some things.
She planned to make some jujube paste pastries and bring them to Pei Xingzhi's rehearsal. The technical department was a full-time ensemble, so there would definitely be a lot of people at rehearsal, so she decided to make some extra for them to try.
Meng Wanqiu has been at the 715 for so long, but because the technical department is quite special, she rarely goes there on her own initiative, so she only knows a few people there now.
The date paste pastry she made this time was not an ordinary dessert, but one of the famous pastries from her previous life's palace.
However, the dates used in the jujube paste pastry are golden thread dates. There are no golden thread dates here now, so Meng Wanqiu uses dates from the jujube tree in the yard instead. Although the taste is slightly different, it is still very delicious.
Having not cooked for a long time, Meng Wanqiu felt that her cooking skills were rusty at the beginning. Fortunately, she remembered the steps of making jujube paste pastry by heart. After practicing it for a few times, she started to get the hang of it and her speed increased.
As time passed, the aroma of the jujube paste pastry overflowed from the pot.
After opening the lid of the pot, Meng Wanqiu picked up one with chopsticks to taste it. The golden outer layer was made of a crispy and fragrant mixture of flour, almond powder, ghee, etc., and the inside was filled with a fragrant burnt red candied date filling.
Meng Wanqiu couldn't help but squint her eyes. Her cooking skills were still so good. She sprinkled some sesame seeds on it and the date paste pastry was ready.
He took out the lunch box. This was the one Pei Xingzhi had bought when he had asked the carpenter to make a desk for him. He saw this exquisitely crafted lunch box in the carpenter's house and shamelessly bought it from him.
Meng Wanqiu made a lot and put two-thirds of it into the lunch box, and kept the rest to send to Uncle Feng, Aunt Feng, and Sister Gao to try.
How can you have dim sum without tea? Meng Wanqiu went to get the tea she had made, but she didn't brew it yet, planning to do so when the weather arrived.
There is not much tea. Meng Wanqiu brought it from home. The tea was picked from the deep mountains of Qinghe Village. There are only a few tea trees, so the quantity is not much. Master Buxuzi took some away when he left, and now it is almost sold out.
After packing up, Meng Wanqiu went back to work with the lunch box.
She went to the rehearsal place that Pei Xingzhi told her about. The status of the Technical Department was high after all. When other departments were scrambling for the rehearsal space, the Technical Department directly occupied the room.
When Meng Wanqiu was in the corridor, she heard the sound of music coming from inside, which was melodious and lingering in her ears.
The door was not closed, and it seemed that they were practicing. Meng Wanqiu walked quietly to the door without disturbing them. She stood quietly with the lunch box in her hand, looking inside.
She saw Pei Xingzhi in the crowd at a glance.
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