Chapter 70 Mediation in Progress The sun was setting, but…
The sun was setting, but the huge sun still hung in the sky, making it unbearably hot. Mingxi walked along the shade of the trees, and sweat still seeped from her forehead.
She strode quickly, almost reaching Yang Weihong's rented courtyard, when a tricycle rushed towards her from across the road. Mingxi's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at the person on the tricycle.
"Wei Hong!"
She waved to Yang Weihong, who was riding back on a tricycle.
Yang Weihong also spotted Mingxi at this moment: "Hey!"
She pressed the brake, and the tricycle stopped right in front of Mingxi.
"Why are you here?" Yang Weihong's face was covered in sweat, and her cheeks were flushed.
Mingxi: "Didn't you say you were opening today? I came to check on things. How's business today?"
Yang Weihong beamed with excitement: "Great! Business is booming! Comrade Xiaoming, you wouldn't believe it, I was so worried on my way there today. I was thinking, what if I didn't sell a single boxed lunch? It's so hot now, these things would definitely spoil by tomorrow. But who would have thought that as soon as I got to the train station, set up my stall, and before I even started hawking my wares, people saw my sign and came up to me asking if I was selling boxed lunches and if they could have one. One sold, another person came, and eventually, people lined up to buy boxed lunches. The fifty-odd meals I prepared for today sold out in less than two hours!"
She flashed a wide, almost ear-to-ear smile and excitedly patted Mingxi on the shoulder, saying, "Speaking of which, I still have to thank you, Comrade Mingxi. A lot of people came to buy boxed lunches from me today because they saw the sign in front of my stall. It was your idea that came to me."
When Yang Weihong mentioned selling boxed lunches, Mingxi gave her an idea: prepare a sign in advance with the day's menu and the price of each dish. Write the words in large, clear letters.
This way, it's very clear at a glance. People can see what you're selling and how you sell it just by looking at the sign.
With a sign standing here, even people from a long distance can see it at a glance. The information on the sign is clear, saving people from having to ask questions one by one, which saves a lot of time and effort.
Yang Weihong is also open to listening to other people's opinions. The day after Mingxi told her what to do, she prepared the signs as Mingxi had instructed.
Now that they've discovered how useful the sign is, they immediately came to thank Mingxi.
Mingxi waved her hand: "Hey, I just gave you a suggestion on the spur of the moment. Your business is doing well mainly because of yourself."
Yang Weihong: "Comrade Xiaoming, don't be so modest."
Mingxi: "Oh, right, if you sold out by noon, then what were you doing just now...?"
"Hey! I went to sell mung bean soup." Yang Weihong's voice rose as she excitedly said, "After I finished selling at noon, I saw that I still had some time, so I cooked two big pots of mung bean soup to take to the train station to sell. Mung bean soup sells well, and I sold it for five cents a bowl. People even said I was selling it cheaply!"
On the first day of selling boxed lunches, Yang Weihong didn't prepare many ingredients. After selling out by noon, there wasn't enough time to buy fresh vegetables and cook them. However, she had mung beans at home, so she could still make mung bean soup to sell.
In the hot summer, mung bean soup is a perfect way to cool down and sells well.
And so, in the afternoon, Yang Weihong took two large thermos containers of mung bean soup and made another trip to the train station.
"Comrade Xiaoming, don't laugh at me, but I really didn't expect that business in the city would be so easy, and that city people would treat money so casually." Yang Weihong muttered in disbelief, "I thought a bowl of mung bean soup was too expensive at five cents, but I didn't expect that people would think I was selling it cheaply when they paid for it."
A pot of mung bean soup uses a maximum of two pounds of mung beans. A pound of mung beans only costs a few cents. Once it's made into mung bean soup, it costs five cents a bowl!
Yang Weihong was speechless; this business was done as if it were money falling from the sky.
Mingxi laughed: "That's not true. Not every city dweller is rich and doesn't value money. It's because the people you meet at the train station are all well-off. As the saying goes, 'A poor family is rich on the road,' people are generally willing to spend money when they're out and about. Your mung bean soup is made with high-quality ingredients, so people will say you're selling it cheaply. Besides, you can't just calculate the cost of the mung beans. Do you need water, firewood, a pot, and labor to cook the mung bean soup? If you factor all that in, five cents isn't expensive at all."
