The reborn of paranoid boss cannon fodder wife(186-190)

Chapter 186: Jealousy in a Dream

Xiao Cheng stopped and turned around.

Bai Lu, peacefully asleep, had her eyes closed and hadn't awakened, as if the previous words were just a murmured dream.

She rarely talked in her sleep. If there was no response, she would go back to sleep obediently.

If someone responded, she would enter a mode of asking and answering questions.

Xiao Cheng sat back by the bedside, gently pulling Bai Lu's hand out from under the blanket and replied, "Hmm."

Before he could ask the question, dreamy words echoed again from the bed, "Who is Lili?"

"What pear?" Xiao Cheng was puzzled.

"Lili!"

The girl with closed eyes furrowed her brows, her tone unfriendly, clearly in a displeased mood.

Thinking she wanted to eat pears, Xiao Cheng was about to promise to buy some tomorrow, but then realized that pears weren't in season.

He changed his response, "I'll buy some for you another day."

The girl on the bed turned directly, facing away from him, saying, "I don't like eating tofu."

"If you want to eat, eat it yourself. Lili's tofu pudding is so delicious; you can buy and eat it all. Lili's soy milk is so tasty; you can buy and drink it all."

Xiao Cheng finally understood Bai Lu's dream talk, a subtle smile appearing in his deep eyes. "Don't you like it?"

"I don't like it anymore."

Muttering in a low voice, clearly sulking.

Xiao Cheng chuckled, "Then what do you like?"

"I like wontons..." She had just said that and then snorted, "Does the owner of the wonton shop have a daughter?"

Xiao Cheng truthfully answered, "Yes."

As he finished speaking, his hand was pinched, accompanied by the girl's snort, and then she pulled away.

Xiao Cheng reclaimed his hand and, before being pushed away, explained, "Three years old."

Sure enough, no more pushing away.

But then she asked, "Who is Liu Ximei?"

"I don't know." In Xiao Cheng's memory, there hadn't been a name that sounded like a girl's.

Fortunately, this time, Bai Lu didn't play charades with him; she straightforwardly said, "She sells rice noodles."

Xiao Cheng wasn't interested in rice noodles, and even less interested in people who sold them. "I don't know her."

But she continued, "Does Liu Ximei have a daughter?"

"I don't know."

However, she asked again, "Is Liu Ximei's daughter named?"

"I don't know."

This time, Xiao Cheng simply had no information to provide.

Bai Lu sighed lightly and mumbled, "Bad kid..."

Half displeased, half gentle and helpless in tone, all the words in the end were about children.

Xiao Cheng immediately thought of Xiao Wei, and his brows furrowed. Gripping Bai Lu's hand, he felt a tightening in his chest.

Unexpectedly, with this grip, she woke up.

The girl, half in a dream, suddenly turned around, opening her eyes in a daze. Her hazy gaze focused on him holding her hand.

"Ah Cheng, are you back?"

The lazy and charming voice entered Xiao Cheng's ears, and he snapped back to reality, casually letting go of her hand. "Hmm."

Bai Lu rubbed her eyes, murmuring, "There's hot water in the pot. Did you take a bath?"

Xiao Cheng saw her disheveled hair and wanted to reach out to tidy it up but refrained, averting his gaze. "I took one."

However, Bai Lu's brow suddenly furrowed, and she grabbed the collar of Xiao Cheng's clothes with both hands.

Xiao Cheng was slightly stunned. Before he could figure out what was happening, Bai Lu had approached his neck and sniffed around.

She moved down to the area around the collar.

"Did you drink alcohol?"

She stared into his eyes, getting quite close.

Close enough for Xiao Cheng to see the slight frown and displeasure in her clear and lazy eyes.

"Had a glass." Xiao Cheng didn't lie.

When he finished his business and returned, he met Wang Hao, who, having become a father, was overjoyed. He insisted on treating everyone to a late-night snack and repeatedly thanked Big Sister-in-law.

