Chapter 64 Yang Weihong wants to do business...
Mingxi's eyes lit up instantly.
She had just heard a few days ago that Bai Shuzhen might be dating an old man, and she never expected to run into the two of them today. Driven by curiosity, she quietly followed them, only to see Bai Shuzhen and the old man walking side by side into the department store.
The department store was crowded. Mingxi quietly slipped into the crowd and approached Bai Shuzhen and her companion.
At this moment, she finally got a good look at the old man next to Bai Shuzhen. He looked to be in his fifties, with a square face and no particularly striking features; he was the kind of person who wouldn't stand out in a crowd.
But the other person was very neat and tidy. His gray hair was all combed back, revealing a shiny forehead, and his face was also clean, without a single stubble.
He wore a beige short-sleeved shirt with Chinese knot buttons and dark linen trousers. What was most eye-catching was the expensive watch on his wrist.
The watch has a simple design and looks very understated, but Mingxi had seen the same model auctioned in her previous life, and that watch sold for more than five million.
She estimated that even now, this watch could sell for tens of thousands of yuan.
Tens of thousands of yuan may not sound like much, but these days, you can buy a large courtyard house in the northern part of the city for less than ten thousand yuan.
This old man essentially owns several courtyards!
Mingxi clicked her tongue in amazement.
This old man not only looked incredibly wealthy, but he also spoke with an air of arrogance and wealth.
"Well, Shuzhen, is there anything you like? Don't be shy, just buy it if you like it, I'll pay."
Bai Shuzhen: "Guangping, no need, it's too much of a burden for you."
The man opposite her waved his hand dismissively.
Bai Shuzhen: "I don't want anything, let's go."
"Shuzhen, are you worried that I'll spend money? Don't worry about me. I didn't have money back then, but it's different now. The last thing I, Cao Guangping, lack now is money. Whatever you want, I can buy it for you. Even the stars in the sky, I can get them for you."
Bai Shuzhen covered her mouth and laughed heartily: "What would I need that for?"
“If you don’t want the stars in the sky, how about this dress? This color is perfect for you.”
Cao Guangping pointed to the skirts on one of the counters and said.
Bai Shuzhen followed his gaze, pursed her lips, touched her hair, and said, "The color is too bright. If someone my age wears this out, people will definitely laugh at me, right?"
"What's wrong with that! In my heart, this dress suits you perfectly. Young girls can't bring out your charm."
Mingxi: Tsk tsk tsk, look at how eloquent he is.
This old man is much more eloquent than most of the young men who ask her to introduce them to potential partners!
Before Bai Shuzhen could refuse, Cao Guangping called over the sales clerk: "Miss, I'll take this dress. Could you please wrap it up for me?"
The saleswoman, who was used to being called "comrade," found it quite novel when someone called her "Miss."
It's like talking to someone in a Hong Kong movie.
She smiled and nodded in agreement: "Okay, this dress is thirty-five yuan."
Upon hearing this, Cao Guangping didn't even blink. He handed over a few ten-yuan bills, and the sales clerk across the street counted them: "Comrade, you gave too much. It should be thirty-five yuan, but you gave fifty."
As she spoke, she returned the change and the extra money Cao Guangping had given her.
Cao Guangping simply waved his hand and said, "It's alright, consider the extra amount as a tip."
The saleswoman and Mingxi, who was eavesdropping behind them, stared wide-eyed.
Could it be that we've really encountered a soft-hearted God of Wealth?
The sales clerk quickly waved her hand: "No, no, no, please take this money back. Our manager doesn't allow us to accept tips."
Cao Guangping: "Is that not allowed? I'm satisfied with your service, and I'm willing to give it to you, but I can't?"
The sales clerk smiled and nodded: "You'd better take your money back quickly."
Bai Shuzhen also said, "Guangping, the mainland and Hong Kong are different. You should take the money back as soon as possible."
Cao Guangping shrugged: "Alright then."
Not long after he accepted the money, he pointed to a pair of high heels inside the counter and said, "Shuzhen, I think those shoes would look great on you."
After saying that, he turned to the sales clerk again and called out, "Miss, could you please wrap up a pair of those high heels for me? I want..."
