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

Chapter 289 Sulking

Judging from Zhu Hong's somewhat guilty expression, he clearly lacked confidence that he could keep his word.

After all, he could tell how dangerous the battle was just from Wang Chengpeng's account. If he had been there, he would never have been able to remain as calm as Wang Chengpeng.

As he was thinking this, he suddenly had an illusion: Wang Chengpeng, who was not nearly as tall as him, began to grow infinitely taller, merging with the pomelo tree beside him and completely enveloping him in its shadow.

A sense of powerlessness welled up inside Zhu Hong, and he instantly lost his nerve. He stopped confronting Wang Chengpeng and just sat on the stool, sulking.

Seeing this, Wang Chengpeng was also at his wit's end. It turned out that Zhu Hong, who looked tall and big, was actually just a big kid.

Perhaps we should send him to the army for training; with his abilities, he's sure to have a bright future.

For some reason, Wang Chengpeng felt that he might be holding back the young man in front of him.

He had initially thought of finding an assistant when he recruited Zhu Hong, but in practice, he found that with his strategic skills, there was really no need to find such an assistant.

Zhu Hong seemed to have helped Wang Chengpeng a lot, but in reality, anyone could have done the same thing, which was actually a waste of his talent.

Thinking this through, Wang Chengpeng tentatively asked, "If you really find it boring, how about I sign you up for the army?"

"What the army needs most is someone like you with boundless energy, and given your abilities, you'll definitely be able to put your skills to good use."

At this point, Wang Chengpeng gestured towards his small yard and said:
"It's really too cruel to confine you to this small courtyard."

To everyone's surprise, Zhu Hong seemed very dissatisfied with Wang Chengpeng's suggestion, turned his head away, and sulked.

He's really just a big kid; he even threw a tantrum.

Wang Chengpeng sighed and continued, "What? You don't want to?"

Zhu Hong didn't turn around, and just muttered, "My dad told me to listen to you. If you tell me to go, I'll go."

Wang Chengpeng: ...? ? ?
Seeing that Zhu Hong seemed to have misunderstood him, Wang Chengpeng said solemnly:
"This isn't me arranging for you to go; I'm asking for your opinion."

"Don't you feel bored and have nothing to do? That means you don't really belong here."

"Wouldn't it be a good thing for you to go somewhere where you can utilize your talents?"

Zhu Hong remained silent, sulking quietly to the side.

Seeing this, Wang Chengpeng sighed and said, "The power of choice is yours."

"If you still feel it's better to work as my assistant, then you can stay."

"Since I got involved in your affairs back then, I have an obligation to take responsibility for you."

"If you choose to pursue a career in the military, I will support you and help you secure a bright future."

"Don't give me an answer too soon, after all, this is a major event in your life."

"If you're unsure, you can go home and ask your father for his opinion."

Incidentally, the gang leader who took Zhu Hong in his previous life seemed to be one of Li Weiguo's men.

If Wang Chengpeng hadn't intervened to change Zhu Hong's fate and caused him to be caught in the crossfire, Zhu Hong would probably already be in jail, and there would be no possibility of him sulking here.

After saying these words, Wang Chengpeng got up and walked into the house, no longer wanting to disturb Zhu Hong's contemplation of important life matters.

It has to be said that adding money, though simple, is the most effective tactic.

Wang Chengpeng originally thought the installation technician would arrive in the evening, but to his surprise, the technician arrived in a truck around 2 or 3 p.m., loaded with a large amount of Wang Chengpeng's goods.

The installer was quite shrewd; he deliberately covered the goods with a black cloth.

It can both prevent direct sunlight and make it difficult for people to see what is inside, so as to avoid causing any unnecessary trouble.

After unloading all the clothes into the warehouse, Wang Chengpeng went to the living room and worked with installer Zhong Qiang to install the ceiling fan.

Before the installation even started, Zhong Qiang pointed to the electrical wires in Wang Chengpeng's house and praised them:

"Comrade Wang, the wiring in your house is really well done. It's both easy to use and saves on materials. I wonder which master craftsman helped you with it."

As the person being praised, Wang Chengpeng remained completely unfazed, saying:
"Master Zhong, as long as it's passable, that's fine."

"These ceiling fans are basically one per room. You can install them as you see fit. If you need any help, just let us know."

