Wang Qiang was eating lamb skewers at Sister Chen's house, and Sister Chen, Chen Jing, and Li Man were also enjoying their meal together.
Chen Jing and Li Man were less resentful than before; the sizzling skewers of mutton had long since made them forget their grievances.
Wang Qiang nodded in satisfaction. It seems that good food really can cure everything.
When I was in a bad mood, I would go out for hot pot, and my mood would instantly improve.
What Wang Qiang didn't expect was that after Xu Li sent him back, someone leaked the news, and rumors quietly spread throughout the factory that Wang Qiang had a very powerful background.
Even more busybodies spread all sorts of rumors, always getting to the heart of the matter: "Let me tell you, Wang Qiang is no ordinary person. In our area, I'm the only one who knows his background..."
Those listening eagerly awaited his continuation.
Unexpectedly, the person blinked and said, "This matter... well, it can't be said. Those who know, know!"
Then put on an air of profound mystery.
"Don't listen to his nonsense. I know Wang Qiang's father is no ordinary man. He was a veteran, but he sacrificed his life later!"
"He could have gone to a better company, but for some reason, he chose our steel rolling mill!"
"Really? No wonder he's so awesome!"
"That's right. When Factory Manager Yang was in charge, he could just walk into the factory office and drink tea with the factory manager every day!"
“You’re right. If it weren’t for his powerful background, Wang Qiang would have been in trouble too when Li Huaide brought down Director Yang.”
"Unexpectedly, not only did he fail, but he was also given an important position. I heard that he brought back a truckload of sheep on that trip. That's quite something!"
"Yes, now that Director Fan has taken office, he's become a favorite of Director Fan again. It's been reported in the purchasing department that Deputy Section Chief Cao Wangcai went to Director Fan to complain about Wang Qiang. He got scolded and kicked out by Director Fan."
Rumors spread like wildfire, as if they had grown wings.
Some people knew that He Yuzhu and Wang Qiang were from the same compound, and many people took advantage of their breaks to go to the third canteen to ask him to tell them about Wang Qiang's deeds.
He Yuzhu didn't know either, but surrounded by people and flattered him, he felt a little smug. So, following everyone's curiosity, he blurted out some nonsense.
"As the saying goes, 'If you never know Wang Qiang, you can't call yourself a hero.' You don't know how extraordinary Wang Qiang is. He can sweep through eight hundred people without any rivals. He's a martial arts saint reborn in the martial arts world. His skills must have been personally taught by a master..."
He Yuzhu dumped all the things he had heard onto Wang Qiang.
"He killed a tiger when he was eight, and kicked a cow to death when he was nine..."
Although He Yuzhu was talking nonsense, everyone listened with great interest.
The male workers all gathered around He Yuzhu, listening to his nonsense.
The female workers all gathered around Qin Huairu.
"Sister Qin, you live in the same courtyard as him, tell me, what's he like?"
"Yeah, he's so tall and handsome, how come he's still single?"
"Does he have a girlfriend? I heard he's getting quite close to Li Man from the finance department! He's always running off to the finance department!"
"No way, Li Man's teeth haven't even fully grown in yet, she's just a bean sprout, how could Wang Qiang like someone like that?"
"Hey, you don't mean Wang Qiang would have a crush on you, do you?"
Before Qin Huairu could speak, a group of female workers started chattering and arguing.
"Sister Qin, what do you think?"
Qin Huairu was somewhat embarrassed by the question; naturally, she couldn't reveal her relationship with Wang Qiang.
"I don't know either, what should I say?"
A young female worker asked, "Sister Qin, stop keeping me in suspense, tell me, what is he like at home?"
Qin Huairu blushed, "You little rascal, how would I know what he's like at home..."
Another round-faced female worker joked, "Sister Qin, why are you blushing? Is there something you're hiding from us?"
Qin Huairu smiled and said, "What could I possibly be hiding from you? I truly don't know!"
The more she tried to evade the issue, the more the female worker insisted that she speak...
The rumors circulating in the factory did not affect Wang Qiang at all. He had just finished eating at Sister Chen's house and chatted with them for a while.
Chen Jing and Li Man were lounging lazily on the table, glancing at Wang Qiang every now and then. They said that keeping warm makes one think of... well, let alone eating mutton.
Wang Qiang dared not act rashly. With Sister Chen beside him, they couldn't use the space. Without the blessing of the Ruyi Pool, it would be difficult for the two of them to withstand dual cultivation rashly.
Wang Qiang glanced at his watch and decided to go find Liu Lan, the woman he hadn't yet won over.
It's only a little past eight o'clock now, there's still time.
While Sister Chen went to the kitchen, Wang Qiang comforted Chen Jing and Li Man, packed his things, and left the yard.
He got on his bicycle and sped towards Liu Lan's house, arriving at her courtyard at breakneck speed.
Like Wang Qiang and his family, Liu Lan's family lived in a courtyard house, a two-section courtyard with 10 households. Liu Lan's family lived in the east wing of the first section.
Liu Lan was knitting a sweater in the main room when she saw someone come in and park her bicycle in the yard.
She had been waiting for Wang Qiang to arrive. She put down her sweater, put on a cotton coat, and came out.
Liu Lan naturally invited Wang Qiang into the house.
When Wang Qiang looked at the food, he saw that Liu Lan had gone to great lengths. She had somehow managed to get some spare ribs, half a roast chicken, a plate of fried eggs, and a plate of peanuts.
Liu Lan invited Wang Qiang to sit down: "Brother Wang Qiang, we don't have much to offer you, please forgive us."
Wang Qiang smiled and said, "That's pretty good. I think this level is about the same as receiving leaders."
Liu Lan's eyelids twitched upon hearing this. "Look at what you're saying, my affairs are all depending on you!"
"Come and try this liquor. Although it's sold in bulk, it's genuine Erguotou."
To be honest, Liu Lan filled Wang Qiang's glass to the brim and poured one for herself as well.
Seeing that there were only the two of them in the room, Wang Qiang couldn't help but feel curious. "Sister Liu, are you all alone at home?"
Liu Lan smiled awkwardly. This time, in order to entertain Liu Qiang, she had specifically sent everyone else out of the house.
"That's right, he happens to be working the night shift tonight! It's okay, I'll keep you company. Don't underestimate me just because I'm a woman, I can hold my liquor very well."
Wang Qiang laughed too, "Alright then, let's drink until we drop tonight!"
Liu Lan nodded: "Brother Wang Qiang, you're really a good person. Ever since what happened with Li Huaide, nobody in the factory has wanted to talk to me."
Wang Qiang took a sip of wine and then said, "That's probably how people are. Some people are two-faced; they're jealous of you when you're successful, and they laugh at you when you're down on your luck."
"Actually, there's no need for that. I believe you're with Li Huaide not because of love."
Liu Lan gave a bitter smile. What love did she have with Li Huaide? One of them was after his money and power, and the other was after his body!
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