Chapter 139
Luo Xiangqian curled his lips and said, "Even if he saved Xiaoxia, he can't teach her a lesson like this, right? We grew up together as brothers, how could he not know who you are? How could he not know that you care about Xiaoxia the most? Take what happened tonight, Xiaoxia herself said it was an accident, why did he make a big deal out of it? Do you want Xiaoxia to get into trouble?"
Leng Feng didn't seem angry at all. He said calmly, "I'm making a big deal out of it for their own good. You shouldn't leave anything to chance in many things. She ran into me today. If I hadn't passed by there, she, a lesbian, would have been facing six drunken gay men. Have you ever thought about what would have happened to her?"
Luo Xiangqian was stunned and speechless.
Leng Feng said, "Look, you have nothing to say, which proves that what I said is right. You are so angry, just because you think I am ruthless. But if I show ruthlessness in such a matter of life and death, it would be irresponsible to your lives. Although I have just started this business, I have seen crime scenes several times. Even in ordinary life, there are many invisible dangers. They don't pay attention, and when something really happens, they won't even have the face to cry."
Leng Feng suddenly stretched the level of the matter to a larger angle related to life and death. As a result, everyone in the room was speechless, even Xia Qingtang rolled his eyes in his heart.
After all, no matter what kind of person Leng Feng is, he is indeed very qualified as a policeman and always keeps the safety of ordinary people in mind. Just for this reason, she should shut up.
Xie Jinxuan said, "Yes, Leng Feng is right. We were wrong today. Especially me. No matter how Qingtang rejected me at that time, I should have followed her to the cotton mill. After all, it was after dinner. If there was a big pothole on the road, she could easily fall when riding back alone. I should have gone with her no matter what, even if I had to bring a flashlight to help her light the way."
Xia Qingtang said: "I really know that I was wrong. Comrade Leng was right today. If I hadn't met him, I would have been beaten up."
Of course, the two young men walking over might be able to provide some help, but two people against six drunkards would not have much chance of winning.
If we hadn't encountered a cold front, we would probably have had to use some other methods to escape.
Xia Qingtang also felt that he was just extremely lucky tonight, so it was worth it to be taught a lesson.
Leng Feng nodded, his expression softened a little: "You all remember what you said today, don't make such a mistake again in the future."
After saying that, he turned around and wanted to leave again.
Xie Jinxuan called him again: "Leng Feng, wait, I haven't finished what I want to say."
"What?"
"Qingtang accepted an interview with a reporter from the Workers' Daily, and a personal interview was published there. It was quite long and well-written. Xiang Qian saw the report and was very happy for Qingtang. He just came over and said that he wanted to celebrate with Qingtang at our house tomorrow. He will go buy meat and fish early in the morning, and then let Qingtang make a few special dishes. It just so happens that you are here too, would you like to come over for lunch tomorrow? I also want to thank you very much."
"Yes, yes, we should help Xiao Xia celebrate! I don't know if you have read the interview. If not, take the newspaper and take a good look at it. Xiao Xia was written about very well in it, and I want to applaud her! Firstly, I want to help her celebrate. After all, not everyone can be interviewed in the newspaper. Secondly, I am often taken care of by them. So I was thinking of buying meat and fish tomorrow morning, and bringing a bottle of white wine by the way. We will have a good meal here at noon and have fun. Leng Feng, do you want to come with us?" Luo Xiangqian said.
His usual smile appeared on his face again, and it seemed that he was no longer going to continue the conflict with Leng Feng.
Leng Feng said: "I do have a day off tomorrow."
"Then come over and eat together." Xie Jinxuan said.
Leng Feng glanced at Xia Qingtang and said, "No, I'm a boring person. If I come over, I will disturb you."
"Don't say that. You're not a boring person. Besides, the three of you grew up together. Don't they know what kind of personality you have? Since you have a day off tomorrow, come over for lunch." Xia Qingtang said with a smile, "I just wanted to thank you for saving me today. I'll treat you with the meat and fish provided by Lao Luo as a way to repay the favor. Is that okay with you?"
