Chapter 14 Calculation and Counter-Calculation
Since Cheng Jiajia came to the compound to discuss the renovation plan, Yu Junsheng has started making preparations.
The first thing is to buy lime.
These days, lime is hard to buy; you not only need connections, but if you're unlucky, you have to wait.
Fortunately, although Yu Junsheng's reputation in the compound wasn't very good, he still had a few good friends outside.
One of them, who had many connections, happened to be able to get his hands on lime.
Yu Jun was worried that the delay would affect the wedding date, so after sending Cheng Jiajia back, he immediately went to her house to inquire about the matter.
It has to be said that Yu Junsheng was somewhat lucky; they happened to have a batch of them ready-made, which he could have taken away immediately if he wanted them.
Moreover, she had a good relationship with Yu Junsheng. When she heard that Yu Junsheng was getting married, she was very happy for him and said that she would definitely go to the wedding banquet.
That afternoon, Yu Junsheng borrowed a handcart and, together with his friend, transported several bags of lime back to the compound.
After moving the furniture around and covering it with old newspapers, they started painting the walls.
This lasted for three days. During these three days, Yu Junsheng stayed at a friend's house and did not return to the courtyard.
He had no idea that his departure had caused great anxiety among some people in the courtyard.
Yu Junsheng didn't rest after moving back; he still needed to buy other things.
He knew that Cheng Jiajia didn't have many clothes, so he thought he would take her to buy a few more sets. However, he was short of cloth coupons for the time being, so he could only go to the front yard to exchange some with Aunt Hao.
Aunt Hao was a straightforward person, and she exchanged the money without saying a word. Her eldest son was serving in the army and would send her some money notes every month. Her husband was an eighth-grade worker in a machine factory with good benefits, so he always had some notes that he couldn't use up. He would exchange them with the neighbors to earn some income.
After exchanging the tickets, Aunt Hao asked about Yu Junsheng and Cheng Jiajia's marriage.
I strongly disagreed when I learned that they didn't plan to hold a wedding banquet.
She earnestly advised, "Junsheng, you two mustn't be willful. I'm an old woman, I've lived through the old society, I've seen a lot, and I know how important reputation is to a woman. You and Xiaocheng had that incident of switching blind dates, if you don't have a wedding soon, what will people think of you? What will they think of Xiaocheng? Nowadays, some women just pack their bags and move into the man's house, that's not suitable for you two, do you understand what I mean?"
Yu Junsheng was suddenly startled.
Yes, Yu Junsheng and Cheng Jiajia originally didn't plan to hold a wedding banquet. Yu Junsheng's parents had no siblings, and as for Cheng Jiajia, she didn't consider the Dong family her family at all. Neither of them had any relatives they kept in touch with, nor did they have anyone to invite. In this day and age, people value frugality, and many couples simply get married, register their marriage, and move in together. They thought no one would say anything if they didn't hold a wedding banquet.
But after Aunt Hao's reminder, Yu Junsheng realized that a wedding banquet is not just a simple feast, but also a recognition of the newlyweds and the new bride. Especially given his and Cheng Jiajia's previous incident of switching partners during a blind date, gossip was inevitable, and a formal wedding banquet was necessary to silence the gossip. Otherwise, who knows what those gossipy people would say about Cheng Jiajia behind her back.
They are still young and think too simply.
Yu Junsheng sincerely thanked her, "Aunt Hao, thanks to you, otherwise I really wouldn't know what to do. It's true that you have to have elders in your family. Look, there's no one to help me with things in my family. I don't know anything about many things and I'm completely clueless. If it weren't for your guidance, I would have made a fool of myself and even dragged Jiajia down with me."
Aunt Hao smiled, her eyes crinkling at his sweet words. "Hehe, you little rascal, you've always known how to sweet-talk people since you were a child!"
Yu Junsheng chuckled and said, "This isn't just to fool me, it's all from the bottom of my heart. If Jiajia knew, she would definitely think the same way I do."
