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

Chapter 223 Leave it to me

Since they needed to discuss business, the two found a relatively secluded corner.

Looking at the dazzling array of dishes, and thinking that since it wasn't his own money, Wang Chun'an ordered seven or eight dishes.

Then, as if he had just remembered something, he said:
"Cousin, is it a bit inappropriate for me to order so many dishes?"

Although the prices at state-run restaurants were relatively affordable, they couldn't resist Wang Chun'an's lavish orders of meat and fish.

Conservatively speaking, this meal will cost at least ten yuan.

Wang Chengpeng said with a smile, "I'm not worried about the money."
"Since it's my treat, I can't let my cousin down."

"I suppose my cousin is planning to pack some for his wife to take back. It's just a little bit; there's no need for us brothers to be so polite."

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's words, Wang Chun'an scratched his head and said:
"I have no intention of taking it home. This stuff tastes better when it's freshly made. Why eat leftovers?"

"Besides, if I really packed the things back, it would be difficult for me to explain where they came from."

As he said this, Wang Chun'an took a sip of the wine placed in front of him.

That was a fine wine that Wang Chengpeng had bought in advance from the supply and marketing cooperative. It not only looked crystal clear, but also had a rich and fragrant aroma, which made him want to enjoy it immensely.

Wang Chengpeng even bought an extra bottle of wine so that Wang Chun'an could take it back and drink it.

Wang Chengpeng doesn't drink alcohol, he only had some soft drinks, and he drank with Wang Chun'an, one cup after another.

After downing a glass of wine, Wang Chun'an's face immediately turned bright red.

Some people's faces turn red when they drink alcohol, and it's extremely noticeable.

Although he felt a little dizzy, Wang Chun'an didn't care at all. He grabbed a chicken leg and started eating it in big bites.

As the alcohol took effect, Wang Chun'an's consciousness gradually became muddled, and he began to ramble on and on to Wang Chengpeng.

Who treated him badly? Who was biased? Who couldn't make him have his way?...

If Wang Chengpeng hadn't actually stayed at the Wang family's house, he would have really thought that Wang Chun'an's parents, brothers, grandparents, and other relatives were extremely wicked and took pleasure in bullying Wang Chun'an.

He let out a burp, and as the smell of alcohol rose in his mouth, Wang Chun'an murmured:
"I just wanted to have a drink today, but these two old geezers won't give me any money. They're utterly despicable."

"If I didn't have some influence, I probably wouldn't have been able to borrow the money to buy the wine at all."

"Fortunately, my cousin was generous, which gave me an enjoyment I had never experienced before."

At this point, Wang Chun'an suddenly slammed his hand on the table, stood up abruptly, and said:

"Cousin, this is the first time I've realized that you are such a good person, and even my parents treat me well."

"I value brotherhood the most. If you have any difficulties, just let me know. I will definitely help if I can."

Fearing that it might disturb the other guests, Wang Chengpeng quickly helped Wang Chun'an sit down and said:
"Cousin, you're drunk."

"It's best not to say these things in public, otherwise people might think I'm setting a trap to deceive you."

As the saying goes, "He who takes a man's money is bound to be grateful, and he who eats another man's food is bound to be grateful."

Wang Chun'an felt extremely embarrassed, having been given both food and gifts.

In addition, he is a very proud person, so after Wang Chengpeng mentioned it, whether intentionally or unintentionally, he immediately patted his chest and assured him:
"What 'Feast at Hongmen'? If there is such a 'Feast at Hongmen', cousin, just call me and I'll be there anytime."

"Don't be shy, just tell me if you need anything, I'll make sure I can help."

After pouring Wang Chun'an another glass of wine, Wang Chengpeng sighed and said:

"Speaking of which, I do have something I need my cousin's help with, which is why I'm near my grandparents' house today."

As he spoke, Wang Chengpeng took out the bracelet portrait he had prepared in advance and said:

"This is a bracelet, a family heirloom, which was accidentally lost."

“My mother was afraid that we would worry, so she kept it to herself until two days ago when she told me that it might have been left behind in our hometown.”

"But since our family has already separated, and my mother didn't mention the lost bracelet when we separated, it's not convenient for us to go back to our hometown to look for it."

"But this bracelet is a family heirloom, and I think it would be best to try to find it if possible."

"After all, things have a price, but feelings are priceless."

"So I was thinking that if you could help me with this, that would be really great."