He narrated everything that happened that night when he returned home. Even the life-threatening incident with Chen Chunli was disclosed.

When it came to the thrilling part, he ordered a bottle of Erguotou, and everyone tacitly didn't drink much, just a glass each.

Sufficiently conveying the congratulatory sentiment.

Wang Hao not only conveyed it adequately but cried and thanked Big Sister-in-law repeatedly, reminding him of the gratitude. It felt like his ears were calloused.

Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dazhuang joined in the cheering, suggesting that he should invite Bai Lu out for a late-night snack, ensuring Wang Hao expressed enough gratitude. They even fantasized about him inviting her out to eat and drink together.

A dream!

Bai Lu stared at Xiao Cheng for a long time, realizing that he had only spoken one sentence and wasn't explaining further.

This was not the style of a child. Perplexed, she pinched his face. "Are you drunk?"

A child wouldn't push away her hand, and he would definitely say he wasn't drunk.

Although Xiao Cheng was surprised that Bai Lu suddenly dared to pinch his face, he didn't think much of it. Perhaps she wasn't completely awake yet. He didn't remove her hand.

"Not drunk," he answered truthfully.

Unexpectedly, this honest response emboldened Bai Lu even more. She slid her hand down while saying, "Then why don't you listen? Didn't I tell you not to drink so much? Did you get drunk and fight again? Why did you come back so late?"

Xiao Cheng couldn't understand why Bai Lu suddenly became so daring. Not only did she dare to pinch his jaw, but she also dared to scold him, though her expression looked a bit fierce.

But compared to before, it was a significant improvement.

"Really just had one glass."

Xiao Cheng took back Bai Lu's hand, holding it, and explained, "Didn't fight. After finishing things, I had a late-night snack and then came back."

Hearing the three words 'finishing things,' Bai Lu's heart tightened, suddenly forgetting why the child might be drunk.

Anxious, her gaze scanned him from top to bottom. "Did you get hurt? Did you apply medicine to the injury on your back?"

Xiao Cheng had just said, "Applied," when Bai Lu's hand reached for the collar of his clothes, starting to unbutton them.

She even commented, "I didn't smell the medicinal alcohol."

Xiao Cheng realized that she had sent the medicinal alcohol to his room last night.

Immediately, he stopped her hands and said, "I haven't applied it."

Bai Lu paused in her steps. "Why haven't you applied it?"

Just as she was about to continue unbuttoning, she remembered that the injury was on his back. How could he apply it himself?

She clapped her forehead, turning to Xiao Cheng with a gentle smile. "Rest assured, I'll help you apply it thoroughly tonight."























Chapter 187: A Stolen Leisure

"Just a minor injury, it'll be fine in a couple of days."

Before Xiao Cheng could finish his sentence, Bai Lu had already led him back to the room, taking the untouched medicinal wine from the table and returning to continue what they were doing.

With the experience from the first time, Xiao Cheng could now remain calm as Bai Lu unbuttoned his shirt once again.

He also figured out that when he was drunk, he must have done something that made Bai Lu unusually tolerant and close to him.

Especially close.

Xiao Cheng suddenly wanted to see how tolerant Bai Lu could be when he was drunk, and to what extent she would get close to him.

"Lulu."

Bai Lu unbuttoned the last button and responded, "Hmm, turn around."

Xiao Cheng, slowed by half a second, was pushed to turn around. Soft and delicate hands covered his back, applying a cool sensation.

From gentle to half-force, gradually increasing pressure, a burning sensation ignited on his back.

Bai Lu could feel the warmth in her hands and comforted, "Don't be afraid, the pain will go away quickly. This medicinal wine is quite effective. I applied it the night before last, skipped last night, and the injury is already improving."

"Congestion is dispersing, the bruising is fading, and after applying it tonight, it'll be fine."

Xiao Cheng couldn't recall what he said to Bai Lu when he was drunk, so he could only respond with a simple "Hmm."

