My Mother-in-Law is Reborn [Seventies]

Chapter 28

"Breaking news: This morning, under the escort of our factory leaders, the comrades from the factory's police station visited our factory and presented a banner to our employee Zhuang Zhixi. It is reported that Zhuang Zhixi, the cashier at our factory's medical clinic, during the New Year holiday, bravely and boldly, together with his family, captured a gang of robbers, contributing to the stability of society. All employees are encouraged to learn from Zhuang Zhixi."

"Breaking news: This morning..."

The factory radio station broadcasted. The announcement was repeated three times, and everyone stopped what they were doing, ears perked up.

Wang Xiangxiu, who was slacking off, heard the announcement and bit her lip. She regretted not making a move on Zhuang Zhixi earlier when he was still single. How hard could it be to seduce a young man?

She was extremely annoyed that such a capable man had slipped through her fingers.

Wang Xiangxiu blamed her clouded judgment, failing to see the gem. But soon, she rekindled her determination. It was just a man; how could she not win him over?

These men, they all had to contribute to her family.

With that thought, Wang Xiangxiu put aside her regret, lifted her chin, and thought, if her family wanted to prosper, these men would have to pay. She could suffer a bit now, but when her son grew up, it would be sweet recompense.

Meanwhile, Bai Fendou, Wang Xiangxiu's loyal admirer, was patrolling the factory area. As a security guard, his job was to ensure the safety inside and out. He was part of the first patrol team, walking with a few colleagues when the radio announcement came on. He stopped to listen carefully.

Upon hearing it, he scoffed, "Is that even true? That pretty boy caught a robber?"

He was a bit jealous. He thought such a feat should be his, a professional security guard, not Zhuang Zhixi's. He grumbled, "Who knows what really happened."

His fellow patrolmen laughed, "Oh, are you jealous?"

"Yeah, the radio station wouldn't just make things up, would they? The police station was here; you can't doubt that. I remember that guy from the medical clinic is your neighbor, right? That's not nice of you."

"Exactly, you're just envious."

Bai Fendou blushed and defended, "How am I envious? I just said that casually. Besides, he just got lucky. I could do it too if I had the chance. It's just that I didn't run into any robbers."

"Even if you did, you might not catch them."

"What do you mean by that? Of course, I could catch them. Can't you speak properly?" Bai Fendou was unhappy. He thought, it's just catching a robber; I could do that too.

He pursed his lips and said, "Just you wait, I'll catch one for you to see."

His colleagues laughed, "Sure, buddy, don't brag."

Bai Fendou: "How am I bragging? You just wait, I'll definitely catch one. There's been a thief in our area recently. You just wait, I'll catch that thief to prove myself."

He suddenly remembered the recent thefts in his neighborhood.

Actually, there were also rumors of ghosts.

But Bai Fendou, a staunch atheist, firmly didn't believe in any ghosts. He didn't care about any ghost stories; he was determined that the thief would be his vanquished foe.

Thinking this, his spirits lifted. A bystander from the patrol team curiously asked, "Zhuang Zhixi caught a robber, and you didn't know? You live in the same courtyard, right?"

That relationship seemed too superficial.

Bai Fendou: "How would I know? We live in the same courtyard, not the same bed. How could he tell me everything? But we get along well; we often joke around. Recently, I... Ah! Yes, yes, I know about this!"

He slapped his head, "Look at my memory. My dad mentioned it a few days ago. He said something about it on New Year's Day, but I didn't take it seriously, thinking they were joking."

Bystander: "How could anyone joke about something like that? It must be true."

Bai Fendou: "Well, I didn't just think it was a joke; others in our courtyard didn't take it seriously either."

"You guys are something else."

Bai Fendou: "Let's go over and see what the banner looks like."

"Sure, I've never received a banner before."

The group of men headed straight to the medical clinic. The job there was easy, and Zhuang Zhixi was chatting with a few sisters when Bai Fendou arrived. He smiled, "Fendou, what's up? Not feeling well?"

Bai Fendou rolled his eyes, "You wouldn't know even if I was. We just came to see your banner."

The banner was already hung on the wall, and everyone looked at it curiously. Bai Fendou marveled, "This is a good thing. You're something, kid, quite capable." He said without restraint, "You wait, I can't let you enjoy this honor alone. I'll catch that thief in our area."

Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "That'd be great. If you catch him early, my mom won't have to patrol."

