Thinking that something might happen to Nai and Nan Nan, Xinan threw the carving knife and wood in his hand on the ground, got up and ran to the office.
"Hello, this is Southwest," Southwest said, her voice trembling as she picked up the microphone.
"Second Brother, it's Nan Nan, how are you?" Yan Xiao Nan's cheerful voice came through the receiver.
Hearing that it was Nan Nan's voice, Xinan felt relieved. As long as Nan Nan was alright, then her milk would be alright, and her parents would be fine too.
"Second brother, you don't need to say anything, just listen to me. I've found a furniture factory in the capital and hope you can come and oversee it and lend me a hand. Are you willing? You don't need to answer me now. If you are willing, then bring your family to the capital and send me a telegram before you come."
Before Southwest could speak, the phone clicked off. Southwest had made the call before and knew that the time had come. Although the call was over, Nan Nan's words were still echoing in his mind.
Nan Nan found a furniture factory in Beijing and wanted to oversee it herself. She could understand every word, but when put together, it left Nan Nan completely confused. She couldn't stay at the factory any longer and quickly asked the factory manager for leave so she could go and discuss things with the craftsmen.
The factory manager knew that Southwest had received a phone call from Beijing, and also knew that Southwest's parents were in Beijing. He was worried that something might have happened to their family. When he heard that Southwest wanted to ask for leave, he quickly agreed. It was good to ask for leave, as he wouldn't have to pay Southwest's salary. Otherwise, it would be a waste to pay wages for sitting there for nothing.
Southwest rode his bicycle to Tang Jianjun's house. Tang Jianjun was repairing farm tools in the yard. The busy farming season had just ended, and some of the farm tools were damaged. Now, Mushroom Village not only has two oxen but also tractors, so the number of damaged farm tools is much less than in previous years.
"Dad, Dad, I need to talk to you about something," Southwest called out urgently as soon as he got off his bicycle.
Tang Jianjun was puzzled. Southwest was an introverted and slow-paced person who would never be so anxious. Could something have happened? Thinking that something might have happened, Tang Jianjun became anxious and quickly stood up.
Southwest turned around and closed the courtyard gate, then pulled Tang Jianjun towards the main room. This gesture made Tang Jianjun's heart pound with anxiety. This brat really is a slowpoke.
"What's going on? Tell me quickly, are you trying to kill me with anxiety?" Tang Jianjun snapped.
"Dad, my sister called me and asked me to go to Beijing to make furniture. What do you think?" Southwest finally spoke.
Tang Jianjun's eyes lit up, and he slapped Southwest's shoulder hard, shouting, "What the hell? You're not going to take such a good opportunity? You think you can fly to the moon?"
Southwest hesitated and asked, "What about Xiaoling and Duoduo?"
"What do you mean, what are you going to do? Your dad is still here. If Xiaoling doesn't agree, I'll break her legs. I haven't even settled the score with her about the college entrance exam yet. If she dares to stop you again, you can divorce her."
Southwest was overjoyed and thought for a moment before saying, "Alright, I'll go to the capital to scout things out and see what Nannan thinks then."
“Southwest, you have a skill, you won’t starve anywhere. And your Nannan is a college student, her judgment is definitely better than yours. Listen to her more, you can’t go wrong.”
"Dad, all our money is tied up in Xiaoling. If she doesn't pay for things like train tickets, it'll be a hassle." Southwest suddenly thought of a practical problem and hesitated.
Tang Jianjun was both angry and relieved. He was relieved that Southwest had kept his promise and given Tang Xiaoling control of the household, but he was angry that no man would hide money from his wife. He thought it was stupid.
Tang Jianjun looked around like a thief, then reached under the dining table, rummaged around for a bit, and pulled out a small box. He pulled out the panel on the box, inside which was a stack of money, including five and ten yuan notes. He picked out five ten-yuan notes and handed them to Southwest: "Here, take this. Be prepared for a difficult journey, don't skimp on food and drink."
Southwest gaped in astonishment, his image of a perfect man who loved his family, wife, and daughter dearly completely shattered.
"Master, you actually, you actually..."
"Shh, learn from this, don't be so stubborn. A man should always think about himself." Tang Jianjun comforted Southwest while quickly stuffing the small box under the table.
Southwest couldn't help but squat down to examine it. Wow, the master was amazing! There was a clip under the table that fit the box perfectly, and the box was flush with the bottom of the table. Even if you wiped the bottom of the table, you wouldn't notice the secret inside.
"When am I leaving?" Southwest asked.
"Let's go in a couple of days. I'll have your mother prepare some food and drinks for the journey. Are you going alone this time, or are you taking Xiaoling and the others with you?" Tang Jianjun asked.
“I’ll take Wu Jin and a half with me. The little guy is fussing about wanting to stay with Liu Jin. I’ll go check on him too. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll come back. At worst, I can give up my job in the county and just be a peasant,” Southwest said after thinking for a moment.
"Okay, you can eat here. I'll have your mother call Xiaoling and the others over. I'll also talk to her about it." Tang Jianjun asked his mother to call her daughter over for dinner and to help with the cooking.
Tang Xiaoling carried Duoduo on her back and helped Wu Jinban along as she followed her mother to her parents' home. When she saw Xinan there, she was taken aback and asked, "Xinan, what are you doing here? Aren't you at work today?"
Southwest smiled but didn't say anything. Tang Xiaoling didn't take it to heart either. Southwest was always like this; she would try not to speak if she could, and if she had to, it would only be a few words.
"Xiaoling, Southwest is going to Beijing in a few days. Make some preparations for him," Tang Jianjun said directly.
Tang Xiaoling was taken aback: "Southwest, you're going to the capital? What are you going there for? Aren't you going to quit your job here?"
"I quit. I'm resigning tomorrow. I'm going to work in Beijing," Southwest nodded.
"That cost 350 yuan! How can you just give it up like that? No way, I don't agree!" Tang Xiaoling snapped.
"Did you give me that 350 yuan?" Southwest asked.
Tang Xiaoling~
"Since it's not yours, what are you babbling about? Your job was bought by my family for a hundred yuan, and you didn't utter a sound after you were fired." Southwest finally said what had been building up for days.
Tang Xiaoling was so angry that she trembled all over, but she couldn't say a word. Her hand, pointing at Southwest, trembled: "Southwest, you, you, I know, it was Yan Xiaonan who sent you, wasn't it?"
Southwest remained silent, but clearly acquiesced.
"What does Yan Xiaonan want? Is she only satisfied if she breaks up my family? I just want to live a peaceful life at home with you and the children. Why does Yan Xiaonan want you to go to Beijing?" Tang Xiaoling cried out.
“My sister is devoted to me and hopes I can have a good life. My older brother is already a city dweller, and Nan Nan is also a city dweller. She hopes I can become a city dweller too. How come you've twisted all of this? Tang Xiaoling, you've disappointed me so much. In that case, let's get a divorce.” Southwest was heartbroken.
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