Chapter 170 (Updated 1701)
After dinner, Zhou Weifang, who now had a legitimate status, could go for a stroll with his girlfriend to digest their food, and then openly escort her back to the entrance—not too late, otherwise the bathhouse would close.
After taking a shower, Luo Yan was hanging her hair out to dry in the yard. Looking at the moon, she said, "I feel so empty inside without any homework."
She viewed going to work as another form of going to school, and always felt that she should have something to do in the evenings as well.
Luo Hong, who was sitting in a rocking chair reading a novel, rolled his eyes when he heard this: "Don't go looking for trouble."
Luo Yan pushed her brother's chair hard: "Now that's what you call making trouble out of nothing."
Luo Hong kindly advised the girl, "It's a good thing you don't have to work overtime. Why don't you understand that?"
But he also knew his sister's personality well, and said, "Otherwise, you can do what you used to do, like memorizing vocabulary words to pass the time."
Memorizing vocabulary? Luo Yan used to study English diligently to get top grades, but now there are no exams.
She said, "We use Chinese at work."
Luo Hong also had a knack for dealing with his sister: "Look, why didn't you get into the first batch of oral English classes? Wasn't it because you were too eager to hire people? What if your workplace needs you someday? You'll be completely lost."
Luo Yan was speechless, blinking her eyes: "Okay, I'm just killing time anyway."
There wasn't much she could do at work, because there wasn't much to do at the company lately, so Wu Huiling assigned her some trivial tasks such as data sorting and accounting.
No matter how trivial the task, it can be completed within working hours, and there is even some time to spare.
According to Luo Yan's observation, people chat, sew shoe soles, or read newspapers when they are free.
During her student days, she only spaced out when leaders were holding large meetings or teachers were having small meetings, and she deeply felt that this behavior was very bad.
But she wasn't stupid; she knew that being too out of place wouldn't do her any good, so she chose to pass the time with the old materials in the office—looking at them would also help her understand the work.
Wu Huiling thought she was just shy because she was new to the place, so she said to her during lunch, "Director Zhang isn't very strict, so you don't need to be so tense."
Just as Luo Yan was about to say something, she saw Director Zhang standing behind Wu Huiling, his lips pursed, not daring to speak.
Wu Huiling seemed to sense something, turned around and smiled awkwardly.
Director Zhang said irritably, "I asked you to mentor the new recruits, so you should teach them something good."
Wu Huiling also argued, "I was teaching her to balance work and rest."
Director Zhang may look serious, but he is actually very easygoing. He shook his head helplessly and said, "Wait, I'm going to a meeting at the ministry this afternoon. The work will be here soon."
Oh no, oh no! Wu Huiling sighed to the heavens, "I have to go out on fieldwork again."
"Going out on fieldwork?" Luo Yan asked curiously, "What does that mean?"
Wu Huiling explained to her, "Our department is responsible for road planning. Since roads are all located outside, we have to run all over the streets to do anything."
He looked her up and down, noting her fair complexion, and said, "In half a month, even you will be as black as charcoal."
The July sun was scorching. Luo Yan had a bad feeling; she thought to herself that even if she was hoping for work, she shouldn't have encountered such a tough opponent.
She had been bored for more than half a month, and a sense of anticipation began to grow within her. She looked happy when she received the task.
"They really are young," Director Zhang emphasized again. "This time, one hundred traffic lights will be installed throughout the city as a pilot project for large-scale installation next year. Everyone needs to pay attention to the preliminary research. Each person needs to submit a written report on the traffic situation in their assigned area, and... do you understand?"
Luo Yan summarized the lengthy explanation in the middle as follows: "There must be a reason for the installation that the leader deems reasonable."
She nodded vigorously to indicate that she understood, and was kept behind by Director Zhang for a private talk after the meeting.
Zhang asked, "Xiao Luo, you've been here for about half a month, haven't you? How are you feeling?"
What specific aspect does this feeling refer to? Luo Yan could only summarize it in one sentence: "It's pretty good."