"This is a black and white sketch, but the specific color should be yellow. What do you think?"

A yellow bracelet? That almost puts the words "gold bracelet" out in the open.

Although there were copper bracelets, they were definitely not worth his cousin making such a big fuss about.

As for his cousin's saying, "Things have a price, but feelings are priceless," this was simply impossible for Wang Chun'an, who prioritized profit above all else.

Thinking this, Wang Chun'an instantly sobered up considerably, realizing that this was indeed a trap. He then casually asked:
"A gold bracelet?"

“Cousin, it’s not that I don’t want to help you, but this is something we’re looking for in our house, especially a bracelet that looks like it might be very valuable.”

"It's a bit too domineering of you to just claim it's yours without any proof."

Knowing Wang Chun'an's thoughts, Wang Chengpeng chuckled awkwardly:
“My mother’s family isn’t well-off either, so I suppose they couldn’t afford a gold bracelet.”

"But this is something that has been passed down in the family for generations, it's just a keepsake, and no one thought about getting it appraised."

"How about this, I won't put my cousin in a difficult position."

“You don’t need to help me get the bracelet back. After all, this kind of thing shouldn’t be based on just my side of the story; we need to confront each other face to face.”

"Cousin, you just need to help me find the bracelet, and I will reward you handsomely."

At this point, Wang Chengpeng deliberately made a pained expression and said, "How about fifty yuan?"

"If my cousin can find the bracelet, I'll give you fifty yuan as a reward."

"If it's just a general location, it shouldn't cause my cousin any trouble."

"Of course, if my cousin really feels it's difficult, it's okay to refuse me."

At this point, Wang Chengpeng sighed again and said:
"Cousin, I'm so sorry to have put you in such a difficult position."

"It's my fault. I shouldn't have told you about something so difficult."

"Come on, drink this up, and let's call it a day."

After downing his drink in one gulp, Wang Chengpeng muttered to himself:
"My cousin is unwilling to help, so it seems I'll have to ask my cousin Xia An."

"I don't know if this fifty yuan will be enough to sway him. After all, my family isn't very wealthy, and the amount we can come up with is already the limit."

Fifty yuan, plus an expensive dinner, all for the sake of getting help inquiring about the bracelet—such generous terms immediately swayed Wang Chun'an. Most importantly, Wang Chengpeng had made it clear that if he didn't agree, he could find someone else; this wasn't some exclusive business.

The thought of Wang Xia'an forcibly taking away the job that should have been his filled Wang Chun'an with a burning anger.

It burned fiercely in my chest, each pulse seemingly conveying resentment and anger.

This is a great opportunity to earn fifty yuan for helping someone find something. No way, I can't let Wang Xia'an get this kind of good deal.

Even if it's just to prevent Wang Xia'an from taking advantage of me again, I absolutely cannot give up this good job.

Moreover, even if I went against my conscience and helped to keep the bracelet a secret, it would most likely not end up with me; it would only be passed on to my younger brother by my biased family.

In any case, getting that fifty yuan kickback is definitely a sure thing.

Thinking this, Wang Chun'an, emboldened by the alcohol, shouted, "Leave this to me!"

"You absolutely must not go to your cousin. He's just a little kid who doesn't know anything and is extremely unreliable."

"If word gets out and your family gets alarmed, you'll never be able to find the bracelet again."

Seeing that Wang Chun'an agreed, Wang Chengpeng deliberately showed a look of delight and flattered him:
"It was precisely because I knew my younger cousin was unreliable that I approached my older cousin, only keeping my younger cousin as a backup."

"Since my cousin is so righteous, I will not trouble myself with two different people and will completely hand this matter over to my cousin."

At this point, Wang Chengpeng pretended to be reluctant and took out five yuan, placing it directly on the table, saying:
“Cousin, consider this five yuan as a deposit for your help in finding the bracelet. I will make up the rest after I get definite news.”

"My mother is really something. She didn't say anything when it was time to divide the family property, but now she still wants my cousin to help her."

Wang Chun'an, who had already been drinking, became quite giddy after Wang Chengpeng's exaggerated praise.

Without any hesitation, he took the five yuan from the table and, once again, patted his chest and assured Wang Chengpeng that he would definitely find the bracelet.

Seeing this, Wang Chengpeng felt relieved, thinking to himself that although he had spent some money, things were almost settled.

As the eldest grandson and the son of Wang Jinshan, Wang Chun'an enjoys top-tier treatment within the Wang family.

