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

Chapter 291 A loving father and a filial son
After finishing their meal, everyone was shocked to see the pile of clothes carelessly laid out on the ground.

They weren't ignorant; they could tell at a glance that these clothes were top-quality items from state-run stores.

Putting everything else aside, that little dress, which doesn't look very big, doesn't look cheap; it must cost at least several tens of yuan.

Its beautiful appearance couldn't be hidden even through the packaging.

Walking forward step by step, Wang Meiyan happily clutched the little skirt in her hand, unwilling to let go.

She was also a pretty little girl who had dreamed of wearing the dresses that only existed in storybooks, but she never expected that this dream would actually come true one day.

She touched it, looked at it, and finally put down the little dress she loved so much, saying:

"Brother, what are you doing? Why do you always buy these things that look nice but are useless?"

"If I go out wearing this kind of clothing, it will be inconvenient to move around, and if I can't win a fight, my classmates will laugh at me."

"Take it back and return it. I don't need this kind of thing. I think the clothes I'm wearing are fine and very comfortable."

Wang Meiyan's words jolted the group out of their shock, finally bringing them back to their senses.

Looking at the other person's clothes on the ground, then at Wang Chengpeng, Wang Tieshan said with a face full of resentment:
“Cheng Peng, you can buy clothes for yourself, your sister, and Xiao Zhu. Why buy clothes for me and your mother? We’re not used to wearing these clothes.”

"Take it back and return it quickly. Don't waste the money. You need to save it to get a wife."

"If we can return them, we should return those table fans too. We've already installed ceiling fans, so why did we buy these things?"

Liu Chunhua echoed her husband's sentiments, saying, "That's right, your father is right. How could I wear such flashy clothes?"

“Look at that bright red dress, so flashy, it’s not something someone my age should wear.”

Zhu Hong shook his head hurriedly, saying, "I have clothes, I don't need them!"

Wang Chengpeng casually pulled out the purchase invoice and said, "I've already bought it, so what, can I get a refund?"

"Wealth that comes but does not accumulate will surely bring misfortune."

“I was thinking that I recently found three thousand yuan, and it wouldn’t be good to keep this windfall, so I quickly spent it.”

“We don’t lack anything at home, except for clothes, so I bought quite a lot.”

"Try and check the clothes quickly. If any don't fit, I need to take them to exchange them as soon as possible. If it's too long, the state-run store won't exchange them anymore."

As he spoke, he casually unpacked the package and took out a brand-new Zhongshan suit, in the most fashionable khaki color.

Handing the clothes to Wang Tieshan, Wang Chengpeng said with a smile, "Dad, please try these clothes on."

"I spent ages choosing this outfit for you. You'll look so handsome in it, you'll make my mom swoon."

The idea that one should spend the windfall is not entirely unfounded by Wang Chengpeng.

However, his explanation that he had found the three thousand yuan made everyone chuckle.

Seeing that the clothes were already handed to him and there was no way to return them, Wang Tieshan had no choice but to accept them.

He put on the clothes, buttoned them up, shrugged his shoulders, and laughed, "These clothes are nice; they're broad-shouldered, so they won't get in the way while I'm working."

Then I tried on a pair of gray cargo pants with wide legs and an elastic waistband.

He squatted down, stood up, tried them on, and nodded in satisfaction: "These pants are comfortable, just right for working."

Wang Chengpeng's eyes are like a ruler; how could the clothes he picks not fit?
It has to be said that Wang Chengpeng was right before; given that Wang Chengpeng was born, Wang Tieshan's genes couldn't be too bad.
After changing his clothes, he looked quite dashing, and even Wang Meiyan praised her father for being handsome.

Only Liu Chunhua looked at him warily and said in a sarcastic tone:

"Wow, my husband Wang has become quite handsome now. I wonder if he can snag a wife from another family."

Upon hearing Liu Chunhua's words, Wang Tieshan quickly took off his clothes and said:

"Chunhua, if you don't like me wearing this dress, I won't wear it."

His serious expression immediately amused Liu Chunhua, who covered her mouth and said:

"You mustn't refuse to wear it. These are all our son's good wishes, and you can't let him down."

"Besides, if you're still looking drab and dirty when I put on my new clothes, you won't be good enough for me then..."

Startled by Liu Chunhua's words, Wang Tieshan immediately put his clothes back on, which made everyone burst into laughter.