Director Zhang seemed to have asked just this one question, and instructed, "This is your first time going out on fieldwork, so learn well from Huiling. If you don't understand anything, you can ask me anytime."
Even if Luo Yan was completely clueless about interpersonal relationships, she knew that the leader and the homeroom teacher were different roles, and she shouldn't bother them casually. However, she still agreed first and returned to her workstation somewhat bewildered.
Wu Huiling asked her, "What did Director Zhang say to you?"
Luo Yan said honestly, "Let me learn from you."
"That's it?" Wu Huiling was skeptical, but she didn't press the matter further. She simply said, "We need to register for fieldwork now. Otherwise, if the person isn't there when the inspection comes, we'll have our wages deducted and be disciplined. Besides, we only get meal allowances if we register."
What about meal allowance? Luo Yan remembered the finance department saying that the probationary period only included a salary, so she asked, "Can I receive that too?"
Wu Huiling: "Yes, it's like giving you meal tickets in exchange for money. The standard for one meal is 25 cents."
That's enough to buy a bowl of shredded pork noodles at a small restaurant.
Luo Yan nodded knowingly and followed her to the office upstairs to register, secretly noting who the person she was talking to was, trying to match the names and faces she had heard about in the past few days with their identities.
Her father said that it's a big no-no if you can't even recognize people at work.
Wu Huiling also introduced them, saying, "Our new colleague, Xiao Luo, is a college student."
The other party: "Why are you the one mentoring the newbie? Wasn't it always Wang who was leading..."
He quickly swallowed the second half of his sentence, pretending he hadn't said anything.
Luo Yan belatedly realized why everyone was so surprised when Wu Huiling was asked to take her on the day she reported for duty. It was because there was only one man in the entire planning department surnamed Wang—a young man in his early twenties with a handsome appearance. He was said to be very philandering and had many scandals involving his relationships with women.
Luo Yan roughly guessed why Director Zhang had changed the arrangements at the last minute, and lowered her head slightly, pretending not to have heard anything.
Wu Huiling didn't waste any more time chatting and took her back to the office, saying, "We'll meet in Xidan tomorrow morning. Bring your own small stool."
Xidan Street is arguably one of the most congested areas in Beijing right now. Luo Yanshen felt a heavy responsibility, so he took the opportunity before leaving get off work to look at a map of Beijing's urban streets.
This version was just updated last month. Although Luo Yan is not like her brothers who are allies in the hutongs, she knows the nearby streets very well.
Looking closely now, I realize that many places have been renamed.
The old alleys with names like Sheep's Tail, Dog's Tail, and Monkey's Tail no longer exist; they have been replaced by more elegant names.
Luo Yan still calls him by his old name on ordinary days, but he thought to himself: I should change it to the name shown in the picture from now on.
She checked the time against the schedule until the end of the workday, rolled up the drawing and put it back in its place, then confirmed the time and place for their meeting the next day with Wu Huiling again before they went downstairs together.
Luo Yan knew someone was picking her up today, and upon glancing at Zhou Weifang, she said, "Sister Wu, my boyfriend is here, I'm going home now."
On her first day at work, she was bombarded with questions, especially from her superiors who were most concerned about whether she had a boyfriend, so she told them all early on.
Wu Huiling was a little curious about what kind of boyfriend such a beautiful woman would choose. After taking a look, she thought: He should look like this.
Zhou Weifang noticed the gaze, nodded to the person as a greeting, and said in a low voice, "I didn't ride the motorcycle to the door."
Luo Yan thought it was perfect: "Let's walk over and eat. I've been sitting all day and I want to walk around."
She has breaks between classes, but at work she's glued to her chair for eight hours a day, which makes her back ache.
Zhou Weifang felt sorry for him: "You're at work, not in jail."
That's just Luo Yan's personality. She shrugged and said, "This is the sentence I've given myself."
He added, "Starting tomorrow, we'll be going out on fieldwork, so we won't have to sit all the time."
What kind of weather is July? Zhou Weifang looked up at the sun, which hadn't completely subsided yet: "No, it's incredibly sunny."