Cao Guangping paused, then looked at Bai Shuzhen: "Shuzhen, what size shoes do you wear again?"
"Thirty-seven yards".
Cao Guangping: "Could you please pack me a pair of size 37 high heels?"
The sales clerk nodded and turned to find the goods for Cao Guangping. At this moment, Bai Shuzhen seemed to realize something and tugged at Cao Guangping's sleeve: "Guangping, you're spending too much money. I feel bad."
Cao Guangping smiled politely: "Shuzhen, if you're too shy, then have dinner with me. Consider it payment from you. How about it?"
Bai Shuzhen said coquettishly, "The way you're saying it, it's like I won't agree to eat with you unless you buy me something."
Cao Guangping lightly patted his mouth: "It's my fault for not knowing how to speak."
Bai Shuzhen gave a soft hum and didn't say anything.
At this moment, the sales clerk packed up the high heels Cao Guangping had ordered and handed them to him. After taking the shoes, she extended her hand to Bai Shuzhen and said, "Ms. Bai Shuzhen, could you give me another chance to have dinner with me?"
Bai Shuzhen nodded slightly, and the two walked out side by side.
Mingxi hesitated for a moment, but still didn't chase after him.
Those two are probably going to eat somewhere, so there's no need for her to keep an eye on them.
That would be too much of a waste of time.
Mingxi stood there, staring thoughtfully in the direction the two had left.
That old man named Cao Guangping is no ordinary person. Judging from the conversation between the two men, he must have come from Hong Kong.
In the past two years, the country has encouraged foreign businesses to invest and build factories in the mainland. There are quite a few foreign businesses coming and going in Beicheng. If he is also a foreign business coming to invest, then it makes sense.
However, since Cao Guangping came from Hong Kong, he will definitely have to go back to Hong Kong in the future, right? What will happen to Bai Shuzhen then?
Will Bai Shuzhen go back to Hong Kong with the other party?
Mingxi stroked his chin, thinking that if Bai Shuzhen really went with the other party, Ma Meixia would definitely be overjoyed.
"Mingxi!"
As Mingxi was pondering this, she suddenly felt someone tap her on the shoulder. She turned around and saw Ma Meixia standing behind her.
Mingxi: "Hey, what brings you here?"
She looked at Ma Meixia, then turned to look at the doorway: "Did you see that just now, you..."
Ma Meixia: "I know, isn't it my mother-in-law and that old man who came out to buy things just now? I saw them. I came out with them today, and I've been following them around all day."
Haha!
Good heavens!
Ma Meixia is also quite persevering.
However, Mingxi was a little curious: "Where did you go with them?"
Ma Meixia put her hands on her hips and said, "Don't even mention it! Just talking about it makes me breathless. I don't know how those two have so much stamina. They went hiking in the morning, and after coming down from the mountain, they had lunch at a restaurant. After leaving the restaurant, they borrowed a bicycle from somewhere and started riding around Gulou Street, one lap after another."
She held up her fingers and said, "They rode all noon. The sun was so strong at noon. I felt oily all over after standing outside for a while. These two didn't seem to mind the heat at all. After riding, they went boating all afternoon. Following them all day felt like participating in a triathlon!"
"Pfft—"
Mingxi couldn't help but laugh out loud.
I must say, this day's itinerary really felt like a triathlon.
It must be said that Bai Shuzhen and Cao Guangping were quite interesting and spirited.
Mingxi: "Hey, no, you've been with those two all day, do you even know who that man is? I heard he seems to be from Hong Kong. He's so generous and attentive to your mother-in-law, could he have some ulterior motive?"
Although there are many Hong Kong businessmen coming to the mainland these days, Mingxi couldn't help but overthink things when she thought about Wei Yong'an's upcoming promotion to work in the city's publicity department.
It could be a conspiracy theory of hers, but it's better to be sensitive at times like this.
Ma Meixia hadn't thought of this at first, but after Mingxi reminded her, she realized it.
"No, when I get back tonight, I have to have a good talk with my husband, Lao Wei, and ask him to check out this old man's identity."