When Leng Feng heard that he wanted to repay a favor, he immediately agreed: "Okay, then I won't bring anything, I'll just come over for lunch."
Xia Qingtang said, "Yes, you don't need to bring anything, just come and have lunch. But Lao Luo, you have to come early. Although you provide meat, fish, and other vegetables, I have to cook lunch. In other words, you come to help me celebrate, but I am the one who does the hard work. So, you have to come early and help Jinxuan pick, cut, and wash the vegetables. Once everything is ready, I will go to the kitchen."
"Don't worry, no problem. I don't have anything to do tomorrow morning, so I'll help you here with Jinxuan." Luo Xiangqian said with a smile.
Leng Feng said: "Then I'll go back first. I'm a little tired these days."
He did look very tired, with dark circles under his eyes, and it seemed as if he could hardly open his eyes, looking very sleepy.
Luo Xiangqian asked, "Why? Do you have another big case?"
"It's not a big case, but as a newcomer I should do more work." Leng Feng rubbed his forehead and said, "You'll get used to it later."
Xie Jinxuan said: "Then go back and take a shower and go to bed. Sleep a little longer tomorrow and come over for lunch at noon."
Xie Jinxuan sent him out and repeatedly expressed her gratitude in the small courtyard.
When they reached the gate of the yard, Leng Feng suddenly whispered, "I know you want to spend your whole life with her. If that's the case, you can't just listen to her. Comrade Xia is really smart, and we can see tonight that she has a strong ability to adapt to changing circumstances. But no matter how smart she is, or how capable she is, she is a frail female comrade. When she is in danger, she has no ability to protect herself. I also know that you love her very much, but you should stick to your own opinions on some things. If you fail to protect her, you will be the one who regrets it later."
Xie Jinxuan looked solemn: "I have been deeply reflecting on myself. During this period, our lives were relatively comfortable and peaceful. I haven't heard of any theft or robbery, so I was a little careless. But you are right, I can't listen to her in everything. I must insist on myself in some things. Leng Feng, thank you so much."
Leng Feng said, "One more thing. Recently, not only your wife needs to pay attention to safety, but also tell your grandmother and the others. Even in our downtown area, it is not peaceful at night. If you go out, it is best not to go alone."
"Okay, I'll make a note of that, thank you."
"Then I'll go back." Leng Feng yawned and left.
Xie Jinxuan returned to the room and saw Luo Xiangqian talking excitedly to Xia Qingtang about the report.
"There is no workers' newspaper in our unit. I didn't know until I got home and heard from my neighbor that you actually published an interview in the workers' newspaper! I took a look and it was amazing! As your neighbor, I feel proud to hear your experience! For people of our age, who else can get such treatment as you? This is a whole interview! You can be proud of it for many years!"
Xia Qingtang didn't look very happy, but he still said sincerely: "In fact, the interview was nothing. I just happened to meet the reporter who had received my submission before. To say that I'm proud, that's far from it. To be truly proud, we have to be proud of those who have contributed to the country and the people. They are the ones who deserve our pride."
Luo Xiangqian waved his hand and said, "You are making a contribution to us! Won't the televisions produced by your electrical appliance factory benefit us? Jinxuan has already told me that when you have the internal purchasing qualification, I will buy one from you. For this reason alone, you deserve our pride!"
Xia Qingtang laughed: "When did you become so good at talking? You are so good at praising people! I almost don't recognize you anymore."
"What are you talking about? Haven't I always been like this?"
"Have you really always been like this? Are you sure you are not hiding anything from us?" Xia Qingtang smiled evilly and said deliberately.
Such a long time has passed, but Luo Xiangqian and Hu Yanni have managed to keep the fact that they are dating a secret. Up to now, neither of them has said a word to anyone.
Luo Xiangqian was probably feeling guilty, and his expression changed immediately. He blinked his eyes and said as if to cover up, "What could I possibly be hiding from you? Don't you know me? I've told Jinxuan everything!"