Bai Fendou: "You just wait."

While he was bantering with Zhuang Zhixi, someone was so upset they couldn't eat. That was Zhou Qun. After hearing the broadcast, he was stunned, his mouth tightly pursed. He always thought he was the best in the courtyard, and anyone better than him made him unhappy.

Now Zhuang Zhixi was being praised, how could he be happy?

Zhou Qun pursed his lips, realizing this was true. He had heard about it before but didn't take it seriously. He even wanted to talk to Zhuang Zhixi about it, but...

Zhou Qun felt extremely annoyed. He threw his electric pen on the table and sank into deep thought.

This couldn't go on. Zhuang Zhixi couldn't be better than him.

What should he do?

Zhuang Zhixi's factory-wide commendation brought some admiration and some jealousy. At lunch, when Zhuang Zhixi went to the canteen to get food, Yang Lixin gave him extra, saying, "Xiao Zhuang, congratulations."

Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "I'm glad to contribute to society."

He found a spot to sit and eat. The news of the factory awarding a bicycle ticket had spread, making many envious. Some also saw his potential.

"Xiao Zhuang, are you seeing anyone? My seventh aunt has a daughter, quite plump, very lucky. I can introduce her to you."

Another couldn't stand it, "Your information is outdated. Xiao Zhuang is already married. Didn't you hear the broadcast? He caught the robber with his family. Family, that means he has a wife."

Zhuang Zhixi, though not knowing the two sisters, didn't show annoyance. Instead, he smiled, "I'm married. My wife is very good, beautiful and capable."

"Oh, married! You got married too early. How old are you?"

Zhuang Zhixi: "I got married at the legal age."

He smiled, "I'm twenty-one this year."

"That's still early."

"Not really, many around here get married in their twenties, some even at eighteen or nineteen, just having a ceremony without a license."

The one who wanted to introduce someone said, "Well, not everyone. Look at Bai Fendou from security, he's not married yet."

No one could respond to that.

Who could compare to Bai Fendou?

Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "It's all the same when you get married, some early, some late, some not at all. It's all normal."

"The thing is, he wants to, just can't find the right one." Someone chimed in, Yang Lixin, who brought a bowl of soup, "Xiao Zhuang, here."

Zhuang Zhixi was quite surprised: "Hey, egg drop soup? I didn't order this, what's this...?"

Yang Lixin was quite open about it, saying: "My dad made this specially for you, no one else has it. It's on the house, he's treating you." This needed to be made clear, after all, they weren't taking advantage of the company.

Behind the scenes... well, that's a different story.

Zhuang Zhixi's smile grew a bit brighter as he said: "Thank you, Uncle Li."

He added: "The old man said you did a good deed, so you deserve a reward."

Zhuang Zhixi's seat was not too far from the kitchen window, so he raised his voice: "Thank you, Uncle Li."

Li the Cook gave him a slight nod, to which Zhuang Zhixi responded: "Yang Ge, have you eaten yet?"

Yang Lixin: "No, we can't eat this early, we only get to eat after you guys are done. Oh right, I heard the factory rewarded you with a bicycle ticket?"

Zhuang Zhixi's eyes flickered as he nodded: "Yeah, that's right."

Yang Lixin smiled: "What brand is it? Your family already has a bicycle, right?"

Zhuang Zhixi: "I haven't gone to claim it yet, so I don't know the brand. But this bicycle ticket came just in time. My mom has been nagging to buy a bicycle, but we never had the ticket. My wife does have a bicycle, but she uses it every day for work, and her commute is longer than ours, so we can't ask her to give it up. Now, our family can finally buy one. You wouldn't believe it, ever since Bai Fendou bought a bicycle, my mom's been itching to get one too."

As Zhuang Zhixi spoke, he noticed Yang Lixin's expression change slightly, though Yang quickly masked it with a smile, saying: "Then your family will be the first in our courtyard to have two bicycles."

Zhuang Zhixi waved it off: "What's the big deal about being the first? Everyone wants to add some big-ticket items to their life."

"That's true," Yang Lixin agreed.

The surrounding onlookers nodded in agreement, finding Zhuang Zhixi's words reasonable. Some people even skimped on meals just to save up for a bicycle. Wasn't it all for that one bicycle?

"A bicycle is a big-ticket item."

"Xiao Zhuang, does your wife have a bicycle?"

Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "Yes, it was part of her dowry."

"Is there a sewing machine? A watch?" The capable aunt sitting across from Zhuang Zhixi immediately asked.

Zhuang Zhixi laughed: "No, my wife doesn't know how to use those."

The aunt looked disappointed: "No? Then she can't compare to Jiang Lu. Our factory has been around for over ten years, and no one has yet to match Jiang Lu's dowry."

They had all been hoping someone would surpass it, especially since every time the topic of dowry came up, Jiang Lu seemed particularly proud.

"My wife isn't from the factory, so she's not part of your competition," Zhuang Zhixi said amicably.

"But you are! However, you young men have really driven up the standards for our factory boys. Look at you all finding such capable wives, how can others compete?"

The aunt complained a bit, but then looked at Zhuang Zhixi's face and thought, it was understandable for the women to offer such dowries. Zhuang Zhixi was good-looking. He didn't have the popular thick eyebrows and square face, but he was refined, with a scholarly air, always smiling, giving off a warm and pleasant vibe. Compared to the rough and dirty men in the factory, Zhuang Zhixi was clean and neat.

Among the sea of blue and gray work uniforms, his clean white shirt, dark red v-neck sweater, and black pants made him stand out. Even in the clinic, with his white coat, he looked refined and clean.

People, to some extent, judge by appearance. Seeing Zhuang Zhixi, one felt that even a bicycle as part of the dowry was worth it.

"Xiao Zhuang, what does your wife do?"

Zhuang Zhixi: "She works at the bus station as a conductor."

"That's a good job."

As Zhuang Zhixi chatted with the unfamiliar aunt, Yang Lixin returned to the kitchen, whispering to Li the Cook: "Dad, I don't think Xiao Zhuang will give us the bicycle ticket. He said his mom wants to buy a bicycle."

In their courtyard, most families with decent conditions already had bicycles.

Zhuang Zhixi's family had one as part of Ming Mei's dowry;

Zhou Qun's family had one as part of Jiang Lu's dowry;

Bai Fendou, for some reason, bought a Forever bicycle last year.

And the family in the back courtyard...

Now, the only ones without a bicycle were their family.

It was fine before, with only the family in the back courtyard buying one themselves, and the Zhou and Zhuang families getting them through dowry. But now that even Bai Fendou could save up enough to buy a bicycle, Li the Cook became anxious.

Though he was frugal and didn't buy unnecessary things,

Having others with bicycles while he didn't made him feel inferior. His family was well-off in the courtyard, and his wife was even in charge of the courtyard affairs. Falling behind in this aspect felt embarrassing. They were men from the old Beijing, and they cared about face. He had been mulling over this issue recently.

He thought today might be an opportunity, but Zhuang Zhixi said his mom wanted to buy one. Was that even possible? Zhao Guihua, that stingy woman, already had a bicycle at home, how could she want another one?

He didn't believe a word of it.

"This kid is sharper than a monkey, did he see through your intentions?"

Yang Lixin thought about it and said: "Shouldn't be, he said his mom got inspired after seeing Bai Fendou buy one."

Li the Cook: "..."

Funny, he was inspired too.

He said: "This Bai Fendou, always causing trouble. How many people in our courtyard are now restless because of him? A security guard in the Security Section, how much does he earn? He's also supporting a widow and her child, how could he afford a bicycle? Just adding to my troubles, if it weren't for him buying a bicycle, I wouldn't be so anxious."

Now that Bai Fendou had bought one, he couldn't afford not to.

"Forget it, let's have your mom talk to Zhao Guihua."

In the Zhuang family, Zhao Guihua was in charge. Although they were practically separated, he didn't believe Zhuang Zhixi wouldn't hand it over to Zhao Guihua.

"It's all that little brat Bai Fendou's fault."

Yang Lixin whispered to Li the Cook: "Dad, how do you think Bai Fendou, with no money and no tickets, managed to buy a bicycle?"

This matter had everyone curious, though they didn't talk about it openly. There were various speculations.

Li the Cook: "Who knows."

If he knew, he would have bought one himself.

Yang Lixin: "Should I try to find out?"

"I think that's a good idea!"

Zhuang Zhixi wasn't aware of his neighbors' thoughts. In the afternoon, he went to the factory office to claim his bicycle ticket. It wasn't the most popular Forever or Phoenix, but a Flying Pigeon, which was also quite good.