Ma Meixia didn't care at all whether Cao Guangping was a good person or not, but if he was after Wei Yong'an, then it was a different story.
She's living a comfortable life now, spending her days cooking and cleaning at home, and doing absolutely nothing else. She even receives a considerable amount of pocket money every month. All of this is thanks to Wei Yong'an.
If Cao Guangping comes with ulterior motives and affects Wei Yong'an's work, wouldn't her comfortable life be ruined?
no!
Ma Meixia absolutely will not allow this to happen!
Thinking this, Ma Meixia immediately waved to Mingxi: "No, I have to hurry back and ask my husband if he knows who this old man is. I'm leaving now, Mingxi, let's talk again next time we meet!"
After finishing her sentence, Ma Meixia left in a hurry.
Mingxi: "..."
She didn't even have time to say a word, or perhaps she was overthinking it.
Mingxi observed that Cao Guangxi seemed quite shrewd and had a sweet tongue, somewhat like the playboys of later generations.
He's just an older version of Aquaman.
So it's possible that he came specifically for Wei Yong'an.
However, it's always best to investigate this kind of issue thoroughly.
Having learned such a big piece of gossip, Mingxi had no desire to continue shopping. She turned around and strode home.
When Mingxi got home, the first thing she did was share the gossip she had heard that day with Zhao Sulan.
"Mom! Mom, guess who I ran into today?"
Zhao Sulan was also curious and followed Mingxi's words, asking, "What happened? Who did you run into?"
Mingxi: "I ran into Bai Shuzhen, and she was with an old man!"
She leaned closer to Mingxi and whispered, "It should be the old man that Ma Meixia mentioned last time that Bai Shuzhen was outside."
"Huh? Really?"
Zhao Sulan put down what she was holding and became interested. She asked, "What's going on? Is Bai Shuzhen really dating that old man?"
Mingxi: "It's probably pretty close. I saw them outside just now, and they were really affectionate, even more affectionate than young people in love."
Zhao Sulan: "Do you know who that old man is?"
She was also quite curious.
People get married young these days. People of Bai Shuzhen's age are either already grandparents or about to become grandparents.
So it's really rare to see someone this age still dating or in a relationship.
Mingxi: "I don't know either, but it seems like he came from Hong Kong, but he and Bai Shuzhen are old acquaintances."
Zhao Sulan: "From Hong Kong?"
That's no ordinary person, is it?
Mingxi: "Yes, Ma Meixia said she went back and asked Wei Yong'an to inquire about it. Wei Yong'an knows a lot of people, so he should be able to find out the other party's identity."
Wei Yong'an was, after all, the head of the publicity department of a large factory with tens of thousands of employees, and he had some connections in Beicheng.
Cao Guangping has a special identity, and Wei Yong'an has asked around; perhaps a letter will be sent back soon.
Sure enough, Mingxi was right. The very next evening, Ma Meixia arrived at the Ming family with the fresh news.
Ma Meixia: "My husband Lao Wei found out who that old man is!"
Mingxi's eyes lit up, and she immediately leaned closer, perking up her ears: "What does he do?"
There's no way around it, everyone has curiosity, and she couldn't resist.
Ma Meixia took a deep breath and said, "That old man is Cao Guangping. He is a Hong Kong businessman who came here to invest. He is quite wealthy and owns dozens of chain restaurants in Hong Kong. This time, he came back to invest in a food factory in the mainland."
Mingxi was right; Cao Guangping was indeed a Hong Kong businessman who came to invest.
She asked curiously, "So, him and your mother-in-law?"
Ma Meixia: "According to what my husband Lao Wei found out, he and Bai Shuzhen were old acquaintances. They had a relationship when they were young, but later Cao Guangping became a driver for a wealthy foreign boss because he was poor. Later, the foreigner went to Hong Kong, and Cao Guangping went with him."
Mingxi: "Like this..."
No wonder the two of them are so affectionate; isn't this the plot of a young, unrequited love reuniting?
Ma Meixia suddenly pursed her lips: "However, Cao Guangping got married a long time ago."
Mingxi paused, then exclaimed, "What?!"
get married? !