Thinking he might be reluctant to speak due to the pain, Bai Lu decisively increased the rubbing speed and pressure.

At the same time, she shifted the topic, "Do you like the wallet?"

Xiao Cheng nodded and finally asked the lingering question, "Who did you buy it for?"

A silver-bell-like laughter came from behind, "I bought it for you. That night, after giving you the new pillow and your bank card, I felt it was unsafe, so I let you hide the card in the pillow. Later, you said there was no wallet, so I bought you one."

Xiao Cheng finally realized that the bank card was no longer under White Dew's pillow but under his own.

He also finally knew that the wallet was indeed bought for him, but it happened when he was drunk.

Clouds in his heart dispersed, but an indescribable mix of envy and jealousy occupied his emotions.

"What else did I say?"

"Nothing much." Bai Lu didn't want to bring up the topic of male enhancement supplements, afraid he would start boiling soup late at night again.

Thinking about the painkiller incident, she was even more reluctant to speak, "Nothing special."

Originally, Bai Lu didn't plan to mention it, but Xiao Cheng sensed her unnatural tone and inquired, "Did I do something?"

"Nothing, really." Bai Lu quickly finished applying the medicine, "Alright, put on your clothes and go to sleep."

She took the small medicine bottle back to the table by the window.

Seeing a fleeting blush on the girl's face, Xiao Cheng couldn't help but find it amusing.

He picked up the shirt from the bed and casually put it on, then said, "Lulu."

Not wanting to hear another unreasonable request from the little one or get kissed unexpectedly again, Bai Lu swiftly took over the task of buttoning his shirt, finishing it quickly.

She then pushed him gently.

Covering him with the blanket, she said, "It's late; go to sleep."

Xiao Cheng hadn't expected to stay overnight. Her tolerance for him when he was drunk was truly limitless.

"Lulu..."

Unable to resist the seductive tone, Bai Lu couldn't stand it and covered his mouth, "No more talking. No more unreasonable demands. If you make another unreasonable demand, you'll sleep in the utility room."

Oh... so it was an unreasonable demand.

Xiao Cheng nodded slightly, indicating agreement, and gestured to indicate she could let go.

Seeing his genuine expression, Bai Lu released her hand.

Xiao Cheng pursed his lips, raised his hand, and turned off the light.

In the split second before the light was replaced by moonlight, he could still vaguely see the slender figure exhaling in relief.

The shallow breathing gradually became steady and prolonged.

Sure enough, within a short while, the familiar sleeping figure turned back, nestling into his arms.

Xiao Cheng happily embraced the slender figure, letting the familiar fragrance invade all his senses. However, in his heart, there was an inevitable sigh.

Whether sleeping alone or together, she could sleep soundly, undisturbed by his presence or absence.

Unlike him...

From night to dawn, from moonlight to sunlight, from countless stars in the sky to the rising dawn.

Xiao Wei saw Bai Lu elegantly rushing into the kitchen, and his toothbrushing actions instinctively paused.

Hearing the familiar sound of the machine starting up, he quickly continued brushing.

As Bai Lu came out with a toothbrush, water cup, and basin, Xiao Wei informed her, "Big sister-in-law, it seems only Aunt Wu came to pick up chestnuts today."

Bai Lu was momentarily stunned. It wasn't a matter of "seems," it was a fact!

Apart from this route in town, the other nine routes had been cut off by Li Chengbin, and the big boss was handling it.

Before receiving any news, she had only supplied chestnuts to Wen Xiuyun, and it was enough. There was no need to stir-fry thousands of kilograms of chestnuts.

Bai Lu, waking up from her deep regret for oversleeping, held her toothbrush and quickly ran back to turn off the power.

Having everything sorted out, she thought about finally having a morning of her own to work in the vegetable garden. The joy was evident as she brushed her teeth.

"Xiao Wei, where's your brother?"

"He went to buy breakfast."

