Back to the 80s Machinery Factory

Chapter 544 Chen Luyang, you treacherous bastard who betrayed your friends for personal gain!!!

The thought of having to bring two third wheels to today's date made Chen Luyang angry.
He launched into a tirade against Song Liaosha:
"If you catch a cold later, see if Nata scolds you!"

Song Liaosha was also holding back her anger!

He lowered his head, tucked his neck further into the collar of his cotton overcoat, and kicked at the snow with his right foot, which was freezing cold.

"What are you cursing me for? It's like you're wearing a hat."

"I'm baffled. I didn't wear a hat to unveil my melancholy and vulnerable mystery, so that girl could see what kind of awesome person my dad is. What are you doing here with your head shaved?"

Chen Luyang rolled her eyes at Song Liaosha!

"Awesome? I think that's more like bragging!"

This was the first time he had ever heard of men showing off their awesomeness by not wearing hats in the dead of winter!
Don't underestimate a hat!

Sometimes, the difference between a person's overall demeanor and their appearance can be determined by whether or not they are wearing a hat.

Both his and Song Liaosha's padded coats were custom-made by a garment factory.

If she were wearing a hat while Song Liaosha wasn't, she would immediately be outshone.

With no other option, Chen Luyang gritted her teeth and threw the hat back into the house in order to stay strong.

What's most hateful is Song Liaosha's curly hair, which is as thick as weeds.

But he can't do it...!
His hair was of average quality from the start.

After more than a year of studying and working in a repair shop, burning the midnight oil every day, I slept less than 5 hours a day on average.

Her hair, which wasn't very thick to begin with, began to thin slightly.

When the wind blew, my ears were frozen stiff, like two carrots, and I felt really uncomfortable.

How annoying!
If it weren't for this bastard, today would have been a date between him and the female manager.

How wonderful it would be to stroll hand in hand, buy a candied hawthorn, and take a photo together!
Now look what's happened, two big light bulbs have appeared.

Just as Chen Luyang was rolling her eyes, she saw two girls walking over arm in arm, their faces red from the cold, chatting and laughing.

"Little Chen!" Chen Jinyue spotted Chen Luyang at a glance, his eyes crinkling with a smile.

Chen Luyang's anger dissipated by more than half in an instant.

He rushed to meet them, his eyes brimming with uncontainable joy. The moment their shoulders touched, they were instantly glued together like magnets.

"I've been talking to you so much I'm practically hoarse! Can't you at least wear a hat when you go out?!"

Chen Luyang reached out and covered Chen Jinyue's ears.

What kind of bad habits do these one or two people develop!
It's one thing for Chen Jinyue not to wear a hat, but it turns out her friend isn't wearing one either.

All four of them had bright red ears.

"You're not wearing a hat yourself, yet you're telling me what to do!" Chen Jinyue smiled and rolled her eyes at him, then gently punched his arm, her voice sweet and playful.

The two of them chatted and flirted, seemingly oblivious to the cold wind around them.

Shen Xia stood aside, not feeling a trace of envy, but instead being attracted by another figure.

Under the grey sky, a layer of fine snow clung to the bare branches, like a desolate sketch.

Song Liaosha stood to the side with her head down, her whole being seemingly enveloped in a kind of silence along with the winter.

"Comrade Song, it's so cold, why aren't you wearing a hat?"

Song Liaosha shuddered, a chill ran down her spine, and goosebumps rose on her arms.

"Why would you bring that thing?"

He tilted his head and retorted in a tough voice.

But Shen Xia's eyes softened even more, and her tone carried a maternal admonition.

"But your ears are all red from the cold. You need to put some oil on them when you get back, and don't catch a cold tonight."

Damn it...

Song Liaosha rolled her eyes inwardly. This person was completely impervious to reason!
"Everyone's here, let's go inside."

The four of them bought tickets at the entrance and entered the zoo.

With the Spring Festival approaching, there are quite a few people visiting the zoo.

The adults were wrapped in thick cotton-padded coats, while the children huddled in big cotton hats, clutching candied hawthorns in their hands, jumping and shouting that they wanted to see the big tiger.

Chen Luyang walked ahead, feeling uneasy.

What was supposed to be a romantic getaway for just the two of them, with the female manager, turned into a trip for four.

Looking at Song Liaosha's face, which exuded "youthful pain literature" and "melancholy and fragile artistic temperament," Chen Luyang became even angrier.

He moved closer to Chen Jinyue, gently nudged her elbow, and gave her a slightly resentful look.

Chen Jinyue immediately understood!
Her eyes crinkled into a smile as she called out to Shen Xia, "Xiaxia~ You and Comrade Song go ahead, don't keep following us!"

Shen Xia blushed slightly at the shout and lowered her head without saying a word.

Song Liaosha walked forward with a stern face.

In this way, a distance naturally increased between them.

Seeing that an acquaintance had walked ahead, Chen Luyang's expression immediately improved.