Ma Meixia nodded: "That's right. My husband, Lao Wei, found out from a colleague who receives Hong Kong businessmen that Cao Guangping got married a long time ago, and he even married into the family. Didn't I tell you that he owns more than a dozen chain restaurants? They all belong to his wife. She passed away last year, and that's when the restaurants came into his hands."
Mingxi: "...Tsk!"
My wife just passed away last year, and now he's already acting strangely!
Tsk tsk, that's men for you!
Mingxi: "Didn't Cao Guangxiang have any children with his previous wife?"
Ma Meixia: Yes, I heard she has two sons and two daughters, but they didn't come this time, so they probably don't know about Bai Shuzhen's matter.
Mingxi clicked her tongue twice more.
There are quite a few children.
After a moment's thought, she realized that if Bai Shuzhen and Cao Guangping really got married, there would definitely be a lot of trouble.
Not only Cao Guangping's children are troublesome, but Bai Shuzhen also has two biological children.
Ma Meixia was also thinking about this at this moment, and she looked worried.
If we're talking about who most hopes Bai Shuzhen and Cao Guangping can get married smoothly, it has to be her.
She was really eager to marry Bai Shuzhen off.
Seeing her like this, Mingxi could only wish her in her heart that her dream would come true.
After seeing Ma Meixia off, Mingxi went to the restroom, and when she came out, she saw an acquaintance at the entrance of the alley.
Mingxi stepped forward: "Yang Weihong?"
Yang Weihong looked up: "Hey, Comrade Ming, what are you doing here?"
Mingxi pointed into the alley and said, "My home is right here. But you, what brings you here..."
Yang Weihong doesn't know anyone in the city, so she couldn't possibly be here looking for someone, could she?
Yang Weihong: "I wanted to rent a house. I asked around and found out that there were houses for rent in this area, so I came to take a look."
Mingxi: "Huh?"
I hadn't heard that Yang Weihong was looking to rent a house before.
She had previously said she would go home once she got the money.
Mingxi had helped Yang Weihong a lot, and in her heart, Mingxi wasn't an outsider. She didn't hide anything from Mingxi and said directly, "I've discovered that the city is much better than our village; there are so many more opportunities to make money there!"
Mingxi tilted her head: "Hmm?"
Yang Weihong leaned closer and whispered, "I've seen a lot of people setting up stalls to sell things on the street these past two days, and nobody seems to care!"
Yang Weihong has had a real eye-opener these past two days. There are not only stalls on the street, but they also sell all sorts of things, from clothes and electronic watches to food, drinks, and popsicles.
Putting it in her hometown is something she simply can't even imagine.
There are a lot of people selling things, and there are also quite a lot of people buying things!
To put it simply, she observed that the vendors selling large bowls of herbal tea at the entrance of the Cultural Palace had quite a few customers!
Yang Weihong felt that city people treated money like it wasn't money at all, spending it without a care in the world, and making money selling anything was much easier than she could make money farming in the countryside.
Thinking about it that way, she didn't want to leave.
Perfect timing! Once Shen Mo pays her back next week, she'll have some capital left, so she can easily set up a stall and start a business!
Yang Weihong was very outspoken and told Mingxi everything on her mind without holding back.
Mingxi nodded, thinking that Yang Weihong's idea was feasible.
These days, as long as you're willing to put aside your pride and endure hardship, you can indeed make money by setting up a stall.
She asked, "Have you decided what you want to sell at your stall?"
"I haven't decided yet." Yang Weihong frowned in distress, her gaze falling on Mingxi: "Perfect, Comrade Ming, can you give me some advice? What do you think would be suitable for me to sell?"
She felt that Mingxi was cultured, quick-witted, and a city dweller with a broader perspective than her, so she was sure she could come up with good ideas.
Mingxi thought for a moment: "You don't have much capital, so why not start with a small business? What are you good at?"
Yang Weihong scratched her head, unable to think of anything she was good at for the moment.
