Period drama: Old Cao's carefree life

Chapter 28 Should I still be annoyed by him?

It's no wonder Cao Weida knew them; they were all from the vicinity of the overpass, and as a patrolman, he was bound to run into them.

However, since Tian Zao and his gang were always stealing chickens and dogs, they would generally avoid him, the patrolman.

Thinking of the TV series, where Tian Zao struggled to survive with those orphans without parents, I felt a pang of pity.

When poor, one should cultivate one's own virtue; when successful, one should help others. Cao Wei Da didn't have such great abilities, but he was now financially secure and willing to do what he could for his compatriots.

"Your name is Tian Zao, right?" Cao Weida walked over, showing what he considered his most amiable smile.

But the little ones were startled and timidly hid behind Tian Zao, looking at him with fearful eyes. Cao Weida even doubted himself, wondering if he looked really fierce.

Tian Zao, like a mother hen protecting her chicks, shielded the boys behind her, watching Cao Weida warily.
"Officer, what's the matter? We haven't done anything wrong!"

Cao Wei Da chuckled. Was this a self-admission or something?

I didn't ask anything.
"Don't be nervous, I'm not going to arrest you. I need your help with something. If you can do it well..."

He took out three silver dollars from his pocket and weighed them in his hand; the sound of the silver dollars clinking together was exceptionally crisp. "Here, this is your reward."

Tian Zao's eyes lit up, but she didn't reach out. Instead, she became even more wary. "What do you want to say first? Let me make it clear that we won't do anything illegal or immoral."

"You're quite vigilant." Cao Weida smiled, not too concerned. "But don't worry, it's nothing difficult. You often hang around this area, so you must be very familiar with it."

"Okay, go and find out for me if there are any courtyards for sale nearby, preferably those with an entrance."

He has a lot of money, but keeping it in his hands is pointless; he might as well spend it.

Buying a house became his first choice, and he even planned to buy several as backups.

Now that Du Shiniang has agreed to be his concubine, who knows if she will take a fancy to a few more in the future?

Be prepared.

"That's all?" Tian Zao was somewhat incredulous; she hadn't expected it to be such a simple matter!

Because of the Japanese invaders' rampage, the people of Beiping are in turmoil. Anyone with a way out has basically fled with their families. As a result, although there aren't many empty houses in Beiping, you can still find some if you ask around carefully.

How could such a simple person be rewarded with three yuan? It's so mysterious.
Three silver dollars was not enough for many people to earn in a month. For example, female police officers in Beiping only earned about two or three silver dollars a month.

Well, he finally managed to do something kind, but he was still doubted again and again. Cao Weida smiled bitterly, but thinking about it, these teenagers were really pitiful. They had experienced a lot of the coldness and warmth of human relationships, so he could understand.

"I can pay the fee first for this matter. I need it urgently, so you have to help me find it as soon as possible, but you can't tell the seller yet. Can you handle this?"

"Sure, that's amazing! You've come to the right person!" After thinking it over, it seemed like she wouldn't lose out. Tian Zao's eyes lit up, and she reached out her hand.

This small amount of money was of little concern to the wealthy and powerful Cao Wei Da, who readily handed it over.

"But let me make this clear first: the yard doesn't need to be too big, but it must be nice. Don't just give me a run-down, dilapidated one."

Tian Zao stared intently at Da Yang, "No way, I'll definitely find you a good one!"

"Since that's the case, I'll take it as you agreeing to this deal. Come on, let me take you to get some food. Even the emperor doesn't starve his soldiers."

Tian Zao's expression was strange. This person was really odd. He gave them such a generous reward, yet the task was so simple, and he even treated them to a meal?
Didn't he see the number of mouths on his side?
She asked tentatively, "You mean invite us?"

Cao Wei Da wanted to laugh, but also felt a pang of heartache. They were all just a bunch of kids, yet they were so sensible at such a young age. In later generations, these kids would all be nestled in their parents' arms, being spoiled. This damned world.

He returned to the braised pork stall and said, "Boss, give each of them a serving of braised pork, I'll pay for it."

Eat as much as you want, there's plenty!

"Hey boss, give them an extra portion of offal, here, is two silver dollars enough?"

"That's enough, that's enough. These kids are really lucky to have met you."