Aunt Hao smiled and gave him a reproachful look, "You two are like family, you both know how to sweet-talk people."
"Alright, it's settled then. I'll help you with the arrangements. It doesn't need to be too elaborate, just a couple of tables of mixed meat and vegetarian dishes will do. It won't cost much. Don't worry about me!" Aunt Hao patted her chest and assured them. These two kids have a hard time making ends meet without any family to help them, so she had to help them save money.
Yu Junsheng thanked him three times, and was about to say that he had connections to get pork without needing ration coupons,
Out of the corner of his eye, Yu Junsheng caught a glimpse of Bao Dayan standing at her door, staring straight at him with a resentful look. He was startled and thought to himself, "Damn it!" He lost all interest in being polite and quickly left the front yard after saying a few words to Aunt Hao.
Ever since Cheng Jiajia exposed Bao Dayan's feelings for him, he doesn't know if it's just his imagination, but he's been seeing Bao Dayan more often lately. Moreover, Bao Dayan always looks at him with that creepy gaze, as if he's wronged her. If someone who doesn't know the situation saw this, they would really think there's something going on between them.
Yu Junsheng was truly terrified. Every time he saw her, he would keep a distance of three zhang (approximately 10 meters), fearing that this person would go crazy again and do something terrible.
He was a perfectly innocent young man, and he had no desire to get involved with her.
Seeing his eagerness to avoid her, Bao Dayan pursed her lips in resentment, a fleeting glint of anger in her eyes.
Just wait, you'll be begging to marry me!
After passing through the hanging flower gate and returning to the second courtyard, the goosebumps on Yu Junsheng's body slowly subsided. He patted his chest to calm his nerves.
God knows, he was only fifteen or sixteen when Bao Dayan got married, and he was still in school. Later, he graduated, she had a child, her husband died, and she became a young widow.
Yu Junsheng considered himself to be from a completely different world from her, and they usually had no interaction at all. Who knew that this woman would go crazy and target him, who was five years younger than her?
This guy is insane! He's completely insane!
He needs to stay away from this madman!
As for the pork, I'll have to find another opportunity to talk to Aunt Hao about it, and I secretly warned myself that I should scout out the area before coming to the front yard next time, so as not to run into that woman again.
Aunt Cao, who was sitting in front of her house eating sunflower seeds, saw his strange behavior and casually asked, "Junsheng, what are you doing making such a weird face? Anyone who didn't know better would think there's a ghost chasing you in the front yard."
Yu Junsheng thought to himself, "Isn't there something fishy going on? This ghost really is targeting me." But he said aloud, "It's all because of Aunt Hao. She insisted on making me stay for dinner." Seeing Aunt Cao's eyes light up, he deliberately added, "I'm not the kind of person who likes to take advantage of others. These days, who has extra food? Why would I eat someone else's food? That's why I rushed back."
Aunt Cao pursed her lips. This kid never tells the truth. Then, remembering something, she asked slyly, "Junsheng, tell me, what good thing did you do to Hao Jingui?" She hadn't forgotten that last time this kid asked Hao Jingui to propose marriage to the Dong family. Even though it was just to help with the proposal, when the two of them got married, wouldn't Hao Jingui give them a red envelope?
The matchmaker has to do some work, but Hao Jingui only made one trip and got a big red envelope. It's like she got the money for free.
When Aunt Cao found out, she felt terrible. Why didn't Yu Junsheng ask her for such a good thing?
Her shrewd eyes fixed on Yu Junsheng. "I watched you grow up, so don't forget me if anything happens."
As soon as she finished speaking, Aunt Cao knew she was in trouble. She wished she could bite off her own tongue. Hey, serves you right for being so talkative!