Forever, Flying Pigeon, and Phoenix were the most prestigious bicycle brands.

Among these three, Forever was sturdy and durable, popular with men; Phoenix was more elegant, favored by women, so Flying Pigeon was a bit in between.

But Flying Pigeon was also very popular.

After all, it was one of the three!

Zhuang Zhixi's bicycle ticket was for a Flying Pigeon.

On his way home from work, Zhuang Zhixi pondered the situation at Ming Mei's bus station. He wondered if they would also receive rewards. It should be, right?

As Zhuang Zhixi walked into the alley, he heard a ring of a bicycle bell. The road was wide enough not to cause accidents, so he turned around to see it was his wife, just messing with him.

Ming Mei smiled as she hopped off the bicycle, saying: "Officer Li visited your unit today, didn't he?"

Zhuang Zhixi raised the gift in his hand, saying: "Look."

Ming Mei smiled: "I got one too." Exactly the same gift.

The young couple pushed their bicycles side by side as they walked home. Zhuang Zhixi said: "My unit also rewarded me with a bicycle ticket."

Ming Mei raised an eyebrow: "Oh."

Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "And you?"

Ming Mei: "Guess."

Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, seeing her smug expression, he knew it must be better, otherwise she wouldn't be so proud, her tail was almost reaching the sky (a Chinese idiom meaning extremely proud). He whispered: "I guess, it must be better than mine."

Ming Mei giggled coyly, her laughter tinged with a hint of pride, she boasted: "Of course."

Zhuang Zhixi looked at Ming Mei, waiting for her answer. Ming Mei didn't keep him in suspense, saying: "We didn't get any rewards, but our unit gave me a subsidy."

Her eyes and brows were filled with joy, extremely proud, she said: "Our station master applied for a subsidy for me, starting next month, I'll get an extra two yuan every month. I tell you, if it wasn't for my insufficient seniority, I could have gotten a raise this time. But an extra two yuan a month, I'm very happy."

That's twenty-four yuan a year.

That's equivalent to the monthly salary of an ordinary worker.

No wonder Ming Mei was so happy!

She hummed a little tune, saying: "I'm really happy."

Zhuang Zhixi was also envious, he said: "Your unit is really generous."

In this regard, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei both understood. Zhuang Zhixi's factory was a large industrial plant, and he did good deeds outside the factory, not within it. Moreover, he wasn't in the security department but worked in the medical office. Although the factory was also pleased, fundamentally, this matter had nothing to do with the factory. Even if they talked about it in detail, they couldn't give too much reward.

As for Ming Mei, it was different. They were a service-oriented unit, and although this incident also had nothing to do with their bus station, as a capable ticket seller, she had a positive propaganda effect on the bus station.

Moreover, Ming Mei wasn't the first time she had caught thieves, which had even more positive significance. Even if they were to do propaganda, it would have a very positive impact on the bus station. So they valued Ming Mei more.

Of course, besides this, the words of Officer Li today were also one of the reasons for the result. Officer Li wasn't the first time he had tried to poach people, and the bus station naturally wasn't happy about it. If the person stayed, the honor of doing good deeds belonged to their unit. If they left, it would be gone.

Ming Mei was a bus station offspring, her mother had also retired from this position. Under the influence of so many factors, it was only natural for the bus station to fight for better treatment for Ming Mei.

Ming Mei was elated: "Am I more awesome than you?"

"Of course, my wife can't be anything but awesome? This time, I benefited from you, otherwise, I would have been beaten up for fighting four on one, maybe even stabbed."

Zhuang Zhixi had this self-awareness.

Ming Mei: "Then you better treat me well, or I might dump you."

Zhuang Zhixi: "You wouldn't, I'm so good."

Ming Mei teased: "Where am I good?"

Zhuang Zhixi blinked, saying: "Where am I good, don't you know? No one knows, but you definitely do. I perform well every day."

Ming Mei: "……"

Her face turned into a red apple instantly.

She chided: "Shut up."

She looked around nervously, saying: "Why are you saying this in public, afraid no one will hear? What's wrong with you?"

Ming Mei pouted: "Don't say it."

Zhuang Zhixi laughed, saying: "Look at you, what did you think of, I didn't say anything."

Ming Mei's eyes widened, she huffed heavily.

Zhuang Zhixi held his little wife's hand, saying: "Alright, it's my fault."

He was very proactive in admitting his mistake, but just wouldn't change.