As Xiao Wei finished his sentence, the softly closed courtyard door was pushed open. The tall and sturdy figure of the man walked in.

A rich and delicious aroma of wontons wafted in.

Bai Lu and Xiao Wei's eyes brightened, and they quickly finished washing up and sat at the dining table, enjoying a happy meal with the big boss.

Everyone had been busy lately, and there was no time to savor the delicious taste of food, let alone enjoy leisurely moments.

Today was no exception. Although Bai Lu finally had some free time, Xiao Cheng had to go to the city, Xiao Wei had to go to school, and breakfast was the only time they could share.

Despite the busyness, the three of them ate heartily, and the only regret was the absence of a cup of soy milk.

Perhaps Xiao Cheng forgot today, but Bai Lu didn't mind. She wasn't particularly fond of soy milk at the moment.

After breakfast, Bai Lu checked the roasted chestnuts and prepared the quantity needed for Wu Xiuyun. Then, she returned to the room to settle the accounts.

She had returned thirty thousand to Xiao Cheng before, and during this period, she had earned nearly twenty thousand.

Finally, she wasn't the poor newcomer burdened with debts. Debt-free, she felt light and happy just thinking about it.

Bai Lu took a pair of scissors and a vase, running to the vegetable garden. She headed straight to the rose bushes across the small river.

The vase was found when she cleaned up

the utility room, a slim and elegant little vase, seemingly unused. She didn't know if it was left by the previous homeowner or recently bought by Xiao Cheng. Regardless, she decided to make good use of it.

Trimming away excess branches and thorns, she inserted the pink roses into the vase, holding it in her arms as she returned to the front yard.

Just as she stepped into the main house, she met Xiao Cheng, who was about to leave. The large bunch of pink roses was immediately presented in front of him.

"Does it look good? Is it beautiful?"

Before Xiao Cheng could answer, a wave of pink flowers surrounded him.

"Brother Cheng, good morning!"

The sudden appearance of a sea of pink flowers caught Xiao Cheng off guard. The sea of flowers was topped by the sweet and charming smile of the girl.

























Chapter 188: Reward from the Big Brother

The scene was like a dream with water reflecting the moon and flowers mirroring in the mirror. Even a deep abyss seemed enticing.

Xiao Cheng's eyes had a subtle ripple, and a layered smile emerged. "Looks good."

Bai Lu, satisfied, smiled and stepped aside with a flower vase. "Are you coming back for lunch?"

"Yep."

After Xiao Cheng left, Bai Lu turned a piece of land in the vegetable garden, sowing new seeds. She watered the plants, picked some vegetables for lunch, and headed to the market.

Upon returning, she saw a three-wheeled vehicle parked at the door, the gate wide open, and a large square cardboard box in the yard. Inside the box were some foam pads, and there were excited whispers coming from the main house.

"Did big brother ask you to bring it back?"

"Yes, big brother specifically asked us to bring it back from the city, and we came back on a tricycle," said the mischievous voice. Besides Luo Shiliu, who else could it be but Xiao Wei?

The next voice was straightforward, undoubtedly Xiao Da Zhuang. "That's right, Cheng ge asked us to bring it back, but we forgot to ask him where to put it."

"What about sister-in-law?"

"Maybe she went to buy groceries."

"Shiliu, should we wait for her?"

"Wait... for what? She's already back."

Upon entering the house, Bai Lu saw three bald heads. She recognized Xiao Wei's shaved head, but seeing Luo Shiliu and Xiao Da Zhuang with shaved heads surprised her. She hadn't seen them like this in Xiao Cheng's memory.

Brothers who had gone through thick and thin together, indeed, they shaved their heads together.

Looking at the Eight Immortals Table, she spotted a new 21-inch television, a remote control beside it, and a satellite dish antenna to receive signals.

Xiao Wei was circling the TV and satellite dish, his big eyes full of curiosity. Luo Shiliu, hands on hips, joined Xiao Wei in circling, looking like he had never seen a TV before.