"But I noticed that you didn't tell our Jinxuan about your improved eloquence. Tell us the truth quickly. Did you find a teacher or learn some skills that made you so good at praising people now?" Seeing that he was panicking, Xia Qingtang simply changed the topic.
"Oh, you are talking about this. Well, I have never had a master. This is called self-taught! I am now at work, and I am like a fish in water. When I see my boss, I have something to say. When I see my colleagues, I have something else to say. Everyone likes me very much, and everyone praises me!" Luo Xiangqian patted his chest proudly.
Xie Jinxuan said: "It seems that you can really get an advanced individual award next year."
"If there is really a selection, no one in our unit can compare to me. Not to mention personal connections, but just work ability, my performance is obvious to all, and I'm not bragging." Luo Xiangqian said loudly.
Xie Jinxuan said, "I believe you, and I'm happy for you. But it's getting late today, why don't you go back and rest first? After all, you have to rush over there early tomorrow morning to grab some food."
Actually, it wasn't particularly late. Under normal circumstances, Xie Jinxuan might not have asked her old friend to leave so early.
But he could see that Xia Qingtang was not in a good mood and there seemed to be something on his mind in his eyes, so he wanted Luo Xiangqian to go back first so that he could ask Xia Qingtang what was wrong.
Luo Xiangqian didn't see what Xie Jinxuan was thinking, but when he heard that he had to get up early to grab food, he immediately stood up and walked out: "Really, I have to run out before dawn, I won't tell you, I'm going back to sleep first, you can wait for the big fish and meat I buy tomorrow!"
"Okay, we're waiting." Xie Jinxuan sent him out, then walked to Xia Qingtang and gently hugged her.
"I'm a little sleepy too. Let me take a shower and go to bed." Xia Qingtang said.
"Are you okay? You look unhappy."
"I'm fine. I'm just unhappy... because I didn't expect to be caught by Leng Feng. Although I was indeed a little careless, who would have thought that I would be robbed while riding my bike on the road?" Xia Qingtang let out a long sigh. "But it's good this way. We have been too comfortable during this period, and I have neglected a lot. If I go out at night in the future, I will take you with me. If you are not with me, I will not go out."
Xie Jinxuan pinched her little face: "Are you frightened?"
"I wasn't scared, after all, when I rode there, I was actually somewhat mentally prepared. I just didn't expect that they would not only rob my bike, but also beat me up. But I still believe in my luck. I'm so lucky. Even if Leng Feng wasn't there, there would be people passing by ahead who would be able to help me find the police." Xia Qingtang said, "Okay, I've reflected on myself thoroughly. Although I was very unhappy about being taught a lesson by Leng Feng, he was not wrong. But today's reflection ends here. Even if this matter is in the past, we shouldn't mention it in the future. I'll repay Leng Feng's favor tomorrow and pretend it never happened."
Xie Jinxuan didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "Even if Leng Feng saved you, do you still hate him so much?"
"I don't hate him, actually. I know he's not a bad person. And after coming back to work this time, he's more stable than before, and even more humane. But I still feel like I can't be friends with him. I guess this is just a natural incompatibility!"
Xie Jinxuan said: "There are too many people who don't get along with Leng Feng. There are a lot of them in this compound alone."
Xia Qingtang laughed out loud: "I know, I know. Last time I went to the bathhouse to take a bath, I ran into Lin Xiaoyue. She scolded Leng Feng for an hour in front of us. My hair was almost dry, and she didn't finish scolding me."
"Why did Lin Xiaoyue scold Leng Feng? Are they in contact?"
"Eh? Don't you know? Lin Xiaoyue liked Leng Feng before, and told him face to face that she wanted to make friends, but Leng Feng said, 'I don't like your face, don't get close to me in the future.' Lin Xiaoyue was so angry that she almost went up to beat him up, but unfortunately she couldn't beat him, so she could only go home crying. She said that although she was not a great beauty, people would praise her for her beauty when she went out, but she didn't expect Leng Feng to say that, which was so hurtful. I think that Leng Feng, even if he is not a bad person, is not a good person, right? I don't believe in hard words and soft hearts. If a person is really soft-hearted, how can he say bad things to hurt others?"
