Chapter 100 is like a completely different person.
Zhou Haiqing grabbed his briefcase and hurriedly left for work.
Zhou Hairong also changed into work clothes and rode his electric bike to the construction site.
Zhou Liya went to work at the supermarket.
Only Zhou Shufen and Qin Guifang remained at home.
Qin Guifang sat on the sofa, glancing up at Zhou Shufen every now and then.
She felt that something was wrong.
She didn't ask any further questions or say anything more, but simply observed silently.
Zhou Shufen's eyes were somewhat unfocused, as if she was hiding something on her mind.
She didn't press further, but she had already sensed something was amiss.
That day, Zhou Shufen was restless.
Whenever I have a spare moment, the scenes from yesterday keep replaying in my mind.
Both of them are this age, and they should have long since let go of the excitement they felt when they were young.
Strangely enough, when they met again, their hearts raced uncontrollably, and their cheeks flushed involuntarily.
That long-lost feeling was both strange and familiar.
Thinking back on it, my heart races and my breathing becomes shallow.
That evening, Zhou Hairong and Zhou Haiqing returned home, travel-worn and weary.
The food was neatly arranged on the table.
Zhou Shufen was standing by the table setting out bowls and chopsticks, her expression seemingly calm, but in reality, she was preoccupied with worries.
Zhou Hairong walked up to Zhou Shufen mysteriously.
He lowered his voice and whispered in her ear.
"I bought something for you."
"Oh? What did you buy?"
Zhou Shufen looked up with a curious expression.
"This is it."
Zhou Hairong took out an exquisitely packaged box from his backpack.
The box contains one of the most popular mobile phones right now.
Zhou Shufen held the shiny new phone in her hand, and her heart skipped a beat.
When did this kid become so sensible?
Back then, Zhou Hairong was too lazy to even buy a pair of socks for himself.
But now, he actually remembers to change her phone?
They even specifically chose the latest model, and the packaging was so meticulous.
It's like he's a completely different person!
Zhou Shufen gently stroked the smooth screen with her fingers, a mix of emotions welling up inside her.
There was emotion, relief, and a touch of bittersweetness.
She suddenly realized that the children had really grown up.
"With this phone, it will be much easier to contact you in the future!"
Zhou Hairong grinned, his joy evident in his smile.
He had already planned this out; this was the most practical thing to do.
The phone Zhou Shufen used before was outdated, and the buttons often malfunctioned.
It can barely answer a phone call; the ringtone is weak and it is often ignored.
This is perfect, we can replace all the old ones.
She understood that the gift represented her son's heartfelt sentiments.
She saw this thoughtfulness and felt warm inside.
Without much hesitation, she nodded slightly.
"Okay, Mom, I'll keep it with me."
"Um!"
Zhou Hairong looked a little embarrassed.
The family gathered together for a meal.
The clinking of bowls and chopsticks filled the air with laughter, creating a relaxed and lively atmosphere.
This is the first time in a long time that we've sat down to eat together without any guard or barriers.
Everyone felt as if they had returned to that simplest and warmest night from their childhood.
Zhou Shufen dared not say that she was completely at ease, after all, she had experienced too much disappointment in the past.
However, their attitude towards Zhou Hairong has indeed softened considerably.
She trusted him more; at least, she was willing to believe that this time, he was genuinely trying to change.
After dinner, Zhou Hairong walked back and forth in the living room twice.
He kept touching his pockets and glancing up at the clock on the wall, looking restless.
Finally, he mustered his courage and walked up to Zhou Haiqing.
"Um... there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Zhou Shufen and Qin Guifang sat to the side without saying a word.
They decided not to get involved and let the two brothers talk it over themselves.
"What's wrong, Second Brother? Why are you being so polite with me? Just say what you want to say."
Zhou Haiqing leaned back on the sofa, speaking in a very cheerful tone.
"I'd like to... borrow some money from you."
After Zhou Hairong finished speaking, he let out a long sigh.
He dared not look Zhou Haiqing in the eye.
Borrowing money is a difficult thing to ask for in the first place, let alone for him.
He borrowed money to gamble and also used the money to do some unreliable business, eventually losing everything and having his family pay off his debts.
Now, he feels uneasy even when the topic of borrowing money comes up again.
Zhou Shufen unconsciously tightened her grip on the teacup.
But she didn't say anything, only staring at Zhou Haiqing's reaction.
Zhou Haiqing frowned, and the relaxed expression on his face gradually disappeared.
He did save some money, which he originally intended to use for his son's schooling and to renovate his house.
But he was very unsure whether he could lend out the money.
For a moment, the air seemed to freeze.
How much do you want to borrow?
He finally spoke up and asked.
"Three thousand, that's about right."
Zhou Hairong gritted his teeth and gave a number.
This is already a lot of money for ordinary people.
In those days, three thousand yuan was enough for a family to live a stable life for several months.
Zhou Haiqing did not agree immediately.
His gaze lingered on Zhou Hairong's face for a few seconds, then swept over Zhou Shufen and Qin Guifang beside him.
He noticed that neither Zhou Shufen nor Qin Guifang spoke, and he understood that they had given him the choice.
At that moment, the weight on his shoulders suddenly seemed to increase.
"So what do you plan to use it for?"
He asked another question.
"Now..."
Zhou Hairong lowered his head, but his tone was very serious.
"But I promise it's for serious matters and I won't waste the money."
He meticulously planned every step, from sourcing goods to setting up his stall, from the types of fruit to customer preferences—he considered everything.
But he didn't want to say these things now.
He wanted to wait until he had achieved some results before letting them know.
Zhou Haiqing remained silent for a long time.
Finally, he raised his head and nodded slightly.
"Okay, I'll lend it to you."
Zhou Shufen almost dropped her needlework.
Countless questions churned in her mind, but in the end she said nothing.
But looking at Zhou Hairong's downcast yet stubborn profile, she ultimately suppressed her worry.
She told herself quietly.
This can be seen as giving Zhou Hairong a chance.
The last time.
A few days later, Zhou Hairong came again.
He looked much more energetic.
"Mom, come on, I'll take you somewhere, I have something to show you!"
"Where are you going? Why are you being so mysterious?"
Zhou Shufen looked puzzled, feeling that he was acting a little differently today.
"Surprise! You'll see when you get there."
Zhou Hairong smiled and pulled her out the door.
The car drove along until it reached a commercial street in an old residential area.
The shops facing the street here aren't very big, but they're bustling with people and full of life.
They hadn't gone far when they stopped in front of a shop.
"Mom, come in and take a look."
Zhou Hairong pushed open the door, his tone full of pride.
“That day I borrowed some money from Haiqing and rented this place.”
"I plan to set up a fruit stand next door and do some small business."
The room was tidy and organized.
The room isn't big, but it's perfectly adequate for one person.
This place is just steps away from the vegetable market, making it convenient to buy goods, and there are quite a few people around, so it's clear that they put a lot of thought into choosing the items.
Several baskets of unopened fruit were still on the ground, clearly carefully selected.
Zhou Shufen's eyes had already become moist without her noticing.
She looked at her second son, the one who had caused her so much worry.
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