Seeing Bai Lu entering, the three of them, with playful and teasing expressions, greeted her. "Did Ah Cheng ask us to bring it back?"

"Yes, big brother specially told us to bring it back from the city, and we came back on a tricycle," Xiao Da Zhuang explained.

Bai Lu thought they were here to install the TV, but to her surprise, they said, "Cheng ge will personally come back to install it."


Xiao Wei, after circling around the TV and satellite dish, sat at the table, hands supporting his chin, staring at the TV with bright eyes—a look of genuine admiration for the TV.

This scene reminded Bai Lu of a funny video she had seen online where a young man claimed a TV was excellent even when it was turned off. She couldn't help but laugh at the memory.

Addressing Xiao Wei, she asked, "Xiao Wei, is the TV good?"

"It's great," Xiao Wei nodded excitedly. "This TV was bought by big brother. Big sister-in-law, come and see."

Bai Lu took a serious look and gave her opinion, "Hmm, it's really good. It will look even better when your brother installs it later."

Xiao Wei, full of curiosity, asked, "Shiliu ge said there are little people fighting inside. Will they break the TV?"

Bai Lu chuckled and shook her head, "Of course not. The little people inside are fake."

"Why can fake ones fight?" Xiao Wei asked, puzzled. "Is it like the street performers during the New Year, holding puppets behind curtains, speaking for the puppets and making them fight?"

"But that kind of performance requires many beautiful puppets, and we don't have any in our house. Big brother doesn't have them either. Besides, big brother is so busy; where would he find time to hold puppets behind the TV curtain and perform?" Bai Lu explained.

The image of Xiao Cheng performing with puppets behind the TV curtain was too amusing for Bai Lu to imagine, so she laughed.

While laughing, she explained, "It's similar to puppet shows, but in the TV, the performers aren't puppets; they're real people like us."

"Do those people perform in a beautiful place, some reading books, others competing in martial arts, and some eating, sleeping, and playing?" asked Xiao Wei.

"Yes, exactly. The TV captures their lives in a beautiful place, whether it's our TV or someone else's. As long as you plug it in and turn it on, you can see..."

"Can you see them no matter how far away?" interrupted Xiao Wei.

"Yes, you can."

"That's so magical!"

"Yes, TV is indeed magical."

"Big brother is amazing. He can even bring a TV home!"

"Uh... yes... your brother is the most amazing... he can do anything... and everything he does is the best..."

As soon as Bai Lu finished speaking, a faint laughter came from behind her. Xiao Cheng walked into the room and couldn't help but reward Bai Lu with a pat on the head, clearly pleased with her praise.


Bai Lu felt her scalp tingling. "Aren't you supposed to install the TV and antenna? Let Xiao Wei help you with the signal; I'll go make lunch."

Xiao Wei, filled with anticipation, watched Bai Lu go to the kitchen, followed by the big brother.

The disappointed Xiao Wei, whose expectations had been shattered, thought that Bai Lu had successfully diverted Xiao Cheng's attention. The only solution to this was to quickly prepare and finish the meal so that Xiao Cheng would have time to install the TV.

Xiao Cheng moved wherever Bai Lu went.

On the roof, he followed under the ladder.

He didn't leave even when ignored.

Bai Lu saw how determined Xiao Wei was in following his big brother. Instead of asking him to check the signal, she decided to do it herself.

Xiao Cheng adjusted the satellite dish on the roof, while Bai Lu focused on checking the TV signal. "Got it."

"Hey, wait a minute, the signal is gone again."

"Go back to the previous position and move a bit further."

"How about now?"

"It's all snowy..."

"Ah Cheng, there it is! Don't move; let me change the channel."

"Why can't I change the channel? What's happening?"

Bai Lu pressed buttons on the remote control, trying to change the channel, but no matter how she pressed, it wouldn't switch.

Subconsciously, she tapped it twice.

