Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Chapter 166 is vague.
It has to be said that with Wang Chengpeng's addition, An Qiuyun seemed to have a cheat code and made an extremely delicious egg, mushroom and tofu soup.

Especially the rich, milky-white broth, which looks incredibly appetizing.

An Qiuyun wasn't greedy. Knowing her own abilities, after finishing the egg, mushroom, and tofu soup, she obediently relinquished control of the kitchen and went to help prepare the dishes.

In an instant, the cramped kitchen felt much more spacious, with only Wang Chengpeng and Xia Mingyue remaining.

However, Xia Mingyue herself has some cooking skills. Her food may not be the most delicious, but it's certainly not the kind of food that would burn down the kitchen.

So Wang Chengpeng didn't do anything extra; he just helped cook two simple dishes.

Since the ingredients were already prepared, it didn't take much effort, and soon everyone was sitting around a large table of food.

Before the meal was served, Xia Mingyue said with a embarrassed expression:
"Comrade Wang, it's just that we two were too clumsy. We promised to treat you to dinner, but in the end, you still had to help us a lot."

"If it weren't for you helping to cook a few dishes, we might not even be able to eat yet."

Knowing full well that she had done more harm than good, the usually carefree An Qiuyun felt a rare sense of shame and lowered her head.

On the contrary, Wang Chengpeng said nonchalantly, "Food has no distinction between high and low, expensive and cheap. As long as it can fill your stomach, it is good food."

"Besides, this is food you made with care; it's impossible for you to dislike it just because of your sincerity."

It is said that the dinner table is the best place to discuss matters, but the three of them remained silent due to their respective identities and positions.

Fortunately, the food was quite delicious, and everyone enjoyed the meal.

Judging from An Qiuyun's appearance, she seemed to have something to say, but after hesitating for a long time, she ultimately did not speak.

Wang Chengpeng naturally noticed An Qiuyun's unusual behavior, but he didn't dare to ask too many questions.

In this era of strict gender segregation, excessive concern can not only bother others but also cause trouble for oneself.

After eating and drinking to their hearts' content, it was time for Xia Mingyue to go to Wang Chengpeng's house to borrow books.

To make things easier, the two of them had borrowed bicycles in advance this time.

After all, if they were to walk past and then come back, it would probably be dark by then, which wouldn't be safe.

Asking Wang Chengpeng to take them would take too much time, so it would be better to just borrow a bicycle.

In addition, books are quite heavy, so having a bicycle would be much more convenient.

This also proves the importance of bicycles in this era, no wonder they have become a highly sought-after item.

When Xia Mingyue returned to Wang Chengpeng's study, she had a completely different feeling this time.

Compared to the temporary study previously used by Wang Chengpeng's bedroom, the current study is not only larger and more spacious, but also has several carefully crafted bookshelves.

Thanks to the bookshelves, Wang Chengpeng not only has more books in his study, but also finds them more easily by categorizing them.

Looking at the room full of books, Xia Mingyue subconsciously placed the books she had brought to return on the table and exclaimed:
"Is this heaven?"

You should know that, apart from large-scale libraries, she had never seen so many books of such variety before.

Now that she can easily borrow books simply by asking, how could she not be overjoyed?

Often, the astonishment of guests is also part of the joy of collecting books.

Pointing to the room full of books, Wang Chengpeng smiled and said:
"Thank you for your hospitality, Xia Zhiqing. As a return gift, you can borrow any book you like."

As if suddenly remembering something, Wang Chengpeng casually took a copy of "La Dame aux Camélias" from the bookshelf and handed it over, saying:
"Xia Zhiqing, I can see you really like this book. It's fate that we met. Since I have extra copies, I'll give this book to you."

Compared to the previous copy of "La Dame aux Camélias," this copy is a French version, making it many times rarer.

Most importantly, the original owner of the book seems to have taken great care of it, as it has suffered virtually no damage.

Such a treasure, even if Xia Mingyue liked it very much, she couldn't bring herself to accept it, saying:
"Comrade Wang, the value of this book is immeasurable. I cannot accept it. You should keep it for your own collection."

Xia Mingyue's words are not an exaggeration at all. Due to the limitations of the times, the acceptance of foreign classics was not high.

Considering the costs of printing and translation, such a book can only be found in libraries that specialize in foreign literature.

Wang Chengpeng was lucky to have managed to get the book.

Faced with Xia Mingyue's refusal, Wang Chengpeng pushed the book back and said:
"Even the best books can only realize their value if they are in the right hands."

"I don't like these love-themed books. For me, they're just ordinary collectibles that don't have much value."

"In that case, it would be better to give the book to Xia Zhiqing so that it can play a greater role."

After a moment's hesitation, Xia Mingyue finally took the book and said:
"I really love this book so much that I won't refuse it. Talking about money with someone who loves books is too vulgar."