He lowered his head and said in a weak, pitiful voice, "My hands are cold~"

Chen Jinyue raised her eyebrows and looked up at the tall man beside her.

Normally, this shameless person would have readily put their hand in their pocket without a care in the world, so why are they being passive today?

Looking at Chen Luyang's expectant expression, Chen Jinyue suspiciously reached his hand out of his pocket.

The next moment, Chen Luyang happily put her hand on it, interlocked her fingers, and happily put it back into her cotton-padded jacket pocket.

Chen Jinyue: ? ? ?

"You..."

Chen Jin glared at him, but the corners of her mouth involuntarily curled up. "So all that talk about frozen hands was just to steal mine?"

"Hehe." Chen Luyang chuckled to herself.

Even though it was just holding hands, the way Chen Jinyue took the initiative to reach out and grab her felt so wonderful.
And so, the group arrived at the foot of Monkey Mountain.

The monkey mountain loses its summer liveliness in winter.

But the monkeys remained huddled in the cracks between the rocks and under the eaves of the artificial hill, their fur fluffy. One monkey had stolen food from another and was gloating.

Song Liaosha felt that her opportunity had arrived.

He pointed his finger, gathered his energy from his dantian, and was about to roar:
"Look at that stupid monkey! Acting all smug like it owns the place! Give it a good beating!"

However, the words were about to come out when, due to inhaling the cold air and being overly emotional, they suddenly turned into a series of violent coughs.

"Cough! Cough cough cough—! Ugh..."

Song Liaosha bent over, coughing violently, her face turning red, and tears streaming down her face.

Shen Xia's maternal instincts instantly surged. She rushed forward and gently patted Song Liaosha's back, her voice so tender it could melt hearts.

"Comrade Song, are you alright?"

"Is it because it's too cold and you caught a chill from the wind?"

"Look at you, so weak, you should take better care of yourself..."

As she spoke, she handed over her own thermos, saying, "Quick, have some hot water to warm yourself up."

Song Liaosha: "..."

He was so frustrated!

He tried to explain, but he was coughing so badly he couldn't speak and could only wave his hand in vain.

A gust of north wind blew by at just the right time, swirling up a few snowflakes that landed on his slightly disheveled hair and his eyes, which were still red from coughing.

Shen Xia's heart clenched instantly, and she patted his back even more gently.

Chen Luyang was speechless.

Didn't we agree to prove ourselves today?

Why are you even acting now? ...Fine! Go ahead and act!
"Hey...Sis, let's go see the sika deer over there. I heard it's less crowded and the scenery is better!"

Before Chen Jinyue could react, Chen Luyang pulled her away.

Song Liaosha and Shen Xia remained standing in place.

Chen Luyang, quick-witted as ever, deliberately led Chen Jinyue down a side path, walking fast and off-center, leaving Song Liaosha and Shen Xia behind. She exclaimed:

"Now it's finally peaceful!"

Chen Jinyue was both amused and exasperated: "You really dislike people that much?"

"They're not people, they're two big light bulbs!" Chen Luyang said seriously, pulling her hand and bouncing forward.

"We're the ones who are seriously dating, and we can't let other people keep messing things up."

“But Xiaxia…” Chen Jinyue was worried about Shen Xia and didn’t want her to be alone with Song Liaosha.

Before she could finish speaking, Chen Luyang said, "Don't worry, she won't do anything to Song Liaosha."

Chen Jinyue: ...

She wanted to say something, but didn't insist, and let him lead her.

The two strolled all the way to the peacock garden, and even spent a long time looking at the wolves. The winter wind couldn't dampen their good mood.

The two of them had a really great time on the trip; it was a sweet and romantic date for a young couple.

By noon, we had almost finished exploring the zoo.

Chen Luyang and Chen Jinyue walked back contentedly. Just as they reached the gate, they saw Song Liaosha and Shen Xia coming towards them.

Song Liaosha's eyes were empty, her expression one of despair and bewilderment, as if her soul had been hollowed out.

Shen Xia looked at Song Liaosha with concern and tenderness in her eyes.

That one glance startled Chen Luyang.

Good guy...

No wonder Song Liaosha always said that Shen Xia looked at him like a mother looks at her son.

At first glance, they look exactly the same!

Absolutely overflowing with maternal love.

Not to mention Song Liaosha, even Chen Luyang was quite intimidated by that look.

Upon seeing Chen Luyang and Chen Jinyue, Song Liaosha felt as if she had found a lifeline. She immediately took two steps forward and blurted out:

"Brother Chen, Sister-in-law, you've come at the perfect time. I just remembered I have some urgent business at the factory. You guys continue having fun, I'll be leaving now..."

Before he could finish speaking, Chen Jinyue, the chief planner of the event, reacted quickly and called out to him:
"Why are you leaving? It's lunchtime, let's grab a bite to eat together before you go."

Song Liaosha outwardly feigned a strong desire to go but an inability to do so, saying with resentment, "No, no, something really came up..."

