Liu Haizhong had already put it this way, but Xu Damao's explanations were endless.
"The girl I was introduced to at the beginning is still in contact with me, but we are just ordinary friends."
“I kept pestering my second uncle for information about the female teacher. Back then, there was no such thing as Yu Li. I was thinking about getting married as soon as possible so that I could serve the residents of our compound with peace of mind.”
Xu Damao explained with a wronged expression.
The crowd was skeptical, but Liu Haizhong sneered, "It better be as you say. Don't mess around with women outside. It's fine if your own reputation is ruined, but don't drag everyone in this courtyard down with you."
"No, absolutely not, I, Xu Damao, guarantee it. Besides, I'm not that kind of person."
Xu Damao raised his hand high, making a solemn promise.
At this moment, Yi Zhonghai stepped in to smooth things over, saying, "Alright, Lao Liu and Lao Yan, you two brothers calm down. Da Mao has already explained; it was just a misunderstanding. Also, Da Mao should be more mindful of his actions in the future, so as not to cause misunderstandings."
"It's a good thing to find a partner. Our compound hasn't had any celebrations for two or three years. No matter what, if Da Mao can get together, it will be a great event for our compound."
Seeing Yi Zhonghai trying to smooth things over, Liu Haizhong really didn't want to give him that face.
However, in front of so many people, he still didn't openly embarrass Yi Zhonghai.
He snorted coldly and then said nothing more.
Yan Bugui was quite stubborn. His gaze towards Yi Zhonghai changed. It turned out that Yi Zhonghai had been the one to do the good deed, and in the end, it was still him and Liu Haizhong who offended people.
“Hey Lao Yi, from now on, when Lao Liu and I are dealing with things in the compound, even if you're there, it's best not to get involved. After all, there are a lot of things involved, and you're not the mediator anymore. If something isn't handled well, Lao Liu and I might get disciplined or criticized by the neighborhood committee, you know that!”
Listening to Yan Bugui's complaints, Yi Zhonghai pursed his lips and nodded, looking like he had learned something.
"Old Yan, you're right. I did overstep my bounds. But don't worry, I'll definitely be more careful with my words and actions in the future and won't cause you any trouble."
After Yi Zhonghai finished speaking, he took a step back.
Xu Damao secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a little embarrassed.
He had put in a lot of effort when Yi Zhonghai was beaten, and now he was being scolded by Yan Bugui for pleading for him.
However, he was in a bad situation at the time and couldn't stand up and say anything.
However, she felt a little more favorably toward Yi Zhonghai.
Yan Jiecheng and Yu Li exchanged a glance, thinking that it was best to postpone introducing Yu Li to Xu Damao, even if they did, it would have to be done later.
I hope the sweet potato business goes smoothly today; I shouldn't think I won't need it.
Just then, the sweet potatoes were roasted, and Yu Li looked at Xu Damao: "Brother Damao, look at these sweet potatoes..."
“Didn’t I say I’d take the first batch? Yu Li, you name the price, and I’ll just count the money for you. I have it on me.” Xu Damao patted his shirt pocket generously.
Liu Guangtian said sarcastically, "Oh, Xu Damao, you're really willing to spend money, but can you finish all these sweet potatoes?!"
Liu Guangtian had originally planned to get some food, but Xu Damao bought it all.
"What are you saying, Guangtian? What kind of person do you think I am? I definitely can't finish all of these sweet potatoes by myself, but these sweet potatoes were bought for everyone to eat. Jie Cheng and his wife have been busy for half a day, I can't let them work up a sweat and then have to treat all of us to sweet potatoes."
"Hurry up, kid, don't just stand there and help out. Divide this batch of sweet potatoes among everyone. After you finish eating, let's give you some feedback. The couple still have to serve the moviegoers tonight."
Hearing Xu Damao say this, Liu Guangtian was amused.
Aside from Yan Jiecheng and his wife, Yan Bugui, Shazhu, and Yi Zhonghai, there weren't many people left. This batch of sweet potatoes had been roasted several times, meaning he could eat a whole one by himself.
"They're here, they're here."
Liu Guangtian's enthusiasm immediately followed.
Wang Dabao didn't stand on ceremony. It was almost noon, and he was starving. He only had a sweet potato, which was a good thing these days, but he couldn't be polite with Xu Damao.
Wang Dabao took the package, opened it, and started eating. Just then, Yu Li came over.
"Uncle Da Bao, don't just focus on eating, tell us what's lacking."
Wang Dabao had no idea about this and was taken aback by Yu Li's question. He then pointed to the sweet potato and said, "You have to concentrate when you're roasting it. Look, you two definitely weren't watching the heat when everyone was talking, and that's why it's burnt."
"There will be quite a few people in our courtyard at night, and they'll be showing a movie. So don't get distracted and just focus on watching the movie, or you'll end up burning a whole batch of food."
"Da Bao is right. There are many people around at night, which can be distracting. We need to be careful about that."
Yan Bugui stood to the side, smacking his lips with envy, but these sweet potatoes were sold by his son and daughter-in-law, and even if he were shameless, he wouldn't dare to compete with everyone for them.
Even if Xu Damao were willing to give it to him, he wouldn't have the face to accept it; otherwise, he would have made a fool of himself.
At that time, I reckon this incident will keep the neighbors in the compound talking about him for a whole year.
"Okay, I'll remember what Uncle Dabao said."
After saying that, Yu Li chuckled and leaned forward to whisper, "Uncle Da Bao, are you really not going to consider finding someone to date?!"
"Let's leave it for now."
Wang Dabao ate the roasted sweet potato and muttered something.
"Alright then, just let me know whenever you feel the bed is cold." Yu Li smiled, winked, and left.
Upon hearing this, Wang Dabao exclaimed, "Wow, that's a double entendre!"
If I tell you the bed is cold, are you going to warm it up for me?!
As they ate and chatted, Yu Li and Yan Jiecheng started baking the second batch. Sha Zhu and Yi Zhonghai each ordered two pieces. Yi Zhonghai was eating with his wife, while Sha Zhu was thinking of giving one piece each to Yu Shui and the deaf old lady.
If it weren't for everyone keeping a close eye on him, he would have liked to buy one for Sister Qin as well.
On a cold day, it's really comforting to hold a hot sweet potato and eat it. After eating, you can wash your hands at Old Yan's house, drink some hot tea, and bask in the sun. Life couldn't be better.
While waiting for the sweet potatoes, Yi Zhonghai chatted with Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui for a while.
The current Yi Zhonghai has completely lost his former imposing manner; he is now just an approachable old man from the compound. This is Liu Guangtian's most honest assessment.
Soon, the second batch of sweet potatoes was ready.
Yi Zhonghai and Sha Zhu each paid three cents and hurriedly carried the sweet potatoes back home.
Wang Dabao and the others had finished their discussion, which mainly revolved around the things they needed to do in the afternoon. He mostly listened from the sidelines, and occasionally Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui would ask for his opinion.
After finishing speaking, Wang Dabao got up, patted his bottom, and prepared to go home for a nap.
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