"By the way, I want to discuss with you, this bicycle ticket, I plan to..."

The young couple walked into the courtyard together, Madam Zhou Li was being sarcastic again: "Oh, the young couple's feelings are so good."

Zhuang Zhixi nodded, saying: "Of course, if the feelings weren't good, could we get married? Of course, the feelings are good, Madam Zhou, you're saying something obvious."

Madam Zhou Li: "Oh, you little rascal..."

Zhuang Zhixi sighed, saying: "Madam Zhou, I know you don't have children, but you can't call everyone a little rascal... You see, you're not young anymore, don't be so angry all the time, although I'm not a doctor, I often hear doctors say that being angry like a fighting rooster at your age is very bad for your health. You can't do this, really can't."

"You you you..." Madam Zhou scolded: "Do you know how to respect the elderly and love the young, what are you saying about me, can you talk about me? I think you little rascal is a scoundrel, a beast, worse than pigs and dogs!"

Zhuang Zhixi innocently raised an eyebrow: "Why are you cursing? You see, I didn't say anything, I kindly reminded you, and you're still so angry, anger hurts the body, don't get angry."

"You you you!" Madam Zhou was panting heavily, she was usually good at arguing, but when facing Zhao Guihua and Zhuang Zhixi, she often felt powerless. Damn it, Zhao Guihua wasn't human, and her son wasn't either.

Madam Zhou was undefeated in this area, but she wasn't a match for Zhuang Zhixi, she couldn't out-argue him.

"You..."

"Zhuang Zhixi, Ming Mei, what are you two doing! Come back and cook, don't loiter outside after work!" Zhao Guihua pushed the door open, shouting loudly: "You just want to slack off all day."

Zhuang Zhixi: "Coming, coming."

He became obsequious in an instant: "You see, I'm coming?"

Then he turned his head and said: "Madam Zhou, believe me, take it easy."

Madam Zhou was furious: "Little scoundrel! What do you mean!"

Zhuang Zhixi gave her a "you know" look, leading his wife home, saying as he walked: "Now they don't allow big banquets, you can't eat much at the feast."

Ming Mei: "Pfft!"

Madam Zhou shouted crazily: "You damned one!!!"

Zhuang Zhixi ignored her, entering the house and talking to his mother and sister-in-law: "Look how angry Madam Zhou is, I wonder who upset her."

Zhao Guihua: "……"

Liang Meifen: "……"

What nonsense are you saying?

Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes, saying: "Don't provoke her."

Zhuang Zhixi: "I didn't, I'm really wronged."

Ming Mei was going to vouch for her husband, she nodded and said: "Zhixi didn't provoke her, you can't wrong him."

Zhao Guihua's mouth twitched, was he wronged or not? The family knew each other well.

Liang Meifen's gaze fell on their small bag, saying: "You this...?"

Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh, we didn't catch thieves on New Year's Day? Today we went to our unit to thank..."

He explained the situation, smiling and asking: "Mom, do you want to buy a bicycle? If you want to, I'll give you the bicycle ticket, it can be sold in the black market for at least thirty. I can sell this Flying Pigeon for thirty-five or forty. How much do you think is appropriate?"

Zhao Guihua looked at Zhuang Zhixi.

Zhuang Zhixi: "Let's keep accounts clear between close relatives, you can't take my things for free, right? I don't want cash, just deduct it from the meal money."

Zhao Guihua: "I didn't know you little rascal were so calculating?"

Zhuang Zhixi: "I also have to save some money, my wife and I will have kids in the future."

He didn't think there was anything wrong with saying it straightforwardly, didn't his sister-in-law also calculate? Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said: "Mom, I won't ask for much, just make it two months' meal money. I tell you, Uncle Li also wants to buy one."

Zhao Guihua: "His family really should buy one."

Zhuang Zhixi looked at his mother, hearing Zhao Guihua say: "If I take this money and buy this ticket, you can't use this bicycle in the future, it will be completely ours, do you agree?"

Zhuang Zhixi nodded, saying: "Of course."

Zhao Guihua: "Alright, then..."

Liang Meifen: "Mom, we can't use it either? My husband Zhiyuan is the eldest son."

She felt so bitter in her heart. What kind of family was this? Why didn't they favor the eldest son at all? In most families, it was the eldest son who took care of the elderly. But in this family, it was completely different. The father had no presence, the mother was unreasonable, and the younger brother was cunning. This life was too difficult, too difficult.

