aircannonsinc Chapter 991 Yan Bugui Wants to Take Advantage
Chapter 991 Yan Bugui Wants to Take Advantage
Jia Zhangshi could only watch helplessly as Gu Nan carried the things into the courtyard. The aroma of meat and noodles wafting from the oil-paper package seemed to have grown legs, constantly wafting into her nose, making her throat tighten and her mouth water. After Gu Nan's figure turned into the house, leaving her alone at the courtyard gate, Jia Zhangshi spat on the ground and cursed Gu Nan and his dog a thousand times in her mind: "What a piece of trash! So what if he has a little money? He's gone crazy! Even his dog is just like its owner, a snobbish opportunist!" Despite her cursing, she didn't dare to chase after him and act aggressively—she hadn't learned her lesson from being rendered speechless by Gu Nan last time. She could only turn around and go back into the house, feeling restless and itchy inside, as if being scratched by cat claws.
Gu Nan didn't take Jia Zhangshi's little tricks to heart at all. To him, arguing with such a person was a complete waste of energy. He carried his things and walked home with light steps, his face showing undisguised relief—the matter that had been weighing on his mind for so long was finally over, and even the air felt a bit fresher.
Inside the house, Ran Qiuye was coaxing Gu Shiwan, who had just woken up. Hearing the door open, she turned around and saw Gu Nan carrying large and small bags. She was a little surprised: "Gu Nan, what's going on today? Why are you buying so many things? Is it a happy occasion?" The basket contained fresh pork belly, freshly baked white steamed buns, and even a small bag of fruit candies that children love.
Gu Nan put the things on the table, walked over and touched his daughter's little face before turning to look at Ran Qiuye, his smile barely concealed: "Our enemy has been arrested. Starting tomorrow, you don't have to stay at home anymore. If you want to take Shiwan to the park or visit your neighbors, you can go without worry. You don't have to be on edge anymore."
Ran Qiuye was taken aback for a moment, then realized he was referring to Xiao Bao's group. She reached out and straightened Gu Nan's wind-blown collar, her voice filled with concern: "Gu Nan, although I don't know exactly what happened between you two, I know you've been exhausted lately. You can tell me anything, don't bear it all alone, after all, I'm your wife."
Seeing the concern in her eyes, Gu Nan felt a warmth in his heart and suddenly reached out to hug her tightly. This was the first time he had completely relaxed since learning that Xiao Bao had been secretly plotting against him; his long-tense nerves finally eased. He buried his face in Ran Qiuye's neck, his voice slightly hoarse: "Qiuye, it's really nothing. All those upsetting things are over. From now on, let's live a peaceful life. Today, I'll show off my skills and make your favorite braised pork, and steam some sweet buns."
Ran Qiuye was held tightly in his arms, feeling the relief and ease that came from the weight of his burden. She gently patted his back, a tender smile spreading across her face. "Okay, I'll help you." She wasn't entirely sure what had happened, but seeing Gu Nan's genuinely relaxed expression, she knew it was truly over. As long as he could finally relax, and the family could live peacefully and happily, nothing else mattered.
Gu Nan was busy in the kitchen. The iron spatula made a crisp "clanging" sound as it hit the bottom of the pot. The aroma of braised pork and stir-fried vegetables wafted out of the courtyard gate, enticing half of the courtyard to smell the fragrance.
Xu Damao walked into the courtyard carrying a bulging net bag, his steps unusually light, as if afraid of startling someone. The bag contained two jin (approximately 1 kg) of pork belly with skin on—glossy and layered with fat and lean meat; a bottle of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor), the label still on; and two packets of steamed rice cakes, the oil-paper bags exuding a sweet aroma. He had deliberately gone to the supply and marketing cooperative at the street corner to buy all of this, spending almost half a month's salary. He was mentally calculating how to greet Gu Nan when he saw him later—should he offer him the liquor first or praise the food? Although Deputy Factory Director Li had assured him of a position as head of the propaganda department, he knew perfectly well that Gu Nan's influence in the factory was deeper than Deputy Factory Director Li's. If Gu Nan really wanted to make things difficult for him, his position as head of the propaganda department wouldn't be secure. He needed to appease Gu Nan first, avoiding offending either side.
Unexpectedly, upon entering the Intermediate People's Court, he bumped into Yan Bugui strolling leisurely with his hands behind his back, his steps slow and deliberate, like an old scholar. Yan Bugui had sharp eyes, his eyes like a scanner, and he immediately spotted the net bag in Xu Damao's hand, especially the two pounds of glistening pork belly, which made his eyes light up instantly. He involuntarily moved closer, his hands behind his back secretly clenching – he believed in the saying "If you don't take advantage of it, you're wasting it," and with such good things presented to him, how could he let them go?
"Da Mao, you're back quite early today." Yan Bugui's face was all smiles, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were all creased together, but his tone carried a hint of elder's condescension, as if Xu Da Mao was his junior and had to listen to his lecture.
Xu Damao's heart skipped a beat, and he thought to himself, "What bad luck!" But he forced a smile and bowed obsequiously, "Yes, Second Uncle, the factory has been busy with production lately, and the movie theater is closed, so I came back earlier. I was thinking of helping my wife with some chores." He deliberately steered the conversation toward his home, trying to quickly change the subject.
Yan Bugui slowly shook his head, then changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious: "Da Mao, what a mess you caused the other day with that movie you showed? I heard someone got hurt. Why didn't you apologize to the neighbors in the neighborhood? As a person, you should know right from wrong. You're neighbors, you see each other all the time, don't you think?"
He spoke of reasoning, but his eyes were glued to the net, especially the two pounds of meat, which gleamed with desire as if he wanted to reach out and touch it. Xu Damao had specifically bought the best pork belly with skin to please Gu Nan; the fat and lean meat were perfectly balanced, looking incredibly tempting. Yan Bugui had already started calculating: if he could get this meat, it would be enough for two meals at home, plus some potato noodles—wouldn't the kids be ecstatic? Big and small, who wouldn't crave meat? The more he thought about it, the more he felt it would be a shame not to take advantage of this bargain, and he couldn't help but lick his lips.
Xu Damao could easily see through his thoughts. He cursed him inwardly as a "stingy old man," but kept a straight face and even forced a look of grievance: "Second Uncle, this has nothing to do with me. That day, it was Gu Nan's rival who came looking for trouble. He charged into the crowd with a stick. I'm just a movie projectionist; I was just unlucky to get dragged into it. If anyone should be arguing, they should be arguing with Gu Nan. Why are you bothering me? I'm the one who's been wronged!"
Yan Bugui was speechless for a moment, opening his mouth but unable to utter a word, feeling indignant—how could it have nothing to do with Gu Nan? But he also knew that Gu Nan was not someone to be trifled with, so he could only vent his anger on Xu Damao.