These days, people who travel by train are either on official business or visiting relatives.
The former has their expenses reimbursed by their employer, so they don't feel bad about spending money. The latter, as Mingxi said, is someone who is frugal when traveling and willing to spend money while on the road.
Yang Weihong thought about it and felt that Mingxi's words made sense.
However, she still felt that it was easier to make money in the city than in the countryside, since no one in their area would be willing to spend five cents to buy such a small bowl of mung bean soup.
Thinking about it this way, Yang Weihong felt more and more that staying in the city was the right choice.
Yang Weihong: "I called my grandma at the post office today and told her about my business here. My grandma was quite surprised."
She laughed and said, "At first, my grandma was worried that I wouldn't make any money. Later, when she heard that I was making money, she was worried that I would be arrested for speculation. I told her that Beicheng doesn't care about this anymore, but my grandma didn't believe me."
Mingxi: "He's an old man."
Grandma Yang is old and lives in the countryside, so it's difficult for her to keenly perceive policy changes.
Yang Weihong: "Yes, my grandma is old and still can't believe it. I'm afraid she'll only believe it after I bring her here and let her see it with her own eyes."
Speaking of this, Mingxi became curious: "When do you plan to bring your grandmother over?"
Yang Weihong nodded: "I plan to go back and pick up my grandma in a few days. I'm worried about her being alone in the countryside."
Mingxi: "Okay, then when the old man comes over, just let me know if there's anything you can help with."
Yang Weihong was moved. She looked at Mingxi, her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but she felt that anything she said would be too little. Since she came to the city, Mingxi had helped her so much, and she could never thank him enough.
Mingxi: "Okay, I came over just to see if you had anything to do and to know that everything is going well for you. I'll head back now. If you need anything later, don't hesitate to ask me."
Hearing that Ming Xi was about to leave, Yang Weihong hurriedly said, "Comrade Xiao Ming, don't go!"
She grabbed Mingxi's arm: "Since you've come all this way, why don't you stay for a meal? I'm going to the market to buy some..."
"No need to trouble yourself, my mom has already cooked dinner at home, I'm off!"
Mingxi waved goodbye to Yang Weihong.
She carried her bag and walked briskly home. As soon as she returned to the courtyard, Aunt He surrounded her and said mysteriously, "Xiao Ming, be careful these next few days. I heard someone is watching you and wants to get revenge."
Mingxi: "???"
She was completely bewildered: "Huh? Who wants to report me?"
Mingxi thought to herself, "She's such a well-known, simple and kind woman, she hasn't offended anyone, so why is someone targeting her?"
Aunt He: "Who else could it be but Shen Mo! I heard he's been secretly trying to find out about you these past few days, and he even came to our alley today."
She gave a heavy "humph" and said, "That grandson thinks nobody around here knows him. The moment he showed his face, I recognized him."
Mingxi frowned: "Shen Mo? Why is he asking about me?"
Aunt He: "What do you think he's doing? That grandson is definitely planning to get revenge on you!"
Regardless, Shen Mo was originally a college graduate with a bright future. Now that he has been disciplined, his chances of promotion are slim. It's impossible for him not to feel any resentment.
Moreover, in Shen Mo's heart, not only was his career ruined, but even the person he was about to get was broken up with by Ming Xi.
Yes, object.
This brings us back to Ning Manqing.
Mingxi had asked the skinny monkey to remind Ning Manqing to be careful of sinking.
The next day, the skinny monkey went to find Ning Manqing and told her everything Mingxi had told him. Coincidentally, his conversation with Ning Manqing was overheard by Shen Mo, who had come to Ning Manqing to curry favor with her.
To be fair, Shen Mo was shrewd. He didn't rush up to confront the skinny monkey. Instead, he waited until the skinny monkey left before finding Ning Manqing with a wronged expression. He spoke as a victim, saying that he had been forced into marriage when he went to the countryside, and now the person who forced him into marriage had come looking for him, forcing him to go back to the countryside with the other party.
In Shen Mo's words, Yang Weihong is a domineering village girl who is unreasonable and arrogant, and who uses her local identity to coerce innocent young people who have come to the countryside.
