When Chen Li Shu returned, carrying the television set, Zhao Gui Ying and Lin Xiao Yue hurried to help her. “Sister-in-law, you’re amazing! That TV must have cost a lot of money, right?”
Chen Li Shu smiled, “Four hundred and one yuan. No coupons. I bought it at the Overseas Chinese Store. It was ten yuan more expensive than at the department store.”
Upon hearing the price, the two could only envy her. Their families couldn’t save that much money in a year.
“Mom, my aunt said that Uncle Gu and the others will set up the antenna tonight, and they’ll let us come over to watch TV.”
The Gu family buying a TV made the Wang brothers ecstatic. With their close relationship with Gu Rui and their families living so near, they were sure they could watch TV every day.
Soon, several adults and children flocked around Chen Li Shu back into the house.
In contrast to the joy on Chen Li Shu’s side, Chen Li Yuan and her classmate Xiao Liu were being reprimanded unmercifully by Accountant Zhou in front of their leader.
“Didn’t I tell you before that the reports were due this week? What is this you’ve produced? It’s a complete mess! If I hadn’t been meticulous and worried that you two newcomers wouldn’t handle it well, and redone it myself, you would have caused a major delay, do you know that? The unit hired you to work, don’t think you can get a big head just because you have a degree. Look at you, have you done anything right since you started?”
“Forget it, they haven’t been here long. Accountant Zhou, please calm down.”
The leader then turned to Chen Li Yuan and the other girl, “In the future, pay more attention to your work. Don’t let your mentor constantly scold you. Alright, you can all go out now.”
“Leader, we absolutely…” Chen Li Yuan was about to speak, but Xiao Liu subtly tugged her, and she could only leave with pursed lips, unwillingly.
“Why didn’t you let me speak just now? This time, it was Zhou who deliberately set us up. She didn’t give us any data, forcing us to ask each department. As a result, she had already finished it herself, causing us to be lectured by the leader.”
Xiao Liu sighed, “That Zhou has been in the factory for decades. The leader won’t listen to just a few words from us. Instead, it will make Zhou more displeased and give us more trouble. We should just endure it.”
As they spoke, the two left the factory office building. Xiao Liu raised her wrist to check the time and said, “The canteen opens for meals on time.”
Chen Li Yuan shook her head listlessly, “I’m so angry I’m full. You go eat by yourself.”
Watching Xiao Liu walk away, Chen Li Yuan turned and headed towards the dormitory along the green belt on the side of the factory.
“I see your companion has gone to eat. Why aren’t you going with them?”
A pleasant baritone voice sounded. Chen Li Yuan looked up and saw a tall, handsome young man standing not far away, smiling at her. Chen Li Yuan felt her face flush, her gaze not daring to meet his.
“You’re the new intern accountant, right? I’m Shi Nan, a technician at the factory.”
Shi Nan, Chen Li Yuan repeated silently in her mind. His name wasn’t something like Jian Hua or Wei Guo; it was quite unique.
“You don’t seem very happy? If you don’t mind, you can tell me about it.” Shi Nan took two steps closer, his tone filled with concern.
After being in the factory for so long, this was the first time someone had shown her such concern. Chen Li Yuan felt the urge to confide and began to tell Shi Nan about her troubles…
As Gu Xing Dong’s figure appeared in the military family residential area, he was met with enthusiastic welcomes from the children.
“Dad.” “Uncle Gu.”
“What’s the matter with you two brats? It’s like you haven’t seen your old man.”
Watching his two sons run past him with Gu Rui directly towards Gu Xing Dong, Wang Jian She stared in annoyance.
“Old Wang, your two sons are raised in vain,” Wu Zheng teased. He then turned to see his own son, Wu Yan, who was less than three years old, running past him towards Gu Xing Dong with his hands clasped.
Wu Zheng immediately looked up at the sky awkwardly.
Wang Yan Chao: “Aunt Gu bought a television. She said Uncle would install the antenna when he got home.”
Wu Zheng immediately turned his head, “Old Gu, did your family buy a TV?” He thought to himself, his son was usually quite close to him.
Wang Yan Chao: “Uncle Wu, your Aunt Wu is also here.”
Well, everyone didn’t need to go home; they all went to the Gu family’s house together.
The men busied themselves for nearly an hour, looking for tools and setting up the antenna pole. By the time the TV finally showed an image, it was already past seven or eight in the evening.
Not to mention the children’s delight, even the adults found it novel. However, they couldn’t skip dinner. Since the children were reluctant to leave, Chen Li Shu simply let them eat at home.
For several consecutive days, the Gu family’s house turned into a children’s kingdom, bustling until very late before dispersing.
Perhaps the adults had given specific instructions, or perhaps the children’s novelty had worn off, but the house gradually returned to its previous state.
One day, Gu Xing Dong got into bed early, holding his wife. He buried his head deeply in her soft neck and took a deep breath, saying with satisfaction, “Finally, the training these past few days has paid off. If I hadn’t managed it, I would have really sent that darn TV away.”
Chen Li Shu’s short hair tickled her, and she couldn’t help but laugh, “Is it really that serious?”
Gu Xing Dong raised his head, looking quite dejected, “Yes, extremely serious.”
…
Soon, after the fifteen-day detention period ended, Lu Cheng Ming was finally released from the detention center. A light stubble had grown on his chin, and he looked somewhat haggard.
Lin Xiao Hui had been waiting outside early. Seeing him emerge, she quickened her pace to greet him.
“Cheng Ming, how are you? Dinner is ready at home. Let’s go back right away.”
Lu Cheng Ming glanced at her. He was quite touched that she had come to pick him up at this time. After thinking for a moment, he asked, “Did no one at home say anything?”
“Dad and Mom didn’t say anything. It’s just that Elder Brother and Sister-in-law sometimes say a few hurtful words, but I’ve retorted them all. Don’t worry.”
Lu Cheng Ming nodded, and the two walked towards home together.
“Oh my, our Lu family has never been so disgraced. That was a detention center! Are the people who go in good people? Mom, haven’t you heard what the neighbors are saying about our family behind our backs? I’m too embarrassed to repeat it.”
As soon as they entered the house, they heard Lu’s eldest sister-in-law’s sharp voice saying.
Lu’s eldest brother: “Yes, Mom. Cheng Ming was too reckless this time, making it so we and our children can’t hold our heads up.”
Lu’s mother: “Then what do you suggest?”
Lu’s eldest brother: “Of course, they should move out! It’s Cheng Ming’s fault, and it has nothing to do with us.”
Lu’s eldest sister-in-law added, “Besides, we’ve been living together for so long, but when have Mom and them ever paid for living expenses? The house is already cramped. Since they can both earn money, it’s just right for them to move out, and it’ll also make space for second sister. The girl is growing up, so the sisters can’t share a small room anymore.”
After all, the younger sister’s stay at her parents’ house was limited. Once she got married, this house would be vacated, and then it would belong to the two of them.
“You’re talking nonsense!” Lin Xiao Hui couldn’t stand it any longer. She pushed the door open and rushed in.