In many places, venturing into them on one's own would only arouse suspicion, but Wang Chun'an's actions would absolutely not cause any problems.

It's laughable that Wang Chun'an, who is so favored, feels that his family is biased and holds a grudge against others just because of the reasonable allocation of work. He really has inherited Wang Jinshan's true skills.

Thinking of this, Wang Chengpeng carefully added another instruction, saying:
"Cousin, this matter is somewhat dishonorable, so I hope you won't tell anyone."

"Otherwise, if helping my cousin causes trouble for my older cousin, I would feel bad."

Tell someone? You're kidding, how could I possibly tell someone?

This bracelet is worth a full fifty yuan!
Wang Chun'an nodded vigorously and then continued to eat and drink heartily.

Now that he has such good wine and food, wouldn't it be a waste for him not to enjoy it to the fullest?

……

Although the two had good appetites, eight dishes were still a bit too much.

After a few rounds of drinks, Wang Chengpeng helped the tipsy Wang Chun'an onto his bicycle.

After loading the remaining wine onto his bicycle and telling Wang Chengze to hold on tight, Wang Chengpeng rode his bicycle home.

With a drunk man behind him, Wang Chengpeng didn't dare ride too fast and slowly made his way home.

After a while, Wang Chengpeng drove Wang Chun'an home.

He shook him awake forcefully and watched Wang Chun'an walk back home before Wang Chengpeng left with peace of mind.

Although today was exceptionally busy, it was still very fruitful.

Now that the bait has been cast, all you need to do is patiently wait for the fish to bite.

……

Amidst the welcome of three puppies, Wang Chengpeng parked his bicycle in his yard.

No, it can no longer be considered a puppy.

The Wang family's meals were already quite good, and the three little ones grew rapidly, quickly becoming tall and big.

With three dogs guarding the house, Wang Chengpeng's family's safety level has been raised to another level.

Strangers wouldn't even dare to sneak in; the three dogs would spot them from a great distance. One glare from the dogs and anyone with even a hint of malice would flee.

That's why Wang Chengpeng dares to park his bicycle in the yard now.

Just as Wang Chengpeng parked his bicycle, he heard a slightly immature voice muttering to itself:

"Grandma, my dear grandma, I love you. This is my favorite little cake, and I'll give it all to you."

"They say heaven has eyes. I pray to you so that you can give Zhao Yuju nightmares a few more times to help me get revenge."

Wang Chengpeng: ...? ? ?
My younger sister is really a bit wild!
Listening to Wang Meiyan's innocent words, Wang Chengpeng didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so he could only shake his head and go back to his room.

As soon as Wang Chengpeng entered the lobby, he saw Liu Chunhua anxiously approaching him and offering him a hot towel to wipe his face.

Even though she knew Wang Chengpeng's abilities, what mother wouldn't worry about her son who was away from home?
Especially after smelling the strong smell of alcohol on Wang Chengpeng, Liu Chunhua frowned and asked with a worried expression:

"Son, why did you go drinking today?"

"You're back so late, you didn't pick up bad habits from the street thugs in the village, did you?"

She was well aware of Wang Chengpeng's intelligence, but the more intelligent a person is, the more easily they can be led astray, which is why she asked that question.

Wang Chengpeng opened his mouth, exhaled, and said, "Smell it, there's no smell of alcohol. It was just an accidental smear."

"You're worried that others will lead your son astray? It's good enough if your son doesn't lead others astray."

Remembering how the usually uneducated Wang Zidong had actually started studying diligently under Wang Chengpeng's guidance, Liu Chunhua nodded in approval and said:
What you said does seem to make some sense.

"Alright, then I won't interfere in your affairs. Just make sure you know what's good for you."

"If you can't come back for a while next time, just let your family know first, at least let us know."

Wang Chengpeng wiped his face with a towel, removing the dust he had accidentally picked up on the road and the sweat from his brow, and said with a smile:
"Okay, I'll be careful."

"By the way, Mom, I heard that the sugar factory is going to start pre-job training soon. How are your preparations going?"

Speaking of this matter, Liu Chunhua's face was full of worry as she said:
"Your father and I are also discussing this matter, but we really have no idea what to do."

“That’s a job in a sugar factory. We both know that farmers who grow crops would never be able to do that.”

"If only I had given up this spot back then, at least you could have taken care of your father at the factory."

(End of this chapter)