Mingxi guided him: "How's your cooking? If you're a good cook, you can sell boxed lunches at the train station. You don't need to make too many different dishes, just a few fixed combinations. For example, make braised pork for meat and stir-fried shredded potatoes for vegetables. Make them all, pack them up, and sell them directly at the train station. There are a lot of people coming and going at the train station, and some people will definitely think that the boxed lunches on the train are too expensive and won't be willing to buy them. As long as you sell them cheaper than on the train, you're guaranteed to sell them."
"If you're not a good cook, you could sell some snacks or roasted nuts, like sunflower seeds, peanuts, or popcorn. Go to places with lots of young people, like movie theaters, parks, or cultural centers, especially places where many young couples are dating. Don't sell them in big bags; divide them into smaller portions and wrap them nicely in paper. If you have a partner around, they usually won't hesitate to spend money."
"If all else fails, you can steam buns or mantou. It's not difficult to make them, but there will always be people who are too lazy to make them themselves and want to buy them from outside."
After Mingxi finished her long speech, Yang Weihong felt even more dizzy.
She felt that everything Mingxi said was right, and that she could do any of those businesses.
She thought about it carefully and said, "I'll go sell boxed lunches at the train station."
Yang Weihong came by train. The boxed meals on the train were really expensive. A serving of rice cost 40 cents and a serving of braised pork cost more than 2 yuan!
She traveled by train for a full day and night, but she refused to spend any money on food on the train, enduring hunger all the way to Beicheng.
She felt that if she sold it at a lower price, she would definitely be able to sell it.
Mingxi: "Hmm, selling boxed lunches would be quite suitable for you. But if you sell boxed lunches, you'll need to find a bigger house, at least with a bigger kitchen, otherwise you won't be able to cook. You'll also need to prepare insulated lunch boxes in advance."
"If you ask me, you'd better get a handcart or a tricycle, otherwise it will be inconvenient for you to get your things to the train station."
Yang Weihong nodded seriously, keeping Mingxi's words in mind.
Mingxi then helped Yang Weihong think of what else she needed to prepare and finally made a list for her.
Yang Weihong accepted the order and sincerely thanked Mingxi. She was not ungrateful and knew that Mingxi had been good to her, so she genuinely wanted to repay Mingxi.
"Comrade Ming, once my business is up and running and making money, I'll give you a share of the profits!"
Mingxi quickly waved her hand: "No need, no need!"
She didn't do much, just offered suggestions and talked a bit, and was genuinely embarrassed to ask for a share of the profits.
Yang Weihong: "No! I must give it to you!"
It's fair to say that Mingxi was the one who came up with the idea for her to sell boxed lunches. Mingxi even helped her make a list of the items she needed, saving her a lot of trouble. She would feel really bad if she didn't give Mingxi anything.
Despite Mingxi's repeated refusals, she couldn't change Yang Weihong's mind and had no choice but to give up.
Anyway, the business hasn't started yet, let's wait until Yang Weihong actually makes money before we talk about it.
However, Mingxi remembered a problem: "If you stay in the city, what will happen to your grandmother?"
She remembered hearing Yang Weihong say that her grandmother was the only one left in the family, and that her grandmother was quite old and in poor health.
Yang Weihong gave up attending the Workers, Peasants and Soldiers University because of her grandmother, and gave her spot to Shen Mo.
If Yang Weihong stays in the city now, what about her grandmother?
Yang Weihong: "I've thought about it. Once my business is up and running and I'm sure this is feasible, I'll bring my grandmother to the city."
She's staying in the city now, unlike before when she attended the Workers, Peasants and Soldiers University. Back then, she lived in the dorms, and there was nowhere to put her grandmother. Now she plans to rent a place, so that won't be a problem, and she can safely bring her grandmother to the city.
Yang Weihong thought this way not only because she could make money in the city, but also because there were more hospitals and a better environment for elderly care.
To put it bluntly, her grandmother is so old. If something were to happen to her, it would definitely be more convenient for her to see a doctor and be hospitalized in the city than in the countryside.
Seeing that Yang Weihong had made up her mind, Mingxi didn't say anything more.
Yang Weihong just needs to make the decision.
Over the next few days, Yang Weihong was busy at all. She was either out looking at houses, on her way to the secondhand market to study furniture, or in the Women's Federation kitchen researching what kind of boxed lunches to make.