Xie Jinxuan hesitated for a moment and said, "When Leng Feng said that, he might not be saying that Lin Xiaoyue is ugly. He thinks that Lin Xiaoyue is good-looking, so he doesn't like her."
"This is your guess, and no matter what he thinks, he has hurt Lin Xiaoyue."
"Indeed." Xie Jinxuan nodded, "I will remind him to be more careful next time."
"You really worry about him...Okay, I'm going to take a shower and go to bed early tonight." Xia Qingtang said and went to fetch water.
After taking a shower, she went to the bedroom and went to sleep. Although a lot of things happened that night, she still slept until eight o'clock the next morning before waking up.
There was a sweet smell coming from outside. When Xia Qingtang put on her clothes and walked out, the smell became stronger.
"Jinxuan, what are you cooking? Why does it smell so good?" Xia Qingtang shouted over there.
Xie Jinxuan came out of the kitchen: "Are you awake? I was indeed cooking. Aunt Liu taught me to make breakfast for you."
"What is it?" Xia Qingtang walked to the kitchen curiously and saw a small casserole sitting on the coal stove, emitting white steam.
"It's peanut, red date and longan soup." Xie Jinxuan said, "Sixth Aunt said this is good for your health. You've been working too hard recently. I saw that you've lost some weight, so I wanted to nourish you."
"It smells so sweet, there must be a lot of sugar in it." Xia Qingtang opened the lid of the casserole and felt her stomach growling. "Is it cooked? Can I eat it?"
"Okay, go brush your teeth and wash your face, and I'll serve you." Xie Jinxuan smiled and rubbed her head.
She had just gotten up, so her black hair was casually draped over her shoulders, and her bangs hung on her smooth forehead, making her look even younger, like a high school student.
Xia Qingtang happily ran to the bathroom to wash up. When she came out, she saw a big bowl and a plate on the dining table. There were a few pies on the plate, which looked delicious.
The longan soup was cooked very well, all the ingredients were melted, and the soup was fragrant and sweet. Xia Qingtang showed a happy expression after just one sip: "Ah, it's delicious."
"I still have the ingredients. I'll cook it for you in two days. Aunt Six said that although this thing is good, you can't eat it every day. Eating too much can easily cause internal heat and nosebleeds." Xie Jinxuan said.
"This thing uses so much brown sugar, how can you eat it every day?" Xia Qingtang said, "Eat it once a week and you'll be very happy."
"Then I'll stew it for you on Sunday mornings."
"Okay, by the way, why don't you drink? Have a bowl too."
"Sixth Aunt said it's good for lesbians, so I won't drink it."
Xia Qingtang said: "There are no strange herbs or ingredients in it. Men, women, young and old can drink it. Just drink it as a sweet soup."
In this day and age, being able to drink such a bowl of sweet soup is indeed a happy thing.
And although Xie Jinxuan's family was well-off and he had rarely gone hungry, he was actually malnourished, so the task of replenishing the body should be done together as a couple.
Xie Jinxuan then filled out another bowl and started drinking the sweet soup with Xia Qingtang.
After breakfast, Xia Qingtang stood in the small courtyard and did a set of radio gymnastics. Then she saw Luo Xiangqian coming happily carrying two cloth bags.
"Xiao Xia, I'm here!" He opened the yard door and walked in naturally.
"Let me see, what delicious food did you buy?"
"I'm so lucky today. I bought pork liver and a big fish." Luo Xiangqian came over and whispered, "But this big fish was found specifically for me. Ordinary people can't buy it."
Xia Qingtang took a look into the cloth bag he opened and saw that it was indeed a very big fish. If it was to be cooked, it would require a big pot.