Just then, Zhu Hong grunted, "My room doesn't need to be decorated."

His answer only earned him a glare from Wang Chengpeng, who corrected him impatiently:

"What do you mean by 'your room'? This whole house belongs to my family. I can decorate it wherever I want, and it's none of your business."

Zhu Hong was speechless for a moment, and instead of leaving, he stood there sulking.

Zhong Qiang was used to this kind of situation and advised:
"Don't argue. Having an electric fan installed in the house is something most people can only dream of."

"I've seen this situation many times. Many people say it's a waste before they install it, saying they don't need it, but they only realize what coolness means when they actually experience the breeze."

"But to be honest, this is the first time I've ever seen so many ceiling fans installed in a village."

"Putting everything else aside, just getting that many receipts is an extremely difficult task."

At this point, Zhong Qiang suddenly covered his mouth, realizing that he had said a bit too much.

If he offends someone he shouldn't because of his gossip, he'll truly be left with nothing but regret.

Moreover, Wang Chengpeng was extremely generous, giving him an extra fifteen yuan as a tip. If he still didn't appreciate it, he would truly deserve to be punished.

Thinking this, Zhong Qiang quickly tried to make amends, saying, "I talked too much just now, comrade, please don't take it to heart."

"Could you lend a hand later? Otherwise, I really can't install this ceiling fan by myself."

With more people, things get easier. All three of them were capable individuals, and through their collaborative efforts, they installed five electric fans in less than two hours.

After Zhong Qiang left, Wang Chengpeng and Zhu Hong were eating watermelon together in the living room when, suddenly, Wang Chengpeng asked:
"Zhu Hong, why don't you go outside to cool off? Why do you want to come inside and use the electric fan?"

Zhu Hong immediately stopped eating the melon seeds, his expression froze, but he wouldn't leave, stubbornly saying:

"I'm staying here to protect you, aren't I?"

“If any more foolish petty thieves come running over, I’ll pick up my shotgun and shoot them all. I’ll never give them a chance to do anything wrong.”

Hearing Zhu Hong's words, Wang Chengpeng chuckled and said, "Then let me ask you, do you know how to use a hunting rifle?"

Wang Chengpeng's question successfully ended the topic, leaving Zhu Hong burying his head in eating watermelon, not daring to even lift his head.

After finishing half a large watermelon and tidying up the living room, Wang Chengpeng extended an invitation, saying:
"Zhu Hong, want to lend a hand?" "We've only exchanged moves before, but we've never really fought. This is a good opportunity for me to see what level you're at now."

Faced with Wang Chengpeng's challenge, Zhu Hong frowned, his eyes filled with confusion. He simply couldn't understand where Wang Chengpeng got the audacity to challenge him.

In terms of strategy, he admitted that he was no match for Wang Chengpeng; otherwise, he wouldn't have been so easily ensnared by the other party with just a rope and a stick, and he still couldn't figure out why.

But when it comes to martial arts skills, even if Wang Chengpeng taught him his moves, he would never be able to beat him. He would tell him that his big physique wasn't for nothing.

Thinking of this, Zhu Hong barely hesitated, grinned, patted his chest, and said:

"Fine, since you insist on trying, then I'll show you what I'm capable of."

"You'll realize that your skills are simply not enough, and you'll still need me to protect you!"

Without arguing, Wang Chengpeng decided to show Zhu Hong what he was capable of with his fists.

The Wang family's courtyard was already large, so the two of them didn't need to find a place to spar.

Zhu Hong took off his faded vest, revealing his muscular physique, especially the muscles on his arms, which bulged like two lumps of iron.

Wang Chengpeng, dressed in blue overalls and wearing a pair of liberation shoes, looked capable and efficient.

Seeing that Wang Chengpeng was ready, Zhu Hong rushed forward without saying a word, his fist whistling as it struck Wang Chengpeng's chest.

His punch was fierce, but he held back seven-tenths of his strength, presumably because he didn't want to hurt Wang Chengpeng.

Little did he know how foolish it was to hold back in front of Wang Chengpeng.

Wang Chengpeng remained calm and composed, deftly dodging the punch by shifting his body to the side. He then pushed Zhu Hong with such force that Zhu Hong almost lost his balance.

It was only thanks to the fact that Zhu Hong had held back seven-tenths of his strength that he managed to avoid falling to the ground.