But he wanted to leave, and Chen Jinyue wouldn't allow it!
She secretly gave Chen Luyang a wink, her eyes filled with a commanding determination.

In an instant, Chen Luyang immediately raised the banner of "traitor," righteously denouncing even his own family, and said, "Why are you leaving?"

"It's the weekend at the factory, all the workers are on holiday, what's the rush?!"

"Besides, can factory matters be more important than eating? Come on, let's eat first and then talk!"

“Yes!” Shen Xia echoed softly, her eyes full of anticipation.

"Everyone has come all this way, it would be more lively to have a meal together."

Song Liaosha: "..."

His lips twitched violently, and his eyes were filled with disbelief as he looked at Chen Luyang!

bastard...

You treacherous bastard who betrayed your friends for personal gain!!!

Song Liaosha gritted her teeth, her eyes glaring at Chen Luyang like knives.

Chen Luyang, forcing herself to speak, continued, "It's on me today, order whatever you want!"

As he spoke, Chen Luyang looked at Song Liaosha with an expression that seemed to say, "My boyfriend is here, please, Dad."

Finally, he deliberately added, "Besides, Comrade Shen Xia has already spoken up, how could you let the young lady down?"

“Yes, Comrade Song.” Shen Xia followed up, her voice gentle and her eyes full of expectation.

"Let's go together, the four of us will make a perfect table."

"..." Song Liaosha felt a lump in her throat and almost vomited blood on the spot.

Left with no other choice, he could only grit his teeth and nod.

"……Fine."

And so, the four of them walked together again and headed towards the restaurant.

Once inside the restaurant, Song Liaosha didn't stand on ceremony and ordered a whole bunch of food from the menu.

The four of them ordered food for eight people, and eventually even the restaurant staff couldn't stand it anymore.

"Comrades, you've ordered a lot. Can you finish it all?"

Song Liaosha tapped the table and asked, "What have I ordered?"

The waiter said, "Comrade, you've ordered braised pork, a pot of sauerkraut and pork belly, Kung Pao chicken, stir-fried pork slices, sweet and sour pork, and pork stew with vermicelli..."

These dishes are so heavy that even four men, let alone two men and two women, would be so full they'd have to lean against the wall to get out, let alone two men and two women.

Song Liaosha nodded calmly, "Okay, that's settled then. Two more plates of dumplings! ...Oh, and three cold dishes to tide you over!"

After saying that, Song Liaosha gave Chen Luyang a friendly smile.

"Brother, can we upload these?"

Chen Luyang slammed his fist on the table and said, "Go! My brother has spoken, so we all have to go!"

Chen Jinyue and Shen Xia were both dumbfounded and looked at each other in disbelief.

Shen Xia muttered to herself, "Comrade Chen and Comrade Song must have a really good relationship... They can order so much so casually, they must be incredibly close."

Chen Jinyue's eyes were also filled with surprise.

The brotherhood between these men is truly awe-inspiring!

As the dishes were served one after another, there was almost not enough room on the table.

Chen Jinyue casually asked, "Da Song, what kind of girl do you usually like? My best friend is so sensible and thoughtful. If you're really interested, don't miss the opportunity."

Song Liaosha had just picked up a piece of sweet and sour pork with her chopsticks, chewed it twice with a "crunch," and looked up with a serious expression:
"I'm not in the mood to think about finding a partner."

Chen Jinyue was taken aback, and Shen Xia's eyes also flickered.

Song Liaosha put down her chopsticks, her voice lowering slightly: "When I was very young, my mother was called back to the Soviet Union. For the past few years, I've had only one thought: once the country is fully open, I want to go find my mother."

"As for a partner, I just want to find a daughter-in-law that she likes. I haven't thought about anything else."

After these words were spoken, there was a moment of silence at the table.

Shen Xia's heart tightened, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

As a girl with an exceptionally strong sense of empathy, I was completely immersed in Song Liaosha's words the moment I heard them.

If it were me, having lost my mother at a young age, how lonely would I be?

She looked into Song Liaosha's emerald green eyes and saw that faint melancholy had been magnified into a bone-chilling loneliness... Her heart ached so much that she wanted to immediately offer her all her tenderness.

“Comrade Song…” Her voice trembled, and her eyes softened.

"You will definitely find your mother!"

As soon as she spoke, tears welled up in Shen Xia's eyes, as if she wasn't comforting someone else, but rather encouraging the little girl in her heart.

Song Liaosha was speechless.

He was about to explode when he saw Shen Xia's soft eyes. He swallowed back the words "Don't worry about it" that were about to come out of his throat, and could only lower his head and shovel a mouthful of rice into his mouth, forcing a nonchalant expression.

He's already made his stance clear; the rest is up to the girl.

After the entire trip to the zoo, Song Liaosha not only failed to change Shen Xia's impression of her, but also made Shen Xia's gaze even gentler.

(End of this chapter)