With Wang Tieshan, the head of the family, taking the lead in trying on clothes, things became much easier.

Liu Chunhua picked up a floral shirt and kept trying it on in front of the mirror, grinning from ear to ear:
"This material is really cool and comfortable; it must be very comfortable to wear in the summer."

This shirt is made of Dacron fabric, which is lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for the current weather.

Zhu Hong scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and picked up a white vest.

The fabric is pure cotton and feels very soft and comfortable.

He took off his vest, which was torn in several places, and put on the new one.

Although Zhu Hong didn't say anything, you could tell from his eyes that he was extremely satisfied with the vest.

Then he tried on a pair of army green trousers, with loose legs and elastic at the cuffs.

Zhu Hong tried kicking his legs and found that it didn't bother him at all; it was as if the legs were tailor-made for him.

It's well known that Zhu Hong is tall and strong, so choosing clothes is not easy for him. Sometimes, even clothes made to his measurements don't fit him perfectly. You have to admire Wang Chengpeng's sharp eye for clothes.

Everyone tried on the new clothes, and Wang Meiyan could no longer hide her joy, picking up the little dress she had been longing for.

The dress is snow-white, made of soft cotton, which is comfortable and breathable to wear. The hem is embroidered with a few small flowers, making it look extremely beautiful.

She grabbed the little dress and ran eagerly to her room. Soon after, she changed into it, ran out, and stood in front of the mirror, admiring herself with great joy.

She twirled happily, her skirt billowing in the wind like a blooming flower, making Wang Meiyan even more beautiful.

She smiled so hard her eyes curved into crescents and said to Wang Chengpeng, "Brother, this dress is so pretty and comfortable. If I wear it to school, all my classmates will envy me."

At this point, a hint of reluctance flashed in Wang Meiyan's eyes as she said:
"It's just that this color is too easy to get dirty. I'm afraid it will get dirty after wearing it for only one day. I'll keep it to wear at home."

After she finished speaking, she picked up a blue pinafore dress. The fabric was thick khaki, the color was dirt-resistant, and the style was simple and elegant.

After changing into it, she looked at herself in the mirror and nodded in satisfaction: "This one is also good; it's perfect for wearing to school."

Next, she tried on a red plaid skirt, the hem of which was slightly puffed up, making her look lively and cute.

She twirled around, her skirt billowing, a happy smile on her face: "This one looks good too, it'll definitely be festive to wear during the New Year!"

Watching his younger sister try on clothes, Wang Chengpeng couldn't help but laugh and said, "Meiyan, you little rascal, you look like a fairy in your new clothes!"

"Wear it as much as you like, and I'll buy you another one if it gets dirty."

Wang Meiyan's eyes lit up when she heard this, but she still shook her head: "Brother, why are you so bad at managing the household?" "This dress is too expensive. Our family still needs to save money. I'd better save it for myself."

"Besides, I'm not going to wear this for those silly boys at school; they don't deserve it."

At this point, Wang Meiyan proudly raised her head, looking every bit the princess.

Suddenly, as if she had remembered something, she walked up to Zhu Hong and asked:
"Hey big oaf, do you think I look good in this outfit?"

Zhu Hong didn't know why Wang Meiyan would ask him that, so he scratched his head and told the truth:

"Beautiful...beautiful."

Seeing this, Wang Meiyan was finally satisfied and ran back to her room.

She carefully took off the dress, folded it neatly, and put it in the closet, muttering to herself, "I'll wear it again for the New Year; I'll definitely look the prettiest then!"

Thanks to Wang Xia'an's selfless sponsorship, Wang Chengpeng bought a lot of clothes this time, several outfits for himself.

Besides everyday clothes, there were even some thick and formal clothes, which delighted everyone.

A mischievous glint flashed in Wang Chengpeng's eyes as he leaned closer to Wang Tieshan and whispered:

"Dad, do you think we should buy these clothes?"

Seeing the smiles on his family's faces, Wang Tieshan nodded vigorously and said:

"It's worth buying!"

"But I'll be the one to buy things from now on. Why do you keep buying so many things for the house? I'm the master of this house."

"Son, don't worry. Director Wang said that he has found a way to sell Dapeng white sugar. Once the money is made, he will raise the wages of all the workers in the factory."

"I heard that they will also be recognizing outstanding workers and there will be a substantial reward."

"Your mother and I will work hard, and when we get the bonus, we'll take you all to the state-run store. We'll buy whatever you like."