He was just an unfortunate victim, helpless and alone, with no one to stand up for him, and forced to submit to the other party.
Shen Mo knew he couldn't deny Yang Weihong's identity, so he could only try to play the victim in front of Ning Manqing in this way.
He thought it was a good idea; he believed Ning Manqing was kind and compassionate, and that she would surely feel sorry for him after hearing how pitiful he was.
Shen Mo didn't expect that Ning Manqing was kind, but she wasn't stupid.
She did have some feelings for Shen Mo, so when she got home, she asked her family to inquire about Shen Mo's time in the countryside. Ning Manqing's sister happened to know a fellow educated youth who had been sent to the countryside with Shen Mo, so she introduced them to her. Ning Manqing inquired with the person and quickly learned the truth.
It turned out that things weren't as Shen Mo had described at all; he was forced by Yang Weihong to marry her.
On the contrary, Shen Mo actively pursued Yang Weihong and did so for quite some time before Yang Weihong finally agreed to be with him.
To be honest, Ning Manqing didn't care whether Shen Mo had a partner before or whether he had been married before, but she couldn't accept that Shen Mo was full of lies and didn't tell a single truth.
So after finding out the truth, her goodwill towards Shen Mo vanished instantly. The next day, when Shen Mo came to see her, she directly explained her thoughts.
Shen Mo still held onto the hope that Ning Manqing might just want him to coax her, so he went to the Ning family several times to curry favor, but Ning Manqing never even came out. Unable to see Ning Manqing, Shen Mo had no choice but to give up.
Having finally found a good match, Shen Mo was furious and blamed everything on Ming Xi.
If Mingxi hadn't found the skinny monkey, no one would have bothered to mention this to Ning Manqing.
After the steel mill issued its punishment, Shen Mo's resentment towards Ming Xi reached its peak. It was all Ming Xi's fault, and it was all the Women's Federation's fault. If the Women's Federation hadn't notified the steel mill, he wouldn't have been punished and sent to the boiler room!
He was swindled out of a huge sum of money by Yang Weihong, his hopes of marrying into a wealthy family were dashed, and now he's even lost his good job. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that his life is ruined. He now hates Mingxi with a vengeance, wishing he could drink her blood and eat her flesh.
For the past few days, Shen Mo had been secretly inquiring about Ming Xi, wanting to find an opportunity to get revenge.
He thought he had done it discreetly, but he didn't expect that there was someone like Aunt He who recognized him at a glance and guessed that he had ill intentions.
Aunt He reported to Mingxi with a boastful tone: "Anyway, I think that kid's eyes are a bit off. He's definitely up to no good. Be careful these next few days, and don't let him get his way."
Aunt He kept saying, "Be careful walking to and from get off work alone these next few days. If you really can't, bring some weapons for self-defense."
Mingxi nodded seriously.
She was very concerned about her own life and didn't take what Aunt He said as a joke at all.
When Zhao Sulan returned home and learned about this, her expression became very serious.
She pulled out a kitchen knife: "Xi Bao, don't go to and from get off work by yourself these next few days. I'll pick you up and drop you off. Don't leave until I'm at your workplace in the evening."
Mingxi nodded: "Okay."
She didn't refuse Zhao Sulan because she knew that Zhao Sulan wouldn't feel at ease if she didn't agree.
As expected, Zhao Sulan's expression relaxed slightly when she saw Mingxi nod. However, she was still holding a grudge. That bastard Shen Mo dared to target her daughter. He deserved to be taught a lesson. She should find an opportunity to teach Shen Mo a lesson.
Zhao Sulan was itching for a chance to get back at Shen Mo. They worked in the same unit, so finding something to do wrong to Shen Mo wouldn't be difficult for her.
-
The next morning, Zhao Sulan took Mingxi to the entrance of the Women's Federation. She earnestly instructed her, "Xibao, go to get off work. I'll come to pick you up when you get off work tonight. Don't go by yourself. Wait for me to come and we'll go together. Otherwise, I won't feel at ease."
Mingxi nodded seriously.
Zhao Sulan waved her hand: "Okay, you can go in now. I'll come pick you up tonight."