"How about this, let's treat it as a way to make friends through books."

"When we get back, I'll give you a book you like, then we'll be even."

For book lovers, gifting books is a meaningful gesture, and often, reciprocating with a book of similar value is the best choice.

Although Xia Mingyue's book collection was not as extensive as Wang Chengpeng's, it was still quite substantial, which allowed her to make friends through books.

Seeing that Xia Mingyue was determined, Wang Chengpeng did not refuse and said, "Alright, then let's make friends through books."

"I'm really looking forward to what books Xia Zhiqing will give me."

It was getting late, so after borrowing the books, Xia Mingyue and An Qiuyun got up to say goodbye.

On the way home, as if she had just thought of something, Xia Mingyue asked meaningfully:
"Qiuyun, are you really not going to tell Comrade Wang the news?"

"I noticed you hesitated for a long time while eating, but ultimately didn't choose to speak. Is there something you're worried about?"

Faced with Xia Mingyue's question, An Qiuyun's face was full of bitterness as she said:

"Comrade Wang and I are just ordinary friends, or even not really friends. Why should we presume to say strange things?"

“I was just an insignificant passerby in Comrade Wang’s life. He might not even realize I’m gone for several months.”

"Unlike you guys, those who are close have already started exchanging tokens of love."

That's right, An Qiuyun is about to leave Wangjia Village and return to the place where she used to live.

Recently, for some reason, the policy has loosened up a bit, and Xia Mingyue's family has become more active, which has given her a reason to go back. She can go back by next week at the latest.

She would naturally only tell such private matters to people she was close to, and Xia Mingyue was one of them, but Wang Chengpeng didn't seem to be among them.

After An Qiuyun's words, a suspicious blush quickly crept onto Xia Mingyue's cheeks.

Xia Mingyue deliberately rubbed the car against a small stone by the roadside, causing it to bounce. She said irritably, "..."

"We didn't exchange any tokens of love. We just made friends through books. Exchanging books is a common thing among book lovers."

"On the contrary, you learned a delicious dish from Comrade Wang today."

"Tsk tsk tsk, this egg, mushroom and tofu soup is so delicious!"

Xia Mingyue deliberately emphasized the words "hands-on" and the teasing meaning was self-evident.

Although she watched the whole thing from the sidelines, apart from An Qiuyun's one outburst, the two didn't have any contact at all.

But if An Qiuyun can use such a normal book exchange to mock me, why can't I use learning to cook as an excuse?
Speechless after being confronted by Xia Mingyue, An Qiuyun's eyes lit up, and she immediately launched a sneak attack on Xia Mingyue, who was riding her bicycle.

A pair of hands quickly scratched Xia Mingyue's body, making her so itchy that she rode her bicycle wobbling from side to side.

"No, no, no, we're riding a bike right now, don't do anything reckless."

"It doesn't matter if you fall into the ditch, but if the book that Comrade Wang lent me is damaged, I'll really be too ashamed to face him."

Xia Mingyue had no idea that An Qiuyun would be so uncivilized. The two of them playfully fought as they slowly made their way towards the educated youth settlement.

It's just that the two of them left early; otherwise, it would have been impossible to find out until it was completely dark.

……

Wang Chengpeng was naturally unaware that An Qiuyun was about to leave.

In his previous life, he had naturally heard about An Qiuyun's early departure, but since it was none of his business, he didn't bother to inquire about the specific time.

All I know is that there were two female educated youths at the settlement, one of whom left some time ago for some unknown reason.

He was reading a book, frantically absorbing the knowledge within, trying to arm himself with the power of knowledge, when he heard the sound of the door opening outside.

At this time, all the Wang family members were at home, and since the three dogs did not bark, the identity of the visitor was self-evident; it should be Zhu Hong, who had returned home to visit relatives.

Sure enough, heavy footsteps soon sounded outside the door.

Thinking of this, Wang Chengpeng opened the door and asked curiously:

“Zhu Hong, it’s rare for you to come back home. Why don’t you stay at home longer and spend more time with your father?”

Faced with Wang Chengpeng's question, Zhu Hong also looked puzzled and said:

"I would like to stay a few more days, but the old man doesn't seem to like me very much. He complains that I eat too much, and he couldn't wait to send me back after only one day."

"Oh, and he also asked me to bring you some dried meat, saying it was to thank you for taking care of me."

"I'm always the one taking care of others, no one ever takes care of me. This old man really doesn't know how to talk."

"I took the money back with me to buy this dried meat, and he still has the nerve to only buy this little bit and send it back."

"Oh, by the way, the old man specifically told me to listen to you and protect your safety."

"Does he even need to say that? I've eaten so many meals at the Wang family's house, how could I possibly not do anything?"

"Don't worry, as long as I'm still standing, I can definitely protect everyone."