From above came Xiao Cheng's light laughter. "Did you forget to put in the batteries?"

























Chapter 189: Big Brother's Partiality

Ah, this...

Having stayed here for a long time, there was no electronic technology, and Bai Lu had forgotten about things like batteries.

After opening the remote control, she found it empty inside, confirming that there were indeed no batteries.

Bai Lu quickly searched the box containing the TV and found a pair of batteries beneath the foam.

After quickly installing the batteries, she tested the volume and changed channels, and everything worked perfectly.

"It's done."

"Ah Cheng, the TV is ready."

Xiao Cheng, done placing the satellite dish, descended the ladder with support on both sides—on the left, a bald little head filled with admiration, and on the right, a girl with bright eyes.

A pair of happy smiles, one big and one small.

Their expressions even tinted his eyes and brows with a hint of a smile.

The tall table, with a TV and remote control, was spacious enough, and the 21-inch TV was perfectly positioned.

The TV was playing "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," depicting Guo Jing rescuing Huang Rong with his exceptional martial arts, defeating a crowd of opponents.

The powerful sounds of the fight echoed from the TV, creating a slight vibration on the tall table, as if the residual force from the martial arts in the TV was attacking, an unprecedented experience. Xiao Wei watched in amazement, his eyes wide
open.

"Sister-in-law, are the people in the TV always this powerful in their fights? Can one palm defeat so many people, shattering the mountains and trees nearby?"

Bai Lu, reminiscing while watching the classic TV drama, explained with a full heart: "Not everyone is that powerful. Guo Jing is so skilled because he learned the 'Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms.'"

"The Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms is an extremely powerful martial art. Each palm has the force to move mountains and seas, boundless power, and it can break through anything. Ordinary people are no match for it."

Her explanation flowed smoothly, and her storytelling was clear, as if she had watched this TV drama many times before.

Her reaction to the TV was as ordinary as looking at a common, everyday cup.

Xiao Cheng, tapping a cup filled with tea, took a sip, thoughtful.

Xiao Wei, full of admiration, exclaimed, "Why is Guo Jing so skilled in martial arts? Who taught him?"

"Hong Qigong."

"Hong Qigong's surname is not Guo, so he's probably not related to Guo Jing. Why would he teach Guo Jing such powerful martial arts?" Xiao Wei questioned, curious.

"Because of Huang Rong," Bai Lu patiently explained. "Hong Qigong loves delicious food, and Huang Rong cooked delicious meals for him. In return, Hong Qigong taught Guo Jing martial arts."

"Why did Huang Rong help Guo Jing?"

"Because Huang Rong and Guo Jing are a couple."

Xiao Wei turned his head, eyes full of anticipation, looking at Bai Lu. "When will Sister-in-law take Big Brother to learn these exceptional martial arts?"

Is there a trap in this question?

Bai Lu, noticing the mischievous smile on the big brother's face, decided to throw the question back to the ungrateful Xiao Wei: "Don't you think your brother is already powerful enough?"

"Of course not," Xiao Wei shook his head vigorously, turning his head like a tambourine: "Big Brother is the most powerful."

"You said Huang Rong and Guo Jing are a couple, so Huang Rong helped Guo Jing learn exceptional martial arts. Since you and Big Brother are a couple, teaching Big Brother exceptional martial arts is normal, right..." Xiao Wei's questioning became bolder.

In the past, he wouldn't speak for three days, but now, whenever Bai Lu was around, he dared to say anything, especially when Xiao Cheng was present. Words poured out like a basket overflowing with no fear of Xiao Cheng.

Bai Lu realized this kid was getting a bit audacious, not only dropping the ball at critical moments but also lacking loyalty.

Xiao Cheng, if he learned from her, would probably regress.

Does she want to experience the big brother being taught by her kind of destruction-style teaching?


She practiced army body fist only for physical fitness and had not delved deeper or used any specific martial arts techniques. She had never applied any advanced techniques and hadn't practiced any internal energy. Her skills were incomparable to Xiao Cheng's memory of brutal and fierce Eight Extremes Fist.