"Did you buy tofu?" Xia Qingtang asked.
"I bought it. Jinxuan told me yesterday that if you want to stew fish, it's best to eat it with tofu." Luo Xiangqian said, "I also bought broad beans, wild rice stems, lettuce, and green vegetables. You have potatoes at home. How about that? Is that enough for a banquet?"
"It's more than enough. Just one stewed fish is enough for many people." Xia Qingtang said, "There are only a few of us today. We may not be able to finish it."
"Where is your classmate? Her cousin from the Xie family, ask her to come and eat together." Luo Xiangqian said.
Xia Qingtang had wanted to call Xie Xiaoshuang a long time ago, but the food this time was provided by Luo Xiangqian, and there were meat dishes, so she couldn't take the initiative to ask. Now that she heard Luo Xiangqian take the initiative to ask, Xia Qingtang said, "Okay, then you and Jinxuan pick and wash the vegetables here, I'll go call Xiaoshuang."
"Okay, but I don't know how to deal with these things. You have to tell Jinxuan exactly what to do."
Xia Qingtang said, "Soak the liver first, then slice it and continue soaking. I'm going to make fried liver for lunch. If you don't know how to break the fish, just wait for me to come back and do it."
Xie Jinxuan said: "I can break the fish, you don't have to worry about these."
"Okay, then I'll go call Xiaoshuang." Xia Qingtang said as he pushed open the door to the yard and walked out.
Today is Sunday and most people in the compound are resting. As Xia Qingtang walked along, many people greeted her.
"Xiao Xia, are you going out?"
"If you don't go out, just walk around in the compound."
"The weather is nice today, we should go out and play."
"Yes, Auntie, are you going out to play?"
"Let's not go. We have a lot of things to wash today. Let's just wait for the sun to dry them."
Xia Qingtang walked slowly to Xie Xiaoshuang's room and saw her washing bed sheets in a large basin in the corridor.
"Xiao Shuang, come to our house for lunch." Xia Qingtang walked over and squatted down beside the basin.
Xie Xiaoshuang smiled and said, "Why are you asking me to have dinner again?"
"Didn't I have an interview in the Workers' Newspaper? Luo Xiangqian saw it, and he told Jinxuan that he wanted to celebrate for me. He went to buy pork liver and fish this morning. I will cook later, and we can have a good meal together."
Xie Xiaoshuang said, "Then I will just go there. How embarrassing! Isn't this just eating someone else's food for free?"
"It's okay. You can cook, too. Just go over and make two dishes."
"I still have a lot of things to wash, I'm afraid I won't have enough time to go over and cook." Xie Xiaoshuang hesitated for a moment and said, "But they want to celebrate for you, it would be inappropriate if I don't go. How about this, I'll wash the sheets and clothes, and then I'll go out and buy some soda and beer and bring them over, is that okay?"
"Why not? Soda and beer are also expensive, and it will cost you a lot of money." Xia Qingtang said.
"What are you going to spend? Don't you know me? I don't have many expenses, and I don't buy things that often, so I still have some spare money. Let's make this clear, I'll be there before noon."
"Okay, I'll wait for you then." Xia Qingtang said, "How are you doing at work recently? Is work going well?"
"I'm still the same. Nothing bad has happened to me, and nothing good has happened to me either. I just have to make do with what I have." Xie Xiaoshuang said, "However, I've been calmer lately. I've met that family a few times, but I don't have any feelings about it."
"That's good." Xia Qingtang reached out and rubbed her shoulders, his eyes full of pity, "It will get better and better in the future."
"Let's not talk about me. I'm always the same anyway, so there's nothing to mention. How is Yanni doing recently? Last time, after I got off work early, I wanted to go to her house to play with her, but when I got to the steel factory, her mother said that she had formed a study group with her classmates and would study at school until eight or nine o'clock before going home, so I had to come back first. Have you seen her recently? She studies so hard, she must take care of her health."