Wang Chengpeng: ... He had reason to suspect that Zhu Weiguo, who was clearly very capable, was so poor that he couldn't even afford a few hundred yuan, because he had been ripped off by Zhu Hong.

Although Zhu Hong is not picky about food and can eat anything, he has a huge appetite, and his daily food expenses are quite a lot; otherwise, he wouldn't have grown into such a big guy.

Given Zhu Hong's stubborn personality, Zhu Weiguo probably cleaned up his messes quite often, and the family's money couldn't be spent easily.

Seeing that Wang Chengpeng treated Zhu Hong well, Zhu Weiguo couldn't wait to get rid of this big trouble and was unwilling to let him stay at home to freeload.

Without Zhu Hong causing trouble at home, Zhu Weiguo is probably secretly delighted right now.

After figuring out the key point, Wang Chengpeng smiled and said:
"Alright, since your father wants you to come with me, then you can work for me without worry. I will definitely not treat you unfairly."

"Put the dried meat in the kitchen. We can make it sometime when we have time. It'll be a delicious dish."

Zhu Hong picked up the dried meat and walked towards the kitchen.

However, as he walked, his mouth didn't stop; he kept muttering to himself:

"Brother Wang will never treat me badly; I get plenty of good food and drink every day."

"But the old man in my family always gives me some unpalatable food that makes my throat choke. Sometimes I really wonder if he adopted me."

Hearing Zhu Hong's mutterings, Wang Chengpeng breathed a sigh of relief, called out to Zhu Hong, and said:

"Zhu Hong, wait a moment, I have something to tell you."

"From now on, when there are outsiders around, you are not allowed to speak without my permission!"

With Zhu Hong's mouth, taking him out would probably offend everyone.

Unfortunately, he was unaware of this, so Wang Chengpeng had to help him with the selection process.

Looking at Wang Chengpeng in disbelief, Zhu Hong exclaimed, "Why are you just like my old man, not letting me speak?"

"But it's alright, the old man doesn't even let me speak at home, so you're at least a little better off than him."

"If you don't want to say it, then don't. I'm used to it anyway. Besides, you wouldn't know if I said it in my heart."

Watching Zhu Hong's departing figure, Wang Chengpeng felt self-doubt for the first time, wondering if he had ever made mistakes.

However, considering Zhu Hong's abilities, Wang Chengpeng felt that this minor shortcoming was acceptable.

Well, nobody's perfect. Zhu Hong is just a little loud, a little talkative, a little harsh, eats a little more, is a little more straightforward, and a little bit single-minded...

Aside from that, he is still very reliable.

At least Zhu Hong is willing to listen to him, and Wang Chengpeng often needs such a helper, so keeping him around is more beneficial than harmful.

With that in mind, Wang Chengpeng made some simple arrangements for Zhu Hong and then returned to his study.

The more he studied, the more he realized his shortcomings.

Learning is not about rote memorization, but about integrating knowledge and even applying it to new situations.

Wang Chengpeng is currently only at stage 1.5, and he still has a long way to go.

Even when rereading books he had read before, Wang Chengpeng always manages to gain something from them.

Just as Wang Chengpeng was about to immerse himself back in his studies, a loud barking sounded outside the door.

Clearly, another uninvited guest has arrived here today.

Although Wang Zidong often came to Wang Chengpeng's house to study, the puppies were already familiar with his scent and rarely barked.

The only reason they would do this is that they have encountered strangers and want to convey a message to their owners in this way.

"Brother Wang, two men claiming to be the production team leader and the militia leader are looking for you. Do you want to see them?"

Zhu Hong truly lived up to his reputation for having a loud voice; his voice could be heard clearly even through the door.

If Wang Chengpeng's family weren't living in a detached house, they probably could hear everything clearly even from the neighbors' houses.

Wang Fucheng and Wang Zhong? These two are worth meeting.

Thinking this, Wang Chengpeng shouted at the top of his lungs towards the door:
"Take them to the living room and sit down. I'll be right there."

When Wang Chengpeng arrived in the living room, he saw Zhu Hong and Wang Zhong facing off.

The two of them didn't know what had caused the friction, and were currently in a strange state of "What are you looking at?" "What's it to you if I look at you?" "Try looking at me again."

If they hadn't both had their own concerns, they probably would have already started fighting.

Wang Chengpeng glared at Zhu Hong with annoyance and said, "What are you standing there for? Hurry up and go boil some water to make tea."

"You've really got guts to stand up to a customer."

Faced with Wang Chengpeng's reprimand, Zhu Hong was clearly unconvinced, his eyes wide open.

But he has one good point: he's obedient.

Although he was very dissatisfied, he still listened to Wang Chengpeng and went to the kitchen to boil water and make tea.

As soon as he sat down, Wang Chengpeng said, quite embarrassed:
"Sorry, my friend is a bit stubborn and has caused you trouble."