"Do you want to contribute money?" Zhao Guihua asked.

Liang Meifen immediately replied, "How could I?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, she saw her mother-in-law's smirking expression and panicked.

Zhao Guihua said slowly, "You really know how to calculate, don't you? How big is your face?"

At this moment, not only Zhao Guihua, but even Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing.

It was as if he had been waiting for Liang Meifen to speak. As soon as she did, he laughed even harder.

After he finished laughing, he stepped forward and put his arm around Zhao Guihua, saying, "Mom, I was just joking with you. As a son, giving you anything is my duty. How could I ask you for money?"

He took out a bicycle ticket and handed it to Zhao Guihua, saying, "Here, take it. It's not worth anything, just a joke."

Zhao Guihua said, "You always come up with these silly ideas."

Zhuang Zhixi said, "I was just thinking, why not have some fun while we're at it? Look, Ming Mei also has a bicycle. Our family already has one, and I don't really need it. But even if I don't, I'm willing to give up the ticket. You're my mom, and it's easier to ride a bike than walk, right? I'm also very filial, you know!"

Zhao Guihua looked at him and said, "Alright, alright, you're the most filial."

Zhuang Zhixi continued, "By the way, the police station also rewarded me with a thermos and a pair of pillowcases. I'll keep the pillowcases, but the thermos is for you and dad. Whether you use it when you go out or dad takes some hot water to work, it's very convenient."

Zhao Guihua nodded, "At least you have some conscience."

"What do you mean 'at least'? I'm the most conscientious. You can't say I'm not good. Look at my sister-in-law, she only wants to take advantage and not give anything. I'm the real deal."

Liang Meifen thought, "Why are you picking on me? Stupid little brother-in-law!"

Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "My wife won't give you this. She works on the bus and her throat gets sore from talking all day, so she needs to drink more water."

At this point, Zhuang Zhixi paused, wondering if the police station had considered Ming Mei's job when giving the gifts. It wasn't impossible, after all, they seemed to have a high opinion of his wife.

Ming Mei nodded in agreement beside him.

She said softly, "I also got a thermos and a pair of pillowcases. The prize for me and Zhixi is the same. My unit didn't give me anything extra, but I get an extra two yuan in monthly subsidies."

"Ah, that's not bad. Your unit is quite generous."

Ming Mei nodded and said, "Yes, if it weren't for my short work experience, I could have gotten a raise this time. It's a bit of a pity."

After a pause, she clasped her hands together and said, "I hope some bad guys appear so I can make some more contributions."

Zhao Guihua burst out laughing and said, "What are you talking about? Alright, put the pillowcases away. The bicycle ticket and the thermos are your intentions, mom understands."

The young couple smiled softly.

Hand in hand, they went back to their room. Zhao Guihua put the ticket away and repeatedly stroked the thermos. This thermos was different from the later ones; it was an olive-green oval-shaped one. She nodded and said, "The quality is good."

Liang Meifen, because of what happened earlier, didn't dare to say a word and silently prepared dinner. Ming Mei followed Zhuang Zhixi back to their room. She put away the two pairs of pillowcases and placed the thermos on the cabinet. Then she turned around and said, "You originally planned to give the bicycle ticket to mom and dad, so why did you joke about it first?"

Zhuang Zhixi said, "I was just joking."

Ming Mei didn't believe him. Although they had been married for a short time, Ming Mei had some understanding of Zhuang Zhixi. She thought about it carefully and said, "You did that on purpose to make sister-in-law speak up, didn't you?"

Zhuang Zhixi said, "I didn't say that."

Ming Mei said, "That's what you meant."

Zhuang Zhixi's silence made Ming Mei even more certain.

She scratched her head and said, "You knew sister-in-law would be greedy and speak up, so you did it on purpose to show mom? Why?"

Zhuang Zhixi said, "Haven't you heard? Little people seek revenge from morning to night. I'm just a little person. She annoyed me, so I annoy her from time to time."

When Zhuang Zhixi's marriage was almost ruined by his sister-in-law, although it eventually went smoothly, it wasn't without incident. Although they were family and he wouldn't intentionally harm his sister-in-law, annoying her from time to time was possible.

His sister-in-law was most afraid of his mother, so Zhuang Zhixi did it on purpose.

She would be unhappy for a few days.