Mingxi waved goodbye to Zhao Sulan and turned to walk into the office building inside.
Only after watching Mingxi walk into the office building did Zhao Sulan feel relieved enough to leave.
Liu Wenhong, who witnessed the mother and daughter's actions: ...
No, what is there for Mingxi's mother to worry about!
With Mingxi's fighting skills, she could hold her own against five opponents. Even if something happened, it would be others who wouldn't trust her!
Liu Wenhong curled her lip in disdain, but she dared not say anything.
Mingxi had no idea that Liu Wenhong was secretly criticizing her. She carried her small bag and walked briskly to the office. As soon as she sat down, she was called out by Sister Wang.
"Xiaoming, get ready and tidy up the mediation room. Wang Deyi and Cai Xiaoli will be here to mediate soon."
"Okay!" Mingxi responded and obediently did the hard work of cleaning the mediation room.
The mediation room is a separate room that is not used much. The door is locked, and the room is quite clean, but it has a dusty smell because it has not been used for a long time.
Mingxi opened the door and windows, and fresh air rushed in, making the room smell much better.
She quickly wiped the table and tidied up the dusty areas. Once it was mostly done, Cai Xiaoli and Wang Deyi's family arrived.
Cai Xiaoli walked ahead alone with a stern face, while Wang Deyi, his mother, and his father followed behind her. As they walked, Wang's mother kept muttering something to herself. Mingxi couldn't hear what Wang's mother was saying, but she could see that Wang Deyi looked very impatient.
The family quickly approached, and Sister Wang introduced herself to both sides, then invited them to sit down.
After everyone sat down, Sister Wang began, "Ahem, Wang Deyi, Cai Xiaoli, you two should know why the Women's Federation called you here today, right?"
She looked up at Cai Xiaoli, who nodded slightly. Then Sister Wang turned to look at Wang Deyi, who said, "I know, I want a divorce!"
Sister Wang: "Ahem, yes, the reason I called you all over today is because of Wang Deyi's divorce. Comrade Wang came to us yesterday to tell us that he was being abused at home, and after our investigation, we found that it is indeed true."
Wang Deyi shouted, "Leaders, look, you've investigated everything clearly. She abused me. You have to stand up for me! I've been wronged!"
He winked and put on a pitiful act: "I'm a grown man, a strong and upright guy in the outside world, but at home, I'm bullied and ordered around by my wife all day long. If she's even slightly unhappy, she'll hit me. Boss, do you think this is appropriate?"
Sister Wang nodded: "That's definitely not appropriate."
Upon hearing this, Wang Deyi instantly became smug.
However, Sister Wang then changed the subject: "But I heard that Cai Xiaoli had a reason for attacking you, which was to stop you from going out to gamble?"
Wang Deyi's face tightened, and cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead: "No, leader, who told you this? I didn't go out to gamble."
Sister Wang gave Mingxi a look, and Mingxi immediately stepped forward: "This is what your neighbors told us after our investigation. To prevent any misunderstandings, we specifically asked every neighbor in the courtyard."
Wang Deyi cursed inwardly.
Damn it, why are those people in the courtyard so gossipy? They say all sorts of things. Do they think they're so great just because they have mouths?
He wished he could go back and give everyone in the courtyard a good scolding.
Sister Wang: "Wang Deyi, tell me yourself, is this situation true?"
Wang Deyi wiped his sweat: "No!"
He forced a smile and said, "Boss, this is a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding. I don't gamble, I just like to play a few rounds with my friends. We just like to play cards among friends, sometimes for a little money, but not much. It's not the same as gambling."
Sister Wang: "Whether you're playing with friends or not, this is gambling, and it's prohibited, do you know that?"
Wang Deyi: "I know, I know."
After being scolded so harshly by Sister Wang, he felt somewhat embarrassed and gradually fell silent.
Sister Wang: "Comrade Cai Xiaoli only hit you to stop you from going out to gamble. Although her use of violence is definitely wrong and bad, we can understand it from a moral standpoint."
Wang Deyi said anxiously, "No, leaders, you can't do this! She hit people, she committed domestic violence, how can you justify that! No, this is biased, you women's federation people are unfair, you favor the women!"