"I've been very busy lately. I have to go to classes even on holidays. Teacher Xu went out of town this morning, so I had a whole day off. I haven't seen her. However, since she is devoted to studying, I'm sure she's not doing too badly. You don't have to worry." Xia Qingtang smiled.
Although I haven't met Hu Yanni in person recently, just by looking at Luo Xiangqian's smug look, I can roughly guess that they are both living a good life.
It’s a pity that Xia Qingtang couldn’t say this, so he could only laugh.
Xie Xiaoshuang said, "Yes, she can study hard, so she won't be living too badly. Has your Comrade Xie ever met Gu Xing'an at school? How is he now?"
"I've seen him a few times, in the cafeteria and the library. He said he was with his new boyfriend, and they both seemed to be getting along well."
Xie Xiaoshuang sighed: "Don't tell Yanni about this, or she will be upset if she knows."
"Don't worry, I won't tell. Then you continue to wash clothes, I'll go back to prepare lunch." Xia Qingtang rubbed her shoulders again, stood up and left.
When they returned to the small courtyard, Xie Jinxuan had already cleaned the big fish and soaked the pig liver in a basin of water.
Luo Xiangqian was sitting in the small yard, shelling broad beans.
Xia Qingtang rolled up her sleeves, put on an apron, and was about to show off her skills when a clear voice came from outside the door: "Qingtang, are you home?"
Xia Qingtang was stunned: "Yanni? Why are you here?"
She ran out of the kitchen and saw Hu Yanni standing outside holding a cloth bag, smiling.
Xia Qingtang quickly glanced at Luo Xiangqian, who was sitting in the corridor picking vegetables. He was laughing secretly with his head down, and his ears were slightly red.
"My brother is on break, so he made some peanut cakes. My mother asked me to bring some to you." Hu Yanni said, "Are you actually at home? I thought you were going to class on Sunday morning."
Xia Qingtang said: "I was going to go, but because Teacher Xu went on a business trip, the class was temporarily suspended. I have also been a little lazy recently. Logically, since Teacher Xu is not here, I should go to Teacher Chenxiang to learn English, but I suddenly wanted to be lazy and didn't learn anything."
"You've been working very hard and learning so much. You deserve to take a break once in a while."
Hu Yanni was pulled into the yard by Xia Qingtang: "Thank you for giving me the peanut cake. I haven't had it for a long time. I really miss it. Thank you, Auntie and Brother Hui, for thinking of me like this."
"You're welcome. This is my duty. My brother told us that the last time the newspaper went to your factory for an interview, the workers' newspaper wanted to take photos of the workers, and you led the reporter to my brother. As a result, he took a very good photo of my brother and his friends. My brother was the first one in the picture, very conspicuous, and we all saw it! I should thank you very much for this alone." Hu Yanni said, "I said, with you in the new electrical factory, you will definitely think of my brother in everything."
"Of course, your brother is my brother, and I definitely hope he gets better and better." Xia Qingtang pointed at Luo Xiangqian in the small courtyard and deliberately said, "This is Old Luo, you have seen him."
"Hello, Comrade Luo." Hu Yanni greeted him. She seemed normal and graceful, without any sign of embarrassment.
But Luo Xiangqian's ears turned even redder. He looked at Hu Yanni, not knowing where to put his hands. He laughed and said, "Hello, Comrade Hu, hello."
Xia Qingtang said, "You are lucky to come here today. Lao Luo is treating us to a meal and bought pork liver and big fish. I just called Xiaoshuang. You can stay here for lunch later."
"Oh, how can I feel embarrassed about that?" said Hu Yanni.
"What's there to be embarrassed about? We're all family." Xia Qingtang said, "Come in, I'll make you some tea first, and then I'm going to eat some peanut cakes. I haven't had them in a long time, and I really miss the taste."
Hu Yanni smiled and went to the living room with Xia Qingtang. Luo Xiangqian stretched his head to look inside. Xie Jinxuan suddenly stuck his head out and asked, "Xiangqian, what are you looking at?"