"Hey, what's with all this talk of good fortune? These kids are really pitiful. If you can help them, then help them out." After paying, Cao Weida tossed Tian Zao a message: "Find me on Yandaixie Street if you find them," and then left. "That guy's really strange." Watching his departing figure, and then touching the silver dollars in her pocket, Tian Zao muttered to herself.

"You brat," the boss said with a laugh, "someone kindly invited you to dinner, and you're calling them weird. Be careful they hear you and come back to find out."

"Hmph, how could a dark-skinned guy like him have such a kind heart?" Tian Zao retorted. They were orphans and didn't stay in one place, but most of them lived near the overpass, surrounded by familiar people who would pity them a little.

The boss shook his head and retorted, "If you're talking about other black cops, then I really can't say, but Officer Cao is indeed a rare good man. You've got a lucky day."

"You haven't had much contact with him, so you don't know. Officer Cao is actually a pretty good guy, ever since he came to this area. Never mind, why tell you all this? You just need to know that Officer Cao isn't a bad person. You can just relax and wait to get your food."

Tian Zao nodded thoughtfully, then rolled her eyes and said with a grin, "Boss Sun, we don't need the extra braised pork. Just give me the change."

"You little rascal, you're so clever. Fine, here you go." Boss Sun chuckled, but didn't refuse.

Tian Zao and these kids often hung around this area, so he naturally knew them and was aware of how hard these lads had it.

The extra money spent on braised pork might save these kids from going hungry for a couple of meals.

Sometimes he would kindly give them some leftovers, but he was just an ordinary person who was lucky enough to feed himself, and he didn't have the extra ability to help others. He was truly willing but unable to do so.

Now that Cao Wei Da is backing him up, he naturally wouldn't mind doing a good deed along the way.

"Add more sesame oil and cilantro, and some lard too."

"Okay, I'll add it for you, alright? You little rascal."

"Uncle Sun, I want one too! I want one too!"

"And I!"

"Go away, you bunch of rascals. Only Tian girl is lucky to have anything to eat. All you do is try to take advantage of your Uncle Sun."

These days, supplies are expensive, especially meat. Giving extra to Tian Zao was already the most he could do out of kindness. If he gave it all, he would truly be too kind to bear.
In the courtyard, Cao Weida, who had just returned from a stroll, lay on a recliner basking in the sun. As the saying goes, spring brings drowsiness and autumn brings fatigue, and lying in the sun was the most enjoyable thing to do.

"Cao'er, are you lying down?" A lewd voice rang in my ear.

Cao Wei Da slightly opened his eyes and glanced at him, then gave a perfunctory "hmm" through his nose: "Eighth Prince, what is it?"

That's nonsense. If I'm not lying down, am I lying like a corpse?

This bastard never does anything, but he suddenly showed up today; it can't be anything good.

To be honest, Cao Weida really found him annoying.

He didn't care whether the other party was a Kuomintang agent or not; even if they were, he would still bother them.

"Hey, what could I possibly want?" Old Man Wang's eyes darted around as he said with a lewd grin, "I saw you on the overpass this morning, but I was too embarrassed to say hello."

Oh, this bastard is actually using honorifics now?
Cao Weida was surprised. He widened his narrowed eyes slightly but did not reply. He just stared at him quietly, trying to see what he meant.

Seeing that Cao Wei Da didn't respond, Wang Baye could only continue, "Cao'er, have you made a fortune recently?"

"Why do you say that?" Cao Weida raised an eyebrow.

“I saw it all. You even hired a rickshaw, treated a few young men to dinner today, and I even saw you give money to a maid,” Wang Baye said with a fawning smile, trying to move closer, but Cao Weida pushed him away in disgust.
"Hehehe, Eighth Master, please move away, you're making me smell bad."

This bastard hasn't brushed his teeth in who knows how many days. His teeth are all black, and when he opens his mouth, the smell is awful!

Old Master Wang, embarrassed, stepped back a little. "Look, Cao'er, we're all neighbors. As they say, a close neighbor is worse than a distant relative. If you ever come up with any ways to make money, don't forget your old friends."

"Stop, stop, stop! My entire family, Cao Weida, is dead. I'm the only son left. I don't have any relatives. Don't try to claim any connection."

"Well, that's not what I meant. What I meant was, could you perhaps mentor me? Don't worry, if I make any money, I'll treat you with the same filial piety I show to my own father."

(End of this chapter)