Luo Yan was also afraid of the sun, but she was still in high spirits: "It's better than having no work to do. I'm almost getting moldy."
She goes to get off work and leaves work on time during the day, and reads books at night, yet she still complains that it's not as fulfilling as when she was in school.
Zhou Weifang considered himself a diligent person, but he had never seen anything like this before. He said helplessly, "Then you mustn't get heatstroke."
Luo Yan nodded and said, "We're not stupid, we'll find a shady spot."
He muttered to himself, "If I faint, I might be named a model worker this year."
Zhou Weifang quickly interrupted her "terrifying" thoughts, saying in full, "Luo Yan."
"I know, I know," Luo Yan said, shaking his hand playfully. "I was just saying."
Zhou Weifang forced a straight face: "I can't say it, it's too unlucky."
In the end, she still succumbed to this tactic: "Yanyan, who said that health is the foundation of everything?"
Luo Yan obediently raised her hand: "It's me, I'll definitely take good care of myself."
Zhou Weifang gave him repeated instructions, but he was still worried the next day, so he made a special trip around noon.
Luo Yan was sitting alone against the wall recording traffic conditions when someone approached him and said, "It's still my working hours. Shh, don't talk to me."
According to Zhou Weifang, it was completely unreasonable for her employer not to recognize her as a model worker.
Instead of just standing there waiting, he went and bought two popsicles.
When she returned, it was lunch break time. Wu Huiling, who was standing across the street taking notes, came over to check if her formatting was correct. She looked up and recognized Zhou Weifang, saying, "You're Xiao Luo's boyfriend, right?"
This was the first time Zhou Weifang had ever heard someone call Luo Yan "Little Luo," and he found it rather novel and amusing.
He has always been good at interpersonal relationships. After greeting her politely, he offered her an ice pop and said, "I just happened to be passing by. Yan Yan is usually very grateful for your care and always tells me that you are a very kind person."
It's just an ice pop. Nowadays, people who work in the same company have very close relationships, since they will most likely be colleagues for decades.
Wu Huiling accepted the invitation without any hesitation, saying, "I'm going home for lunch, you guys chat. Xiao Luo, let's meet here again at one o'clock."
The lunch break is only an hour long. Luo Yan waved her fan and said, "Now I see which store is the most crowded."
Zhou Weifang helped her get a small stool: "I thought you were eating with your colleagues, so I brought it for you."
Luo Yan: "I only found out this morning that Sister Wu's house is there."
She pointed to a building not far away and said, "But you can bring it to me tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll be responsible for the whole street by myself."
Zhou Weifang agreed, glancing at the signs in his field of vision: "How about some mixed noodles? It'll be cooler."
While eating and drinking iced soda, Luo Yan said, "Actually, I think we should also keep a record during lunch break, since that's when there are the most people."
But Sister Wu said to stick to the regular get off work hours, so she couldn't say anything.
It was midday, and Zhou Weifang knew she was eager, but he still said, "If you want to, I'll come with you after dinner. Noon isn't an option. Do you know how hot it is today?"
Although work cannot be graded, her family has repeatedly reminded her that working is different from going to school, and that hard work does not necessarily guarantee results.
But Luo Yan still felt that if she didn't work hard, she would have nothing, and said coquettishly, "You're so nice, let's do it together."
Zhou Weifang agreed and found her a shady spot to stay in after the meal before leaving.
No sooner had he left than Wu Huiling arrived right on time.
Everyone likes to ask questions, and with only a few minutes left before one o'clock, Wu Huiling waved her hand to fan herself and chatted casually: "Where does your boyfriend's shop go?"
Luo Yan had mentioned that Zhou Weifang was a self-employed individual, but hadn't specified. Now she said, "The main store is at the entrance of the Fourth Middle School."
She didn't find it difficult to talk about, and knew that people would find out eventually, so she would just talk about it openly when asked.
Where there is a main store, there will be branches. Wu Huiling understood the implication: "Young and promising, I think he's about your age."