Luo Xiangqian was startled: "What? You didn't see anything? What can I see? This is your home, what else can you see in your home?"
Xie Jinxuan smiled and said, "Hurry up and peel the broad beans. Qingtang will be making braised rice soon."
"I know, I know." Luo Xiangqian didn't dare to look around anymore and quickly speeded up the process of peeling the broad beans.
Inside the house, Xia Qingtang made a cup of green tea for Hu Yanni, and then opened the oil paper bag she brought, which was indeed full of peanut cakes.
She quickly picked up a piece and put it in her mouth: "Ah, it's delicious, so happy."
Hu Yanni couldn't help laughing: "You really like to eat this."
"I'm not the only one who likes it, other people like it too. Now your brother works in a factory and doesn't make this anymore. The neighbors in our compound always ask me if they can still buy some peanut cakes from your brother. I say that I can't even buy them myself, and I'm afraid I won't be able to buy them in the future." Xia Qingtang said, "In my opinion, we can only wait until a few more years, when private shops start to appear on the street, and then your brother can open a peanut cake shop on the street."
"Open a shop? Who would dare to do that?" Hu Yanni said, "My brother should just work in the factory. He's on the newspaper now and is the temporary team leader. My parents are so happy and they don't worry anymore."
"Are you happy recently?" Xia Qingtang continued eating the peanut cake and suddenly asked.
"Me? Of course I'm happy lately."
"Xiao Shuang just said that she went to your house to look for you that day, but you were studying with your classmates at school, so she didn't see you. You are studying so hard now, you must take care of your health."
Hu Yanni lowered her head slightly and said, "I know. I will take good care of myself. I will also tell Xiaoshuang later that I am in good health."
"Then you should be among the best in your studies now, right?"
"It's OK. I think I can be in the top five at the end of the semester."
"Really?"
"real."
Xia Qingtang was very happy: "Yanni, you are awesome!"
After eating the peanut cake, Xia Qingtang went to the kitchen to prepare lunch.
Hu Yanni also went over to help. With her around, Xie Jinxuan and Luo Xiangqian were no longer needed. Xia Qingtang asked them to do other things so as not to disturb them in the kitchen.
Under normal circumstances, Luo Xiangqian would definitely drag Xie Jinxuan to play basketball first, but today he said that he didn't want to go to the basketball court, so he sat in the corridor with Xie Jinxuan drinking tea and playing chess, and occasionally glancing towards the kitchen window.
Xie Jinxuan knew what he was looking at, so she deliberately said, "Xiang Qian, why are you always looking over there? You are not paying attention even when you are playing chess."
Luo Xiangqian coughed, his ears red as he said, "I'm just a little greedy, and I want to know what delicious dishes they are making."
"Didn't Qingtang say that? Today I'm going to make fish stewed with tofu, stir-fried pork liver with lettuce, stir-fried wild rice stems, spicy salad and stir-fried green vegetables. For the staple food, I'm going to make broad beans, sausages and potatoes stewed with rice. I'm sure there will be enough to eat."
Luo Xiangqian really swallowed his saliva this time: "Just listening to this makes me greedy, this must be so delicious."
"You'll be able to eat it soon, so don't be so greedy." Xie Jinxuan said, "Play chess first. If you don't want to play chess, let's do something else."
"No, no, let's play chess here." Luo Xiangqian said, and couldn't help but look over there.
Xie Jinxuan asked: "What have you been doing recently? Besides work, have you made any new friends?"
"No, nothing. Nothing."
"Then since you are so popular now, they didn't introduce you to anyone?"
"That's even more impossible. What kind of person do I want them to introduce to me? I will find my own person!"
"From the tone of your voice, have you found it?"
"Yes, I found one... No, no, of course I didn't find one!" Luo Xiangqian panicked. His hands shook and the chess pieces on the chessboard were messed up. "I really don't have one now!"
Xie Jinxuan secretly laughed in her heart, but said on the surface: "If there is no, then there is no. Why are you so nervous? If someone doesn't know, they would think you are lying to me!"