Zhu Hong was startled; he hadn't expected Wang Chengpeng to be so agile.

Unconvinced, he swung his fist again and slammed it down like he was forging iron, but this time he used five-tenths of his strength.

However, the truth is that although Zhu Hong is very strong and every punch he throws is powerful, he just can't hit anyone.

Wang Chengpeng's martial arts skills were like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, fast and accurate, targeting Zhu Hong's weaknesses.

After several rounds, Zhu Hong was panting heavily, his forehead covered in sweat.

Wang Chengpeng, however, remained calm and composed, with a slight smile on his lips.

Finally, Wang Chengpeng seized the opportunity and swept Zhu Hong to the ground with a leg sweep.

Zhu Hong lay on the ground, panting heavily, but refused to get up, letting the sun beat down on his body.

He felt that today was the darkest day of his life. He had only complained to Wang Chengpeng about being too idle, but he had suffered a series of blows.

In the end, he even lost to Wang Chengpeng in the martial arts skills he was so proud of.

The so-called protection is simply a ridiculous joke.

Despite having the same fighting skills and being physically stronger, he was no match for Wang Chengpeng.

He even felt that if it weren't for saving face for himself, he would have collapsed to the ground long ago.

Seeing Zhu Hong's self-deception, Wang Chengpeng gently nudged his arm and said:
"Alright, you're not a kid anymore, don't lie on the ground and refuse to get up."

“I know you have your own ideas, I just want to tell you not to give up your future for such an absurd reason as protecting me.”

Without getting up, Zhu Hong lay on the ground and asked Wang Chengpeng:

"If, I mean if, I joined the army, would it be good for you?"

Wang Chengpeng never expected Zhu Hong to ask such a question, and subconsciously answered:

"Of course there will be benefits. How could there not be benefits in protecting our homes and country?"

Zhu Hong ignored him and repeated himself, saying, "I'm asking if it will be good for you, for you!"

Wang Chengpeng: ...? ? ?
This stubborn person is more difficult to deal with than I imagined, but since they asked, they must have accepted my advice.

With this in mind, Wang Chengpeng decided to answer truthfully:

"If you don't have any skills and can only barely be a common soldier, what good do you think you can do for me?"

"But if you are very capable and frequently make meritorious contributions, becoming a colonel or general or something, maybe one day I can rely on you."

Wang Chengpeng's words undoubtedly gave Zhu Hong a great boost. He stopped lying on the ground, got up straight, brushed the dust off his clothes, and said:

"Okay, I'll do as you say, I'll join the army."

"Are we going tomorrow? I'll go pack my clothes now."

"I just said there was no need to install an electric fan in my room, and look, it's not even needed now."

After speaking, Zhu Hong seemed rather smug, as if he were pleased with himself for defeating Wang Chengpeng.

However, his behavior left Wang Chengpeng somewhat bewildered, and he said:
"Going tomorrow? You think you can just become a soldier whenever you want?"

"Besides, you're really planning to become a private? Starting from the bottom, I'm afraid I can't count on you even if I die."

At this point, Wang Chengpeng turned and went back to his room. A short while later, he returned with two elementary school test papers and placed them in front of Zhu Hong, saying:
"Here are two test papers. Take the test and let me see what your level is."

Zhu Hong: ...? ? ?
Looking at the densely packed questions on the exam paper, Zhu Hong's face turned green, and he loudly retorted:
"I'm going to join the army, why are you giving me a test paper?"

"You wouldn't have changed your mind, would you? Or do you find it more comfortable to keep me around and torment me, which is why you're making me do the test?"

Wang Chengpeng sometimes really admired Zhu Hong's imagination; how did he come up with all these strange and unusual things? He patiently explained:
"If you want to be capable enough to help me, joining the army directly probably won't give you much of a chance."

"There is a shortcut: get into a military academy and start as an officer."

"Besides, if you don't go and learn something, and use your brain, forget about becoming a leader, you'll probably get sold out and still be helping to count the money."

"Don't let the next time I see you, you've already been tricked into becoming an ashes by someone else."

Faced with Wang Chengpeng's disdain, Zhu Hong immediately picked up his pen in anger and roared:

"Who do you think you are? It's just two test papers. I'll write ten for you to see."

(End of this chapter)