Yu Junsheng's eyes lit up, and he rubbed his hands excitedly. "Really? Auntie, I knew you were the best to me! I'm getting married soon, and I need to buy a couple of new outfits. I was thinking of trying to find some fabric coupons. It's so great that you have some here, Auntie. I'll exchange for ten feet first, and I'll pay you back next month when the wedding ceremony starts..."
Startled, Aunt Cao's face changed drastically, and she waved her hands repeatedly, "No, no, so many people in my family are waiting for clothes, where would we get extra cloth coupons?"
She quickly picked up the small stool she was on and scurried back into the house on her short legs. Yu Junsheng called after her, "Aunt Cao, Aunt Cao..."
The door slammed shut, showing how afraid she was of Yu Junsheng, that shameless man, eyeing the cloth coupons in her pocket.
Yu Junsheng wasn't embarrassed at all; he just raised an eyebrow and went back to his room.
The Zheng family, who lived in the same hospital, overheard the conversation and actually believed that Aunt Hao had invited Yu Junsheng to stay for dinner.
So jealous! My heart was overflowing with sourness.
Chang Dafeng said indignantly, "That Hao Jingui, she flaunts her little bit of money. So what if she has a few good sons? Look how capable she is, even inviting Yu Junsheng to dinner? She thinks she can fly to the moon!"
Zheng Haiyang also frowned, "Aunt Hao's actions were indeed not good. We are all neighbors living in the same compound. How could she only invite Yu Junsheng to dinner? It's too unfair and not good for the unity of our compound."
"That's right. If anyone should be invited, it should be Haiyang. My son is so capable, she should be the one to treat you to a meal!"
Chang Dafeng cursed viciously: "That little brat from the Yu family, a ragpicker, ptooey, wearing new clothes? Does he deserve it?"
Yu Junsheng clearly said that he was inviting people to stay for dinner, but these two made it sound like they were treating them to a meal, as if Yu Junsheng had already eaten. It's really speechless.
However, the mother and son only dared to whisper among themselves behind their backs. They wouldn't dare to go outside and talk about it. After all, Hao Jingui's husband was not only the manager of the factory but also one of the few level eight workers in the factory. Even the factory director treated him with great respect. They dared not offend him.
Chang Dafeng thought of Cheng Jiajia's beautiful appearance that she had seen yesterday, and felt resentful again. She didn't expect this country girl to be so pretty. Yu Junsheng, that little rascal, really got lucky!
She said jealously, "She looks like a vixen, and she's obviously a restless woman. No wonder she seduced Yu Junsheng the moment they met! And her hips are small, she definitely won't be able to have a son. Yu Junsheng is destined to be childless!"
Chang Dafeng felt much better after thoroughly belittling Cheng Jiajia and Yu Junsheng from head to toe.
Zheng Haiyang didn't stop her. After all, he was still somewhat resentful that she hadn't liked him on their blind date but had chosen Yu Junsheng instead. He also felt a sense of satisfaction when he heard his mother scolding the two of them.
Suddenly his mother asked,
"Son, how are things going between you and Jiang Qiubai? Have you settled down yet?"
Mentioning this, Zheng Haiyang's expression relaxed considerably. "It's settled. I'll go to her house to propose tomorrow, she'll come over the day after tomorrow, and we'll get our marriage certificate the day after that."
I heard that Yu Junsheng is still preparing things, so it can't be that fast. I must get ahead of Yu Junsheng and make sure the wedding banquet is a big success, otherwise, where will I put my face?
...
There were only two people at the waste recycling station where Yu Junsheng worked: an old man surnamed Wang, known as Old Man Wang, and Yu Junsheng. The two, one old and one young, got along very well.
I recognized them by their eyes; they were both the kind of people who were just coasting along.
That's the good thing about their job. When they're busy, they are indeed very busy, but after a while, when they have nothing to do, they become incredibly bored. Being late or leaving early doesn't matter, since not many people are buying and selling scrap. Opening and closing the door a little earlier or later doesn't matter either.