Wang Chengpeng wouldn't dampen his father's enthusiasm, so he immediately smiled and said:
"Okay, it's settled then. I'm waiting for you to take us shopping, Dad."

"Don't go home and secretly cry to my mother when I've bought you out of house and home."

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's words, Wang Tieshan's expression immediately turned awkward, and he muttered:
"How could that be?"

……

While Wang Chengpeng's family was enjoying a harmonious time, the atmosphere on the other side was extremely tense.

In Wang Degong's home, the dim light illuminated several figures.

"Your Majesty!"

Suddenly, an angry roar came from inside the house. It was Wang Degong's voice, clearly indicating that he was extremely angry.

"Old man, what are you yelling about? Do you want to scare my precious grandson away again?"

But then another voice followed, much louder than Wang Degong's rebuke, and even more piercing.

Looking angrily at Wang Xia'an, who, with Zhao Yuju's support, was full of resentment and showed no intention of listening to him, Wang Degong cursed loudly:

"A doting mother spoils her son; it's true that a doting mother spoils her son."

"Look at the things you've done! And you still don't repent? Do you think I'm the one who's done wrong?"

Even though Wang Degong was quite well-mannered, he still couldn't help but feel furious when he saw Wang Xia'an.

Wang Degong was initially happy that Wang Xia'an had been reprimanded, after all, he was his own grandson, how could he not like him?

If he really didn't like it, he wouldn't have spent three thousand yuan and humbly gone to Wang Chengpeng to ask for his help.

But his efforts here did not bring Wang Xia'an any repentance or enlightenment; instead, they brought even more terrible news.

The bicycle was sold?

This grandfather and grandson actually went to Dapeng Sugar Factory and started cursing, causing him to lose the job that he had worked so hard to keep by begging Wang Chengpeng.
A hint of regret even flashed in his eyes, regretting that he had chosen to pay such a high price to protect Wang Xia'an.

Perhaps the best option would be to put Wang Xia'an in jail for reformation; this endless pampering is actually harming him.

However, Wang Jinshan clearly had a different opinion and loudly retorted:

"Father, what nonsense are you talking about? My mother is just good to Xia An, what did she do wrong?"

"You're my father, how can you side with outsiders?"

"Even if Xia An sells my bicycle, it doesn't matter. We can just buy another one when we have more money."

"As for the job at Dapeng Sugar Factory, it's even more ridiculous. It's a factory that's about to go bankrupt. Whoever wants to go can go. Anyway, my Xia An isn't going."

Although Zhao Yuju was planning to redeem the bicycle, how could someone who had gotten such a great deal possibly return it?

After all, as the son of the bicycle owner, Wang Xia'an was entitled to sell the bicycle.

Even if we take a step back and assume that Zhao Yuju doesn't acknowledge this, wouldn't that imply that Wang Xia'an is stealing, which would be a matter for the police station to handle?

After her attempts to reason with him failed, Zhao Yuju had no choice but to take Wang Xia'an home dejectedly.

Without their bicycles, the journey home was exceptionally long; it took the two of them over an hour to get home.

When Wang Jinshan spoke, he deliberately emphasized the words "my bicycle," the meaning of which was self-evident.

He just didn't expect that the bicycle seller would come from somewhere, or whether he earned it through his own abilities.

Seeing that the mother and daughter were working together to protect Wang Xia'an without any punishment, Wang Degong was furious.

With a wave of his hand, Wang Degong slammed his cane on the ground and shouted:
"Fine, you won't listen to me, huh? Then I'm not going to bother with your mess."

"From now on, do whatever you want, but don't even think about asking me for help. I can't afford to lose face like that."

Without waiting for a reply, Wang Degong leaned on his cane and went back into the inner room.

Just as he closed the door, he seemed to hear Wang Jinshan's voice:
"It's just that I went there to deliver some money, why are you acting like you made a huge contribution?"

"Do you think that if I were to deliver this three thousand yuan, Wang Yong would refuse it?"

Bang! That was the sound of the door slamming shut.

Wang Degong suddenly felt very tired and just wanted to go to sleep as soon as possible.

He shamelessly begged this person and that person, but in the end, he was disliked by everyone and became the "scapegoat" who stole everyone's credit.

Fortunately, Dapeng Sugar Factory does seem to be doing poorly, so losing this job is no big deal. Otherwise, he would have been furious.
(End of this chapter)