This was a good thing for Mingxi, because Yang Weihong would bring over a portion every day after she finished making it so that Mingxi could taste it and give her feedback.
To be fair, Yang Weihong is quite skilled at cooking; she's capable of doing it well. However, this is only true when it comes to cooking for herself; it's a different story when it comes to selling to others.
Take braised pork belly, for example. Yang Weihong's family's method is to not add sugar or caramelize it, but simply use soy sauce for color. The braised pork belly made this way tastes almost the same, but its appearance is much worse.
Braised pork belly made with caramelized sugar has a beautiful reddish-brown color and looks delicious, while pork belly made with soy sauce is dark and doesn't look as appetizing.
Yang Weihong was used to cooking at home and usually just made do with whatever she could find. She didn't have any awareness of how well the food looked or how it looked until Mingxi brought it up.
One good thing about Yang Weihong is that she is willing to listen to advice. She accepted all the suggestions Mingxi gave her.
The next day, she stewed braised pork by first caramelizing the sugar and then adding the meat to stew.
Seeing that Yang Weihong was receptive to the advice, Mingxi was pleased. She then turned to Yang Weihong and offered a few more suggestions: "When you're cooking, don't be stingy with the seasonings. As long as you're generous with the oil and seasonings, the food won't taste bad. Also, since you're selling it, you must consider hygiene. For example, when you take out these lunchboxes, wipe off the soup on top. It will look much neater than if you don't wipe them clean..."
Yang Weihong memorized every single detail.
And so, the day that Shen Mo was supposed to pay him arrived quickly.
Early that morning, Yang Weihong came to find Mingxi: "Comrade Ming, I'm not very bright and I'm afraid I'll get tricked by Shen Mo if I meet him alone. I'd like to ask you to come with me, is that alright?"
Mingxi nodded in agreement without even thinking.
Since we've already gotten involved, we might as well go all the way.
She followed Yang Weihong to the subdistrict office, where Shen Mo was already waiting at the door. His face was gloomy, and his expression was very bad. It was easy to guess that he wouldn't be in a good mood after having to give Yang Weihong such a large sum of money.
However, Mingxi and Yang Weihong didn't care about that.
Yang Weihong stepped forward and held out her hand: "Give me back my money!"
Shen Mo's expression turned even more unpleasant.
Even though things had come to this point, Shen Mo still felt that Yang Weihong couldn't possibly let go of him so easily, and he planned to coax her and tell her to stop making a fuss and obediently go back to the countryside.
Unexpectedly, Yang Weihong was determined not to stay with him, and all she could say to him was the cold "pay back the money".
Shen Mo's face was so dark it was almost dripping with water. He gritted his teeth and said, "Wei Hong, we've been married for six years. Is there nothing else you want to say to me besides money?"
"Pah!"
Yang Weihong spat directly onto Shen Mo's face.
She put her hands on her hips and pointed at his nose: "You bastard, you really have no shame! You still have the nerve to talk to me about being married for six years? During the four years you were away at university, did you really treat me like your wife? I bet you just saw me as a blood bank to give you money!"
Shen Mo could no longer maintain his composure. He wiped the dirt off his face with disgust and said through gritted teeth, "Fine, Yang Weihong, you've got some good work!"
Yang Weihong straightened her chest and said, "So what? I think I'm fine!"
She pouted and said, "Stop dawdling, give me my money back right now, and come inside with me to get the divorce certificate!"
"Fine! Since you're in such a hurry, then don't regret it after the divorce!"
Shen Mo gritted his teeth and uttered harsh words.
He always felt that he was a city dweller, a college graduate with a stable job, and that Yang Weihong was not good enough for him. He also arrogantly believed that Yang Weihong would definitely regret the divorce.
The thought of Yang Weihong regretting her actions and crying her heart out to win him back finally made Shen Mo swallow his anger.
He reached out and tossed the envelope from his pocket to Yang Weihong: "Here you go!"
Yang Weihong held the envelope in her hand, weighing it in her hand, and then looked up at Shen Mo, as if considering whether Shen Mo had shortchanged her.