In the future, every time she used the bicycle, he could continue to annoy her.

"You're really something, but you didn't press on, did you?"

Zhuang Zhixi said seriously, "We're all family, why press on? Family harmony brings prosperity! I'm not that kind of person."

Ming Mei said, "Do you think I believe that?"

Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said, "Moderation is key."

He leaned aggrievedly against his wife's shoulder and said, "I almost couldn't marry you. So now, feeling a bit uncomfortable about her is nothing, okay! I didn't do anything, and besides, I even contributed a bicycle coupon. I'm the one who got the short end of the stick."

Don't look at the people in their courtyard, they all seem pretty unreliable, but Zhuang Zhixi is still more annoyed with his eldest sister-in-law, because others' bad behavior didn't affect him, but his eldest sister-in-law did. However, these words, Zhuang Zhixi wouldn't say in front of his family.

He said, "If she weren't my sister-in-law, I wouldn't let it go like this."

Mingmei: "I know, I know, I know you're feeling wronged."

Zhuang Zhi Xi: "That's right."

Zhuang Zhi Xi: "Speaking of which... you'll see, once the news of our commendation today spreads, our patrols are likely to become quite lively in the coming days."

Mingmei: "What?"

Immediately reacted quickly: "You mean everyone wants to catch the thief."

Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "This honor alone can dazzle people's eyes, not to mention the bicycle ticket. Just watch, not to mention others, Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun will definitely participate, oh right, Yang Lixin will also definitely participate."

Who doesn't want to gain honor?

Meimei whispered: "Hey, you say..."

She hesitated for a moment and said, "Aren't they afraid that the thief they catch might actually be the three children from the Su family across the street? If the thief they catch turns out to be those three kids, what would that even mean?"

Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "If it's those three kids who got caught, it shouldn't be a big deal. Bai Fendou would go to great lengths to protect them. But I don't think the thieves in our neighborhood are them. They're just kids, how could they be out and about in the dead of night? It's probably still adults."

Mingmei: "That's true."

As expected, as the couple had imagined, when the time came for the gathering, each household had replaced their members with strong men, and there were even those who volunteered to join. In an instant, the place was filled with noise and excitement. Zhuang Zhixi lay on the windowsill, watching with great amusement.

Mingmei: "Aren't you going for your mom?"

Zhuang Zhi Xi: "My mom is unwilling."

Zhao Guihua was absolutely unwilling, and Zhuang Zhixi couldn't persuade his own mother.

Zhuang Zhiyuan has gone on another trip to the south, and this time it will take more than ten days to return. At home, there is only Zhuang Zhixi, a young and strong man, who should logically be the one to go, but Zhao Guihua firmly disagrees. She is already standing in the courtyard with her golden cudgel in hand.

Bai Fendou, with his usual cheeky tone, said, "Aunt Zhao, where's the expert in your family? How come they just did a good deed and now they're not participating in the patrol? That's not a good sense of awareness."

Zhao Guihua: "Pfft, shut your dog mouth, my family had already decided that I would be the one to patrol. It was never supposed to be my third son's duty. If he doesn't get enough rest, how can he perform well at work? Besides, do you look down on me, an old lady? Why can't I contribute to our neighborhood? I'm happy to patrol, what's it to you? But you, what's the meaning of saying such things? Are you trying to disrupt unity? I know you're jealous of my third son's abilities, but there's no need to be so obvious about it. Anyone can see what you're trying to do. It's really laughable, trying to stir up trouble here, you're nothing! Get lost!"

Bai Fendou was scolded harshly and could only purse his lips, saying, "You're such a fierce old lady."

Zhao Guihua retorted, "I'm fierce because you're being a smart-aleck! Everyone knows what you're up to! You didn't show up a few days ago, and now you're here just to score points? I won't expose you, but don't come bothering me. Let's keep things civil, or else I won't hold back, old lady or not!"

Yang Lixin was quite disdainful of Bai Fendou, but he wanted to inquire about the source of bicycle tickets, so he pretended to be kind and pulled Bai Fendou aside, saying, "Look at you, why bring up such things? Let's just focus on patrolling and try to catch some thieves."

Bai Fendou felt a bit embarrassed and quickly took the opportunity to change the subject.

"Yeah, yeah, let's patrol. I was just trying to do my job, come on, let's go!"

Zhao Guihua sneered, "Hmph!"

You rascal!