"But don't worry, Zhu Hong isn't a bad person by nature, and he won't actually do anything outrageous."

"By the way, I wonder what my uncle and cousin want with me in the middle of the night."

"If there's anything you really need, just let me know if you can help."

There aren't many things that could bring the two of them together, but recently there just happened to be one.

Even before the two had spoken, Wang Chengpeng had already roughly guessed their purpose.

Sure enough, as soon as Wang Chengpeng finished speaking, Wang Fucheng began to explain his purpose:
"I dare not give orders. I came here specifically to ask my nephew for advice."

“The village has been quite unsettled lately, as you know. Even my position as the production team leader is somewhat precarious.”

"A petition signed by hundreds of people? That's quite an achievement. How could an old man like me possibly withstand that?"

"I heard that my nephew is a capable person, so I came here specifically to ask you for advice, to find out what I should do."

Wang Fucheng adopted a very humble attitude, speaking as if he were eagerly seeking advice, which gave Wang Chengpeng a lot of face.

What he meant by "how to do it" wasn't just how to do it, but rather he wanted to ask Wang Chengpeng how to do it beautifully and completely overthrow Song Zhiyuan's faction.

Although he had some ideas in his mind, he couldn't be sure whether his ideas were right or wrong, or whether his choices were correct.

In his moment of panic, Wang Fucheng remembered Wang Chengpeng, the cause of the incident, and saw him as a lifeline, which is why he made a special trip there in the middle of the night.

In fact, if Wang Fucheng hadn't been away on business trips recently, he probably would have already come knocking on his door.

Faced with Wang Fucheng's plea for help, Wang Chengpeng chose to play dumb and said:
"Uncle, you've come to the wrong person. What skills could a young man like me, who hasn't read many books, possibly have?"

"However, I don't think Uncle is too panicked. He must have already made up his mind. There's no need for me to add anything unnecessary."

Seeing that Wang Chengpeng was also the type to not act until he saw a tangible benefit, Wang Fucheng sighed with feigned helplessness and said:
"I do have two ideas, but I don't know if they're right."

"Young people have their own ideas, and their perspectives on issues are completely different from ours."

"I will now share these two ideas and ask my nephew to give them a good consideration."

Seeing that Wang Chengpeng had no intention of dissuading him, Wang Fucheng understood and directly stated his thoughts:
"My first thought was to be open and honest."

“I told all the villagers directly that I planned to lead them to develop the sugar industry, and the rumors that I was acting recklessly were naturally disproven.”

After stating his first thought, Wang Fucheng subconsciously looked at Wang Chengpeng, only to see a calm and unperturbed face.

Unsure whether it was disagreement or something else, Wang Fucheng, unable to discern Wang Chengpeng's thoughts, began to express his second idea:

"My second thought was to say nothing and suppress the matter."

"As soon as the sugar factory starts to show signs of profitability and the villagers receive tangible benefits, the so-called rumors will naturally fall apart on their own."

"Song Zhiyuan, who orchestrated this matter, will inevitably get what he deserves."

After stating his two ideas, Wang Fucheng remained silent, looking at Wang Chengpeng with anticipation, hoping to hear him agree with his second idea.

That's right. Wang Fucheng seemed to have given two ideas, but in reality, only the second one was feasible.

While the first idea could minimize the impact on him, it wouldn't be able to bring down Song Zhiyuan, and it didn't align with Wang Fucheng's interests.

After all, he's been holding back such a big grudge, all for the sake of bringing Song Zhiyuan down.
Although choosing the second path was a bit more difficult, it would yield the best results, which coincided with Wang Fucheng's initial idea.

Although he had already made up his mind, Wang Fucheng still planned to try his luck with Wang Chengpeng, hoping that if he could find a better solution, he could suffer less.

Tap, tap, tap—that was the sound of Wang Chengpeng's index finger tapping the table, clearly indicating that he was also thinking.

He naturally knew Wang Fucheng's true thoughts; normally, he could simply say he supported the second idea and get away with it.

However, this was not in Wang Chengpeng's best interest.

Wang Fucheng was able to suppress the matter because of his and his son Wang Zhong's status, but once Song Zhiyuan gains power, given the recent conflict between Wang Chengpeng and him, the other party will likely cause him trouble.

No matter how you look at it, this kind of thing should be nipped in the bud, and Song Zhiyuan should be dealt with decisively so that he can no longer affect you.

With this in mind, Wang Chengpeng had already made up his mind. Since Wang Fucheng had come to ask for advice, he could make a good effort to get things done.

He hasn't fully matured yet. Although he has strength, he lacks power and is unlikely to pose a threat to Song Zhiyuan.

But Wang Fucheng is different. As Song Zhiyuan's enemy, Wang Chengpeng only needs to give him a little hint to plunge Song Zhiyuan into an irredeemable situation.

(End of this chapter)