Xiao Su listened to Wang Dabao's story with deep gratitude.
He stood up and bowed to Wang Dabao: "Thank you, Brother Wang. If it weren't for you, we really don't know what would have happened."
Wang Dabao quickly stepped forward to help Xiao Su up, waving his hand and laughing, "No need for that. The steel mill's residential area is under my jurisdiction. Besides, your aunt is still my aunt. Of course I will do my best to help you out in this situation."
Just then, the convoy of jeeps arrived outside.
Wang Dabao beckoned everyone to get in the car, preparing to take them back.
During the Lunar New Year, who wouldn't be upset if something like this happened? The family must be going crazy with worry.
On the way, Xiao Su kept stealing glances at Wang Dabao, a strange feeling rising in her heart.
The two chatted in the car the whole way about the fact that Zhao Da Maozi's wife was Xiao Su's aunt.
It was clear that Xiao Su was a very talkative girl. Previously, Xiao Zhenguo and his wife had mentioned that their daughter stayed home all the time, leading Wang Dabao to believe she might be introverted. However, after chatting with her, they discovered that this girl was quite knowledgeable and could discuss various topics.
Moreover, she speaks tactfully and naturally, and has clear eyes, which makes people feel close to her unconsciously.
After dropping the other three people off at home, the jeep drove into the staff quarters of the steel rolling mill.
Mr. and Mrs. Xiao Zhenguo had already received the news, and by this time, the area downstairs was packed with people. Mr. and Mrs. Xiao Zhenguo, Mr. and Mrs. Zhao Da Maozi, Section Chief Hu and his wife, as well as neighbors, formed a large, densely packed crowd.
The jeep stopped, and before Xiao Su could even stand properly after getting out, her mother rushed to her side, wiping away tears.
After Wang Dabao got out of the car, Zhao Da Maozi pulled him aside.
"Da Bao, you're a good kid. I knew you'd amount to something when you grow up."
Zhao Da Maozi chuckled and patted Wang Dabao hard on the shoulder, saying, "When you come back to the village, remember to come to my house for a drink, and I'll have your aunt cook you a few dishes."
"Okay, I'll definitely come find you for a drink when we get back."
Wang Dabao happily agreed.
Zhao Da Maozi's wife, wiping away tears, nodded and said, "Yes, Da Bao, whatever you like to eat, your aunt will make it for you."
After Zhao Da Maozi and his wife went to Xiao Su's place, Wang Dabao came to Section Chief Hu and greeted Section Chief Hu's wife.
"Hello, Auntie, I'm Da Bao."
Wang Dabao said with a smile.
Section Chief Hu's wife had a kind face. Like most women, she was a little plump at this age. Holding Wang Dabao's hand, she looked at him with increasing fondness: "Old Hu has been talking about how good Dabao is to me. Today, I've finally met him. Come over whenever you have time. Just tell Old Hu what you want to eat, and I'll cook it for you."
Wang Dabao immediately agreed: "Don't worry, Auntie, I'll definitely come over to your house often to freeload when I have time."
Section Chief Hu, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, chuckled and scolded, "This kid always treats me like an equal in the factory, how come he's calling you 'Auntie' now?"
As they were talking, Mr. and Mrs. Xiao Zhenguo arrived with Xiao Su.
With tears in her eyes, Xiao's mother grabbed Wang Dabao's arm and kept thanking him.
Perhaps because she hadn't slept all night and her nerves were constantly on edge, when she finally relaxed, everything went black and she fainted. If Wang Dabao hadn't caught her quickly, she would have already collapsed to the ground.
Xiao Zhenguo quickly picked up his wife and carried her home. Before leaving, he gave Wang Dabao a deep look, his eyes full of gratitude and appreciation.
Xiao Su didn't even have time to speak to Wang Dabao; with tears in her eyes, she followed Xiao Zhenguo home.
Section Chief Hu's wife and Zhao Da Maozi and his wife followed, leaving Wang Dabao and Section Chief Hu downstairs to smoke.
After the incident and its outcome were explained, Section Chief Hu nodded in satisfaction, indicating that Wang Dabao had handled the matter well.
"Don't come to work today. I'll go to the factory to keep an eye on things later. You go home and get some rest." Section Chief Hu patted Wang Dabao's arm. "The New Year is almost here. What are your plans? If you're feeling unwell, come to my house, and we can all have a family reunion!"
Section Chief Hu knew about Wang Dabao's situation. He used to have an uncle, but now that uncle has passed away, and he is all alone at home.
He couldn't bear to let Wang Dabao spend the New Year alone in the courtyard, but he was also afraid that if he invited Wang Dabao to his home and he saw his family reunited, it would remind him of sad memories and make him feel upset.
Caught in a dilemma, Section Chief Hu still extended an invitation to him.
Wang Dabao chuckled and patted Section Chief Hu on the shoulder, "Forget it, Lao Hu, your family is reunited, I won't join in the fun. Anyway, I've gotten used to being alone all these years."
"It's just the Lunar New Year; it's no different from any other day for me."
After saying goodbye to Section Chief Hu, Wang Dabao and his men got into a jeep and returned to the factory.
As soon as Wang Dabao left, Xiao Zhenguo rushed downstairs.
Upon inquiring with Section Chief Hu, Xiao Zhenguo learned that Wang Dabao had just left. He sighed, took out a cigarette, and handed it to Section Chief Hu: "Your sister-in-law woke up and asked me to call Section Chief Wang so I could thank him again."
“It’s alright, Da Bao doesn’t care about these things. Zhenguo, please don’t send him anything or money. He doesn’t need these things. If you do, it will only make your relationship more distant.”
Section Chief Hu held a cigarette but didn't light it. "Now that these two kids have met, the rest is up to fate. If they hit it off, that would be great. If not, I won't bring it up again."
A slight smile appeared on Xiao Zhenguo's face.
"Brother, I think Section Chief Wang is a great guy. Needless to say, he's outstanding among young people, both in appearance and height."
"Not to mention the work. Although I, as a workshop director, am considered to be on the same level as you, a section chief, in the factory, I am actually no match for Deputy Section Chief Wang."
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