"I..." Luo Xiangqian was speechless for a moment, not knowing what to say. He could only stand there in a daze holding the chess piece.
Fortunately, Xie Jinxuan changed the topic in time, and he put away his nervousness and helplessness and continued playing chess.
After eleven o'clock, Leng Feng arrived first, carrying a cloth bag in his hand. As soon as he came in, he handed something to Xia Qingtang: "Here are some red beans and mung beans. See if you can use them."
"Of course it's useful. Summer is coming soon, and I can make mung bean soup." Xia Qingtang happily took the cloth bag and took out a bag of red beans and a bag of mung beans. "Thank you. You are a very nice person. You always bring something when you come."
"How can you come to a visit empty-handed? That would be too ignorant of etiquette, wouldn't it?" Leng Feng saw Hu Yanni standing in the kitchen, so he nodded at her calmly, "Comrade Hu is here too?"
"Yes, my mother asked me to bring some peanut cakes to Qingtang, so I came here. I didn't expect that you would help Qingtang celebrate today, so I stayed too." Hu Yanni said with a smile.
Leng Feng nodded: "Then you guys continue cooking, I'll go out and watch them play chess."
After Leng Feng walked out, Luo Xiangqian immediately stood up: "Leng Feng, you come on! I always lose, I don't want to play this anymore!"
Leng Feng said: "It's been so many years, how come you still haven't made any progress?"
"Then come on, and see how good Jinxuan is at playing chess now! I tell you, even the two of us together can't beat him!" Luo Xiangqian was not convinced, and directly pushed Leng Feng down and made him play against Xie Jinxuan.
Xie Jinxuan's chess skills are indeed excellent. He was taught by Grandpa Xie, and he has a quick mind, so there are few rivals for him in this compound.
Leng Feng played a game with him and lost as expected.
The aroma wafting from the kitchen became more and more fragrant. Luo Xiangqian looked over there absentmindedly: "I'm already hungry."
Xie Jinxuan said, "Let's eat some peanut cakes first. Brother Xiao Hu's peanut cakes are really good."
Luo Xiangqian said: "But after eating the peanut cake, I can't eat much food. I'd better be patient and save some space for food."
"I would like to eat some peanut cake. My grandma bought it once before and it was really delicious." Leng Feng said.
Xie Jinxuan led Leng Feng to the living room, made him some hot tea, and took out some peanut cake for him to eat first.
When Luo Xiangqian saw Leng Feng starting to eat the peanut cake, he couldn't help himself and took a piece and put it in his mouth.
Leng Feng raised his eyes to look at him and said, "Why? You are the only one who can eat it? I can't eat it?"
"Of course not." Leng Feng was about to continue speaking when he heard a crisp voice coming from outside, "Qingtang, I'm here."
"Xiao Shuang is here!" Xia Qingtang shouted happily, "Just come in by yourself, I won't go out to greet you. Jin Xuan, hurry up and make some tea! Xiao Shuang bought some soda and beer!"
Luo Xiangqian clapped his hands and walked over: "Hey, Comrade Xie, how can this be so embarrassing? I brought white wine here, why did you buy beer? This is not cheap."
"It's okay. You bought meat dishes, so it's only right for me to buy some beer. Otherwise, how can I have the nerve to come here for dinner?" Xie Xiaoshuang walked in carrying a small basket with four bottles of beer and four bottles of soda in it.
So much beer and soda are not cheap, so Xie Jinxuan said, "Sorry for the expense. Next time you come to our house for dinner, don't buy anything else."
Although she could feed her whole family by herself, as a single woman, it was still necessary for her to keep some extra money on hand.
Xie Xiaoshuang smiled and said, "Okay, then next time I come here, I won't buy anything. Hey? This is peanut cake, who brought it?"
"Who else could it be? Of course it was Yanni who brought it." Luo Xiangqian said.
Xie Xiaoshuang was stunned by this title: "Yanni? Are you two so familiar with each other?"
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