That afternoon, seeing that there wasn't much to do at the recycling station, Yu Junsheng told Old Wang that he was leaving get off work early. Knowing that he was busy with his upcoming wedding, Old Wang was very understanding and even sighed, "Now that you're married, your parents down there can rest easy! Take good care of her and don't let her suffer any injustice!"
Old Wang was an acquaintance of Yu's parents. He was the one who helped Yu Junsheng get his job. The old man also took good care of Yu Junsheng.
Sure enough, Old Man Wang offered, "If you need pork for your banquet, go find your Brother Wang. He has pork that doesn't require a ticket."
Old Wang's eldest son works at a meat processing plant. Occasionally, the employees can get meat without ration coupons. Old Wang usually exchanges some with relatives and friends, and the price is naturally higher, but it's still better than going to the black market.
Yu Junsheng had originally planned to buy meat from Old Wang's son, but the old man spoke up first, "Of course! Who else would you ask for such an important matter if not Brother Wang?"
He rolled his eyes and said with a grin, "But Uncle Wang, what are we to each other? You'll have to give me a discount. You know I don't have anyone to help me, so I have to be careful with my money."
Old Wang glared and bristled, "You little brat, all you do is try to take advantage of me!"
He glared at Yu Junsheng again, knowing that this brat wouldn't stand a loss, but thinking of his relationship with Yu's father, the old man gritted his teeth and said, "Just give the eldest a dollar for a pound of meat."
Yu Junsheng's eyes lit up as soon as he heard that.
Hey, you know what, this old man is really good to me!
At the supply and marketing cooperative, pork cost 70 cents a pound and required meat coupons. On the black market, meat coupons weren't needed, but the price was 1.5 cents a pound more expensive. Boss Wang was selling his own pork for one yuan a pound, which was much cheaper than on the black market.
Yu Junsheng never considered charging the supply and marketing cooperative's price, after all, they were also putting in favors, weren't they? Is it possible to build connections and give gifts without spending money?
That's not how you take advantage of others. Reciprocity is key to a lasting relationship.
After agreeing on the meat purchase with Old Man Wang, Yu Junsheng returned home before five o'clock. The factories were still open, and neither Aunt Cao, who often chatted idly at the gate, nor the noisiest Aunt Guan were to be seen. The courtyard was quiet.
Yu Junsheng was a little unaccustomed to it, but he raised an eyebrow as soon as he opened the door.
Sure enough, the unexpected trouble arrived, albeit late.
There was a small note on the ground, which looked like it had been slipped under the door.
Yu Junsheng didn't even want to pick it up. What if someone, out of greed for his house, had smeared some kind of poison on it to harm him?
That's hard to say.
He squatted down to look at it and saw that it read, "I have something very important to tell you. See you behind the public toilet at 3 pm tomorrow."
The handwriting looks like it was written by a woman, but it's hard to say for sure.
Yu Junsheng stared at the ordinary little note and fell into deep thought. There were usually people in their courtyard, so it was impossible for strangers to come and go without making a sound. He hadn't heard of any strangers coming over today when he passed by the front yard.
Therefore, the only person who could slip a note into the crack of their own door without anyone noticing is someone who already lives in this courtyard.
Tch~ What respectable person would write a note like that?
Why can't you just say what's on your mind? Why do you have to go behind the public restroom to say it? You're acting all sneaky.
Yu Junsheng curled his lip in disgust, seemingly unbearable by the stench.
He had no intention of going to this appointment; it didn't look like a good thing at all, and who knew what kind of scheme was waiting for him? Yu Junsheng was very cautious in this regard.
Given what had happened recently, he had some doubts. He rolled his eyes, found a rag to wrap his hands, picked up the note, opened the door and glanced around. Seeing that no one was around, he quickly crouched down and darted out the door, stuffed the note into the crack of the opposite door, and then ran back in a flash.
Thinking about the good show that might happen tomorrow, Yu Junsheng couldn't help but chuckle.
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