Still feeling uneasy, she glanced around to make sure no one was suspicious, then opened the envelope, spat, and quickly counted the money inside.
After carefully counting it and confirming that it was exactly 1,500 yuan, not a penny more or less, Yang Weihong finally smiled.
She carefully placed the envelope containing the money into her backpack with satisfaction.
"Okay, let's go in and complete the formalities."
Shen Mo: "Wait, before you complete the formalities, give me a receipt to prove that you received 1,500 yuan from me today."
Yang Weihong didn't think much of it and was about to nod subconsciously, but Mingxi stopped her.
Mingxi: "Yang Weihong can write a receipt, but you must also write a certificate proving that the 1,500 yuan was given to her as divorce compensation after you and she negotiated it."
If this point isn't clearly stated, that bastard Shen Mo might use the receipt to make trouble.
Accuse Yang Weihong of extortion.
Given Shen Mo's cunning nature, he is capable of doing something like this.
To be honest, Shen Mo originally had this idea in mind: after Yang Weihong wrote a receipt, he would use the receipt to sue her for extortion.
He had already planned it all out: he would not only sue Yang Weihong for extortion, but also for forcing her into marriage.
How could a promising college student like him marry Yang Weihong, a village girl? Of course, it was Yang Weihong who took advantage of being a local to force him into marriage.
Yes, Shen Mo thought about it for a week and came up with this wicked idea.
Of course, he didn't think his move was bad; on the contrary, he thought he was quite clever. Even if Yang Weihong could get people in the village to prove that they were in a common-law marriage, the villagers couldn't prove whether he was forced into the marriage.
He could also argue that the villagers were all Yang Weihong's accomplices, and that it was under their coercion that he had no choice but to agree to marry Yang Weihong and pretend to have a close relationship with her.
It wasn't until she went to university and escaped from the village where Yang Weihong lived that she gained her freedom.
Although Shen Mo had no evidence that Yang Weihong had forced him into marriage, as long as he presented his identity as a college student from the city, some people would surely believe him.
Shen Mo had a well-thought-out plan, but he didn't expect to encounter a problem right from the very first step.
His bloodshot eyes stared straight at Mingxi, thinking: Isn't this that meddlesome woman from the Women's Federation? Why is she here again today!
Thinking back to the last time, it was because Mingxi was by Yang Weihong's side giving advice that Yang Weihong was able to use against him and make him pay 1,500 yuan, Shen Mo felt a surge of anger.
He glared fiercely at Mingxi, thinking, "Just you wait, once I get rid of Yang Weihong, I'll definitely get my revenge on that little wench!"
Mingxi wasn't afraid of his gaze: "So, are you going to write it or not? If you don't write a certificate, Yang Weihong won't write a receipt either."
Even if Yang Weihong was stupid, she realized at this moment that there was a trap in Shen Mo's request for her to write a receipt. She glared at him and said, "Fine, Shen Mo, you bastard, are you trying to trick me again?"
Luckily, she brought Mingxi with her today!
Otherwise, Shen Mo will screw you over again!
Shen Mo, of course, would never admit it. He flung his arm away, his voice trembling with panic: "What nonsense are you talking about? Who wanted to cheat you? If you don't want to write a receipt, then don't. I didn't force you!"
He deliberately changed the subject: "Didn't we say we needed to get the divorce papers done quickly? Hurry up and go, don't waste my time!"
"snort!"
Yang Weihong glared at Shen Mo. Although she was not very bright and did not know how Shen Mo was planning to trick her, she knew that this bastard was definitely up to no good!
Yang Weihong, still angry, followed them into the subdistrict office.
Upon learning that the two had come to dissolve their marriage, the staff at the neighborhood office glanced at them in surprise, but said nothing.
After obtaining the supporting documents from both sides and verifying that everything was correct, the divorce proceedings were completed quickly, and a certificate was issued to both of them.
Having obtained the certificate, Shen Mo, no longer wanting to be treated like a monkey by the staff at the street office, quickly left without even saying goodbye to Yang Weihong and Ming Xi.
Yang Weihong pursed her lips, not caring whether he greeted her or not.