Luo Yan: "He's three years older than me."
Wu Huiling clapped her hands: "It's just right for a boy to be three years older; he'll be sensible and caring."
Luo Yan had only ever heard of the saying "a woman three years older than her husband is like holding a gold brick," but she had never heard of the benefits of a man being three years older. It was just that everyone would say something auspicious at this moment.
She smiled and said, "Yes, he's a nice person."
Whether it's good or bad, Wu Huiling is more interested in knowing: "What kind of shop does he own?"
Luo Yan: "The fruit shop is called Sifang."
In fact, the car dealership where he started his business is still in operation, because according to old tradition, it is a place where dragons rise to power, and it is best not to transfer it easily.
Wu Huiling remembered the name: "Isn't there one in Huianmen? My grandmother lived upstairs there."
Luo Yan hummed in agreement, somewhat feeling that the question was asking too many details, and asked in return, "The cannery staff dormitory?"
Wu Huiling: "Yes, my maternal grandfather used to work in a cannery, and several of my uncles still do."
It's quite common for three generations to work in the same factory. Luo Yan chatted for a bit longer, then, seeing that it was almost time, said, "Sister, I'll go to the other side of the street then."
Two people can monitor vehicles and pedestrians coming from different directions, and the number is obviously countless. They only need to make judgments about the congestion and the surrounding conditions.
Luo Yan witnessed eight car accidents at this intersection in one afternoon. Although no one was injured, the arguments caused the situation to get worse.
She jotted down a few notes in her notebook so she could eventually include them in the report.
At five o'clock, Wu Huiling called her to leave work.
Luo Yan only noticed that there were more cars and people on the street. She glanced at her watch and said, "I'll go to Fuxingmen Street by myself tomorrow, right?"
That's the area she's in charge of.
Wu Huiling: "Yes, just do the same as today. If you don't understand anything, come find me after get off work."
He lowered his voice again and said, "Actually, the bureau has already made up its mind, so our report is just a formality."
The person who said this was already speaking frankly, and Luo Yan is not incapable of distinguishing right from wrong.
She said thank you and goodbye earnestly, tied her little stool to the back of her bicycle, and huffed and puffed her way home.
As soon as she entered the door, her mother exclaimed dramatically, "You've gotten so tanned!"
Luo Yan touched her face and laughed: "You'd be more right to say it's sunburned."
Liu Yinfeng insisted on her opinion: "You are dark-skinned, while I am fair-skinned."
Luo Yan looked at herself in the mirror from side to side and felt her cheeks were flushed. She said, "Then I'll drink a glass of milk tonight."
She added, "I'm so hungry."
Look at this poor thing, Liu Yinfeng said: "Wait, it'll be ready soon."
She entered the kitchen right on time, and her husband arrived just as she brought the food out.
Luo Yan set aside her brother's portion first, but he returned after only a few bites.
My younger sister doesn't have to attend classes during her final semester of senior year, so Luo Hong has been going home for dinner almost every year since the Lunar New Year.
He's currently shuttling between three stores, and he's not even sure about his own schedule. Like today, he had to arrive early.
Liu Yinfeng poured her son's vegetables back into the pot and said, "Oh, your sister saved a lot of meat for you, now you have to get it yourself."
Luo Hong washed his hands and sat down: "It's nothing, just sharing the joy with the people."
That brat, always spouting nonsense.
Liu Yinfeng smiled and shook her head, saying, "By the way, are you free tomorrow morning? Could you go and get me a leg of lamb?"
Luo Hong cherished his newly bought motorcycle, thinking that it would be terrible if it got stained with blood. He said, "No, why eat mutton in the middle of summer? It'll make me feel hot."
Liu Yinfeng: "The doctor said your dad should eat more beef and mutton."
"Doctor?" The brother and sister were both startled: "Dad, are you not feeling well?"
Luo Xinmin, despite his frail body, was never in a comfortable state. He said, "No, your mother went to ask the doctor herself. The doctor said that people like me, who are getting older, should eat more meat to nourish their bodies."
