While waiting for the dishes to be served, a car horn suddenly sounded outside, followed by a burst of noise.
The curtain at the entrance of Donglaishun was lifted, and a young man about the same age as Xu Feng walked in.
He was about the same height as Xu Feng. Although he wasn’t as good-looking, his clothes were clearly of a much higher quality—something a poor country boy like Xu Feng couldn’t possibly afford.
With one hand holding the curtain open, a group of young people followed him inside in a line.
Three men and two women—all of them had a distinct aura, clearly children from prestigious family courtyards.
“Welcome, honored guests!”
The waiter, who had been treating Qin Zhenguo and Xu Feng rather indifferently, was now bowing deeply, nearly at a 90-degree angle.
“Shanshan, let’s go to a private room upstairs. It’ll be quieter and we won’t be disturbed.”
The girl called Shanshan nodded. Dressed in a pure white dress, her tall figure and outstanding temperament made her the center of attention even without doing anything.
“Brother Jianye, I think you just don’t want the others staring at Sister Shanshan!”
The one speaking was the other girl. Though she lacked Shanshan’s elegance, she was still charming and cute.
“You little brat, you had to say it out loud. Are you trying to embarrass your Brother Jianye?”
The man leading the group didn’t try to hide anything. Everyone already knew he liked Zhu Shan.
His words clearly looked down on everyone else present, but no one dared to argue back.
Who would dare provoke the children from the compound? Their arrogance was backed by real status.
“Let’s go up. We can talk more in the private room.”
It was obvious Zhu Shan didn’t appreciate Lin Jianye’s superior tone.
Her father had told her more than once to keep a low profile in public, so she didn’t like what Jianye had said.
Some things could be done quietly, and people would understand—but saying it aloud changed the whole tone.
As soon as Zhu Shan spoke, Lin Jianye immediately took the lead and headed upstairs.
Xu Feng and Qin Zhenguo were seated near the staircase. Like everyone else, they watched in silence without saying a word.
Li Yiran, the cute and playful girl, happened to glance over and caught sight of Xu Feng.
“Sister Shanshan, look! That guy sitting at the side is so handsome!”
Lin Jianye turned to look and, upon seeing Xu Feng’s sweat-stained shirt, couldn’t help curling his lips.
So what if a country boy looks handsome? He probably can only afford to eat here once a year.
“You silly girl, mind your image. Everyone’s looking at you.”
Zhu Shan also glanced over out of curiosity but didn’t react. She just gave Li Yiran a gentle pat.
With the compound kids going upstairs, the brief interlude ended, and the main hall of Donglaishun returned to its lively state.
“You’ve got game, kid. If that girl really took a liking to you, that’d be real glory and wealth.”
Qin Zhenguo was clearly teasing, though he couldn’t hide a trace of envy for Xu Feng’s height and looks.
But still, there was a huge gap between country folk and the compound kids.
If not for today’s chance encounter, their worlds would never have intersected.
“Those compound kids are full of themselves. They act like their noses are pointed at the sky. We’re better off staying far away.”
Though that Zhu Shan was indeed beautiful, his own wife back home was no less so—actually, he had two.
Marrying into a wealthy family was like falling into the deep sea. Xu Feng just wanted to live a simple, happy life on his own modest land.
“Wow, just a few days and you’ve become all poetic. Then again, your wife is no slouch either.”
Though he didn’t say it aloud, Qin Zhenguo was thinking: but she’ll be mine soon.
Not long after, the waiter brought over the copper hot pot and charcoal, followed closely by the lamb and vegetables.
Xu Feng had been craving this for days. He rolled up his sleeves and devoured about half a kilogram of lamb right away.
…
“All done? It’s getting dark. Let me take you somewhere fun.”
Even though Qin Zhenguo winced at the bill, the thought of soon getting Xu Feng’s wife made it all worth it.
Xu Feng acted impatient, as if he couldn’t wait, and urged Qin Zhenguo to pedal faster.
Qin Zhenguo, very familiar with the area, led Xu Feng into a small alley. At the corner was a door, half-open and not fully shut.
“Brother, go ahead and enjoy yourself. I’ll be on the next street. Tomorrow morning, we can go have some fried liver soup.”
Seeing how eager Xu Feng was, Qin Zhenguo was certain this fool had no suspicion toward him.
“You’re too good to me, brother. I’m going in then!”
Xu Feng glanced at the house number. No. 69. It was infamous for offering services with ‘extras.’ This bastard really wasn’t giving him a break.
So as not to raise Qin Zhenguo’s suspicion, Xu Feng rushed in and slammed the door behind him. The source of this chapter is novelping.com.
Once he heard the bicycle leave, he quietly opened the door and followed.
He didn’t trail for long before Qin Zhenguo stopped at a corner and met with someone.
“Go report to the police now. Just say there’s someone inside house No. 69 messing around behind a half-closed door. Do that, and you’ll be rewarded.”
Qin Zhenguo knew Xu Feng was probably already half-naked in there, making it the perfect time to catch him in the act.
“For such a small thing, why don’t you go yourself?”
Running an errand for five yuan was fine, but Qin You somehow felt uneasy about this.
“Don’t ask so much. We’ve known each other long enough—would I lie to you?”
Qin Zhenguo definitely couldn’t show his face. If Xu Feng’s wife found out he was the one who sent her man in, he’d never get her.
“Fine, I’ll trust you this once. Where should I find you afterward to get paid?”
Five yuan was a big deal. Qin You wanted to be sure.
“I’ll be at No. 32. Don’t worry, not a cent less.”
No. 32 was where Qin Zhenguo’s mistress lived. That woman had been around the block more times than he could count, but Qin Zhenguo still had a taste for her.
With his task clear, Qin You ran off to the police station, afraid he’d miss the five yuan.
“Xu Feng, Xu Feng… you can’t blame me for this. Who told your wife to be so tempting…”
Just as Qin Zhenguo was laughing to himself, he suddenly felt a heavy blow to his neck and passed out.
Xu Feng held him up with one hand and placed him on the bicycle, then pushed him straight back to house No. 69.
He supported Qin Zhenguo as they entered. A woman, around thirty, greeted them. Her walk was flirtatious, and she even carried a faint foul smell.
“Two people won’t work. But if it’s just you, I won’t charge a thing.”
“What are you thinking? My brother here’s heartbroken and drunk. As his brother, I can’t bear to see him like this. Help him relax tonight. This is for you.”
Xu Feng pulled out the cash from Qin Zhenguo’s pocket and handed it to the brothel madam. Her eyes lit up.
She snatched it all and shoved it into her pocket without counting.
After all, it was Qin Zhenguo’s money. Xu Feng didn’t feel bad at all. In fact, it helped confirm his guilt.
“Don’t worry. Tonight, sis will take very good care of your brother!”
With that, the madam helped carry Qin Zhenguo inside.