Six years of marriage, and all she got in return was this piece of paper. It would be a lie to say she wasn't heartbroken. But now she saw clearly that Shen Mo was a complete scoundrel. Getting a divorce sooner was a good thing.
Yang Weihong took a deep breath, turned to Mingxi and said, "Comrade Ming, now that I have the money, I can go and pay the landlord."
She had her eye on a small courtyard house near the train station. The courtyard was small, with only three rooms, and it was right next to the train station, making it very noisy. The landlord was also asking for a high price. For these reasons, the house remained unrented.
However, for Yang Weihong, the advantages of this house outweighed the disadvantages. First, its proximity to the train station made it convenient for her to sell boxed lunches. Second, its detached house and courtyard made it easy for her to come and go as she did her business without disturbing the neighbors, and the neighbors wouldn't keep an eye on her. In addition, although the courtyard wasn't large, the house had running water, making water use convenient, and it also had a separate kitchen, which was perfect for her.
Yang Weihong took a liking to the courtyard and made an agreement with the landlord that they would sign a contract after Shen Mo gave her the money.
In fact, if she had enough money, Yang Weihong would have bought the entire courtyard.
For her, renting is not a long-term solution; only a house she buys is her own home.
However, even a skilled cook can't cook without rice; she only had the 1,500 yuan that Shen Mo had compensated her with, and she needed to save the money for her business.
So I had to rent a place first.
Mingxi and Yang Weihong went to the landlord to sign the rental contract and pay the rent and deposit. Then the two of them went to the second-hand market and bought a lot of pots, pans and other utensils for their stall.
Fortunately, the two of them also found a dilapidated tricycle at the flea market.
It's really broken.
It looked like it had just been salvaged from a junkyard. The bike was rusty and covered in a thick layer of dust. The seat was badly damaged, exposing the steel wires inside. The handlebars were crooked, and the chain made a clunking sound when ridden because it was out of lubrication. One of the front wheels was also flat.
However, for Yang Weihong, it was still a stroke of luck.
Because this tricycle only costs fifteen yuan.
She figured that if she washed and cleaned it herself, found a repair shop, patched the tire, replaced the seat, and oiled the chain, it would only cost her thirty yuan at most, and the bike would be as good as new.
This is much cheaper than buying a new tricycle!
Mingxi watched as Yang Weihong excitedly pushed her tricycle back to the rented courtyard to start cleaning, and couldn't help but admire her enthusiasm.
Compared to Yang Weihong, she seems too lazy.
Mingxi thought for two seconds and decided that being a "salted fish" (a person who is lazy or unambitious) wasn't so bad.
Mingxi successfully let go of her psychological burden, said goodbye to Yang Weihong, and went home alone first.
Yang Weihong's rented house was some distance from Mingxi's house. As Mingxi walked, she suddenly stopped.
She ran into Bai Shuzhen and Cao Guangping again.
However, this time it wasn't just the two of them; there was also Bai Shuzhen's biological daughter, Wei Sijia, whom they had only briefly met at Wei Yong'an's wedding.
At this moment, Wei Sijia was standing next to two young women, who appeared to be her friends.
Wei Sijia stared wide-eyed at Bai Shuzhen and Cao Guangping, her expression one of disgust as she shrieked, "Mom, who is this? Who is this man? Why are you with him?!"
Bai Shuzhen clearly hadn't expected to run into her daughter outside. A flicker of panic crossed her face, and she stammered, "Sijia, Sijia, don't misunderstand, this is..."
Before she could finish speaking, Wei Sijia covered her head and cried out, "Shut up! Stop talking! I don't want to know who he is! I don't want to know what your relationship is! I just want to ask you, have you no shame? How old are you? Still doing this kind of thing with such an old man!"
Mingxi pursed her lips; those words were too harsh.
Moreover, no matter what Bai Shuzhen is like, she has always treated her own daughter and son well. For her daughter to say such things in public shows that she has no regard for her reputation at all.
Bai Shuzhen's expression also turned sour upon hearing this.
Just then, two figures walked over from the street corner.
Mingxi chuckled when she saw the two people.
Hey, Ma Meixia and Wei Yong'an have come over too.
This is going to be quite a show.
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