He started shouting, "If you keep doing this, I'll go to the government, the court, and the leaders to help me! You can't be this unfair!"
Mingxi slammed her hand on the table with a loud bang, startling everyone in the mediation room. Sensing Mingxi's murderous aura, Wang Deyi shrank back and dared not continue shouting.
Mingxi: "Let's talk this out. If you're going to cause trouble, I'll call the security department!"
Wang Deyi shrank back, not daring to speak.
At this moment, Sister Wang patted Mingxi on the shoulder and smoothed things over, saying, "Yes, let's talk things out."
"Comrade Wang, the same applies to your situation with Comrade Cai Xiaoli. You can talk things out calmly. The reason Comrade Cai took action against you was for your own good, to stop you from gambling. Of course, this method is definitely wrong and should be criticized. Between husband and wife, things should be discussed calmly, not through violence. Violence is illegal. Comrade Cai, you understand that, right?"
When Cai Xiaoli heard Sister Wang mention her name, Mingxi, she snapped out of her reverie and nodded gently.
Ms. Wang: "I don't think this is domestic violence. It's just a misunderstanding between you two. Misunderstandings are nothing to worry about. You can talk it out. As for your question about divorce, I'd like to ask you, Mr. Cai, what are your thoughts?"
Sister Wang looked at Cai Xiaoli, and Mingxi subconsciously looked at Cai Xiaoli as well.
The eyes of the King's parents also focused on Cai Xiaoli. The King's mother said, "Xiaoli, you..."
Under everyone's gaze, Cai Xiaoli said, "Divorce, then let's get a divorce."
Sister Wang and Mingxi breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
If Cai Xiaoli is willing to get a divorce, then things will be much easier.
Given her situation, even if she goes to court, the judge might not necessarily find her at fault. Furthermore, according to policy, the Women's Federation can assist her after the divorce. Just like with Li Ying before her, the Women's Federation could also introduce Cai Xiaoli to a labor service company to find work.
Upon hearing this, Wang Deyi's face lit up with secret delight.
He had long wanted to get rid of Cai Xiaoli, that fierce woman, and now he could finally shake her off!
However, the king's parents panicked and hurriedly said, "No!"
"Xiaoli, you can't divorce Deyi!"
Wang's mother stepped forward and took Cai Xiaoli's hand: "Xiaoli, Deyi is a scoundrel. He's so immature and said he wanted a divorce. When I get back, I'll tell him to go ahead with it, but you can't be like him and keep talking about divorce!"
She pleaded earnestly: "Think about your family, think about Xiaoni. If you divorce Deyi, what will happen to Xiaoni? Are you willing to let Xiaoni become a child of a single-parent family? Aren't you afraid that after you leave, Xiaoni will be bullied?"
"And what about your family? Where can you go after you divorce Deyi? Go back to your family? Your family is already struggling financially. If you go back, there will be another mouth to feed. What will happen to your mother, your younger brother, and your younger sister?"
Mother Wang patted Cai Xiaoli's hand and said gently, "Mom knows you've been wronged this time. Don't worry, when we get back, Mom will teach that little brat Deyi a good lesson and make him stop saying whatever he wants."
As she spoke, she glared fiercely at Wang Deyi.
Wang's father, who hadn't spoken since joining the Women's Federation, finally spoke up: "Xiaoli, Deyi was in the wrong this time, and we will talk to him. Don't take this seriously."
After Wang's parents repeatedly tried to persuade her, Cai Xiaoli's previously firm resolve began to waver again.
Seeing this, Wang Deyi stamped his feet anxiously: "Dad, Mom! Why are you trying to persuade her? If she says she wants a divorce, then let her get one. It's not like I can't find a wife! After I divorce her, I'll find a gentle and kind wife who can still take good care of you two!"
Wang's father was so angry that his chest ached. He clutched his chest with one hand and pointed at Wang Deyi with the other, saying, "You little brat, shut up!"
Fearing his father would attack, Wang Deyi took a big step back, but still defiantly declared, "I'm getting a divorce today, and I absolutely refuse to continue living with Cai Xiaoli!"
Cai Xiaoli's lips moved, and finally she managed to squeeze out a few words through her teeth.
"Then let's get a divorce."
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