If Xiao Cheng learned from her, he would definitely regress.

Does she want to experience a destruction-style teaching of the big brother?

Glancing at Xiao Cheng, Bai Lu chuckled and gave Xiao Wei a cold smile. "Your brother is already very powerful; there's no need to learn."

Xiao Wei looked at the silent big brother and then at the smiling and gentle Bai Lu.

He felt that Big Brother wanted to learn: "He wants to learn."

Bai Lu maintained her cool smile: "No need to learn."

"Big Brother didn't speak, so he definitely wants to learn."

"He's not speaking, which means he denies it."

"He agrees!"

"He denies."

"Agrees!"

"Denies!"

"Agrees!"

"Denie..." Xiao Wei just started arguing when a cold gaze from Xiao Cheng silenced him immediately.

Xiao Cheng glanced at him lightly. "Go to school."

Xiao Wei: "..."

Big brother is biased!

It's not yet time for school!

Bai Lu's eyes lifted at the corners, her lips slightly curved, revealing a triumphant smile to the defeated little bald head.

However, in the next moment, a large, gentle hand patted her head. Xiao Cheng's broad and warm palm gently rubbed her hair.

"Don't argue with a brainless kid."

Bai Lu: "..."

Was she comforted? Or was she comforted?

The brainless kid covered his face and ran away.

Of course, he didn't forget to pick up his little school bag. Big Brother told him to go to school, ensuring he studied well.

In Big Brother's heart, he still had some weight, just not as important as Big Sister-in-law.

Not sad at all, not sad at all. Not at all sad.

......

Today is a good day to settle accounts every three days. After finishing her stall, Wu Xiuyun came to Bai Lu's house, bringing some fruits.

Approaching the courtyard, she heard a lot of noisy voices inside, seeming like there were many people.

She thought Bai Lu had many guests and intended to come back another day. When she reached the door, she heard the voices more clearly. Opening the door, she expected to find many guests, but there was no one inside.

Only Xiao Cheng, dealing with fish by the well, and Bai Lu, washing ginger by another basin.

The two of them were chatting and laughing, creating a warm atmosphere.

Opening the door of the main house without seeing any guests, but hearing frequent voices, Wu Xiuyun knocked on the door.

Bai Lu turned her head and smiled, getting up to welcome her: "Auntie Wu, come in and have a cup of tea."

Wu Xiuyun, placing her basket aside, smiled and declined: "You have guests, entertain them first. I'm not in a hurry, and I live next door. We can settle the accounts tomorrow. There are some fruits in the basket; you guys taste them."

"Thank you, Auntie Wu." Bai Lu thanked Wen Xiuyun and handed the cleaned ginger to Xiao Cheng, washing her hands.

Inviting Wu Xiuyun to the main house, Bai Lu said, "There are no guests in the house. Auntie Wu probably heard the sound from the TV. Come, let's sit inside and chat."



























Chapter 190: Opening Celebration

Wu Xiuyun entered the house and realized there were no guests; the voices were just echoing due to the recent additions of a new phone and a new television on the tall table. She noticed a bottle of vibrant pink roses next to the TV.

Having seen such TVs during celebrations in the prosperous city, Wu Xiuyun was impressed. The city didn't have TVs for sale, and she inferred that Xiao Cheng's business outside must be doing well for him to bring one back so quickly.

Bai Lu had recently installed a new phone and now a TV. It seemed Xiao Cheng's business ventures were indeed thriving, allowing him to buy these items effortlessly.

Wu Xiuyun congratulated them as she sipped the tea White Dew had poured: "This TV is wonderful, very innovative. Much better than a radio; it allows you to listen to music and watch TV programs. No one in town has one yet; you're the first. Congratulations!"