The doctor must have a point. Luo Hong said, "Okay, I'll go get it done tomorrow."
Using this word, he also felt that his motorcycle had become a small cargo tricycle, and thought he would wipe it a couple more times when he got back.
Luo Xinmin wasn't against his son's efforts, but he thought, "Speaking of which, older people don't digest food well. Can he really handle eating so much meat?"
Liu Yinfeng said she wasn't sure: "Let's eat for a while and then talk about it. We don't need tickets now."
Luo Yan chimed in to her mother, "This isn't like drinking talisman water; it won't do any harm."
In the past, who would have dared to buy a whole leg of lamb at once?
Upon hearing the mention of drinking talisman water, Liu Yinfeng remembered: "Old Zhao's daughter-in-law is pregnant, and everyone says she looks like a girl. They're asking around to find out which deity is effective."
Luo Yan never thought there were so many people who favored sons over daughters in the alley, but since the one-child policy was implemented, she has seen all sorts of strange and monstrous people.
She said, "Who are these people?"
Liu Yinfeng said this to warn you: "You're a bit obsessed. Don't go near her house lately. She'll come looking for you again after she gives birth to a girl."
She has met all sorts of people, and the most bizarre things in the world can happen to her.
Although Luo Yan didn't think anyone could have such a magical idea, she thought again that no one can escape the possibility of something going wrong, and said, "Then let's pray that she can give birth to a son."
How many tribulations must a girl endure in her life after being reincarnated?
Liu Yinfeng sighed as well, but these were things that neighbors could only discuss briefly; after all, it was someone else's business.
The family of four were chatting away when Luo Hong heard the familiar sound of a motorcycle and said, "They're here."
The next second, Zhou Weifang pushed open the courtyard gate.
Huang Laishun recognized him, which is why he didn't rush over and yell, but instead went over and wagged his tail.
Zhou Weifang nearly tripped over it, but managed to steady himself and greet the people in the living room.
Liu Yinfeng said first, "Sanfang is here. Have you eaten? I'll make you some more noodles."
Zhou Weifang hurriedly said, "I've eaten, I've eaten with the electrician tonight."
Liu Yinfeng didn't stand on ceremony with him and said, "Then sit for a while, Yanyan hasn't finished eating yet."
Luo Yan showed him her bowl: "There are still three left."
Zhou Weifang only cared: "Slow down, don't choke, there's no rush."
Luo Yan didn't have much left to begin with. After finishing her meal, she put down her chopsticks, grabbed a pen and paper, and interrupted his report on the renovation progress, saying, "Let's go, let's go."
This kid seems more anxious than the three parties involved in the renovation.
Liu Yinfeng thought that going on a date wouldn't make a difference if she stayed a little longer, and before she could ask them what was going on, the motorcycle was already emitting exhaust fumes.
She said, "This oil-consuming fellow is really fast."
Luo Hong also remarked, "We really have to buy imported ones."
He thought to himself, "I'll change it after Yan Yan gets married."
Normally, Liu Yinfeng would tell him to save money on such troublesome arrangements, but when it came to her daughter's wedding, she said, "Since all three parties said they would handle the furniture and appliances, then we should give Yanyan a generous dowry. Anyway, she can take whatever she has at home with her."
Luo Hong was also saving up, saying, "Even if he renovates quickly, I think it would be better to schedule it for May next year. I'll definitely have some money to spare, and the weather will be better. Otherwise, in the dead of winter, my mother-in-law is so old, how could she possibly manage to travel around like that?"
Liu Yinfeng thought this was a good idea and said, "Then you go and talk to him."
"No, Luo Hong said, "They just did me a huge favor, I can't accept their help. You should go instead."
Liu Yinfeng was naturally open to it, thinking to herself: I'll talk to him about it next time.
Zhou Weifang, who was still strolling with her partner, was unaware that her frantic renovations had prevented her from getting married this year, and was happily dating on her own.
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Author's note: Working hard on the second update!
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