Bai Lu handed the calculated money to Wu Xiuyun and explained: "We're just taking advantage of bringing goods from out of town. If the city had TVs for sale, and if it were more convenient to transport them back, other households would have gotten them first."

Wen Xiuyun praised Xiao Cheng's resourcefulness: "Your husband is indeed impressive, getting the goods before others."

"He went out for business, and when he returned, he bought these nice things for the house. He must be worried about you getting bored at home and wanted to treat you well."

Bai Lu chuckled with a hint of embarrassment: "He brought back many TVs, planning to open a shop in the city to sell them. Before bringing this TV home, he even asked me what size I preferred. I said any size would do, and he brought back this big one. I didn't know what to say."

Wu Xiuyun, now interested, asked: "Your family is opening a store in the city? Selling TVs?"

"Yes," Bai Lu nodded. "Not just TVs, but also electric fans, fluorescent tubes, flashlights, light bulbs, and various household electrical appliances, big and small."

Having sold fruits for many years, Wu Xiuyun and Yu Fugui had some savings. Despite building a house in town, they still had some money left. Before moving into the new house, they had planned to buy a new TV. However, since there were no large appliance stores in town, and they hadn't found a suitable TV during their trips to the city, they had to delay their purchase.

Now, knowing that the house next door had TVs for sale, Wu Xiuyun's interest, which had faded, suddenly surged again. She examined Bai Lu's TV and became more satisfied as she looked: " Bai Lu, when is your electrical appliance store opening? Where in the city is it? Yu Fugui and I would like to visit."

Bai Lu promptly responded: "It's on South Street in the city. The shop's renovation is almost finished, and it will open in three days."

"In the store, we not only have this 21-inch color TV but also 14-inch, 17-inch, 19-inch, and 25-inch ones. If you find them too large, there are also 9-inch and 12-inch black and white TVs. We also have satellite dishes and antennas; the signal is excellent. We use a satellite dish at home, and it has many channels. Let me change the channel for you..."

Wen Xiuyun, enjoying the tea, showed great interest in the TV. "Your family's TV is excellent; I like it very much. I think your 21-inch color TV is great. It's big, and the small black and white TVs don't feel as exciting. After discussing with Yu Fugui, we'll come by tomorrow to check it out."

Bai Lu smiled and invited Wen Xiuyun: "If you want, you can visit the store in the city tomorrow. If you find something you like, you can buy it directly without waiting for the grand opening."

Wu Xiuyun agreed happily, "That's settled, then. Tomorrow, Yu Fugui and I will go to the city to check it out. If we like something, we'll buy it right away. I think your 21-inch TV is great. We'll discuss the size when we visit."

Bai Lu bid farewell to Wen Xiuyun, "No rush. Discuss with uncle Yu, and if you have any questions, come over tomorrow morning to pick chestnuts. We can watch TV and chat for a while. Our house is just next door, and both Xiao Cheng and I will be at home. Xiao Cheng doesn't leave early in the morning."

After sending Wu Xiuyun off, Bai Lu closed the door and returned to the kitchen, winking at Xiao Cheng, who was cooking.

"Congratulations, Manager Xiao, on the grand opening of the new store!"

Xiao Cheng smiled.

Not the usual subtle smile or barely noticeable grin, but a genuine expression of joy, with raised eyebrows and visible happiness. It was like a burst of sunlight breaking through the icy clouds, overshadowing everything in its brilliance.

Uh-oh, it felt like something was stirring in her heart!

Bai Lu patted her lively heart and fled the scene.

Just in time, Xiao Wei's congratulations followed, and in the next moment, the harmonious laughter of the two echoed together.

Watching TV together, the atmosphere suddenly became quiet. Bai Lu realized that the cause was Xiao Wei, who, still curious about the TV, had entered a mode of endless questions, while Xiao Cheng responded with a simple "Hmm," causing a temporary awkward silence.

Bai Lu gladly took over Xiao Wei's myriad questions, answering them one by one. The temporarily cold atmosphere slowly began to warm up again.