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

Chapter 62 A new look

After unloading the items and putting them where they belonged, Wang Chengpeng didn't plan to cook today. He had something more important to do: refurbish the bicycle in front of him.

It's clear that Wang Zidong's bicycle has been used for a long time; some of the dust just won't come off no matter how hard he tries to wipe it.

The bicycle bell on the right is now useless; it doesn't respond no matter how you press it.

The chain was covered in stubborn grease and dirt, making it look no longer shiny and new.

Moreover, some less important parts have even been stained with rust, making them look even more antique.

The car seat was in even worse condition; the leather had long since cracked and split open due to aging, exposing the cushioning foam underneath.

In this day and age, it's common for a bicycle to last for one or two decades, and this bicycle is a true reflection of the vast majority of bicycles.

After all, in this day and age, practicality is the key. You buy a bicycle to use it, not to keep it at home as a decoration.

Given the high price of bicycle parts, they may only be replaced when certain parts truly can't hold on any longer.

What Wang Chengpeng is about to do is a major project involving replacing several parts.

After removing the slightly rusty screws, Wang Chengpeng took off the car body, which was riddled with holes from the impact.

Often, the car body serves not only as a vehicle but also as a protective shield.

As the part at the very front of a bicycle, it's the one that gets hit the most.

In addition, it is not as sturdy as the car body, so it is naturally very easy to be damaged.

If it's barely usable, no one would think of replacing the car basket; instead, patching and mending would be the norm, as that would be too expensive!
Carriage basket, chain, bicycle chain, bicycle bell.

The bicycle, with three parts replaced, now looks much newer and is quite pleasing to the eye.

But that wasn't all Wang Chengpeng was doing. He then took out several sheets of sandpaper and carefully sanded the bicycle.

In particular, areas that already have rust should be sanded off to prevent further corrosion.

Of course, Wang Chengpeng didn't dare to go too far with the polishing. Polishing off the electroplating layer on the bicycle would not look good and would make the bicycle extremely prone to rust.

After the treatment, the bicycle looked brand new, almost as good as when it was first bought, with a beautiful matte finish.

After applying a light coat of paint to the key areas, Wang Chengpeng put all his tools away.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead and looking at his brand-new bicycle, Wang Chengpeng felt that all his efforts had been worthwhile.

Once the paint is completely dry, this bicycle can last for many more years!
Just then, the kitchen began to smell delicious food. After quickly washing off the stains, Wang Chengpeng sat down at the dining table.

Since learning Bajiquan, Wang Chengpeng's physical exertion has also increased, and this is the time when he needs to replenish his nutrition the most. He is already starving.

Fortunately, Liu Chunhua didn't keep Wang Chengpeng waiting long and soon came out with dinner.

Coarse grain steamed buns, a few eggs, some pickled vegetables, and a plate of boiled sliced ​​meat.

Although it's a coarse grain steamed bun, it's incredibly soft and delicious because it contains a lot of white flour and some sugar.

Add in eggs and pickled vegetables, and it can definitely be considered a moderately prosperous life in this era.

As for Wang Chengpeng? He had his eye on the plate of sliced ​​meat.

This was something his mother specially prepared for him. It was much more understated than other cooking methods, but it was a rare delicacy when eaten with pickled vegetables.

The wind and the remaining clouds.

By the end of the meal, the entire table of food had been devoured by the family of four. Wiping the grease from their mouths, the four smiled knowingly, their faces full of satisfaction.

Wang Meiyan, in particular, beamed with joy, rubbed her belly contentedly, and whispered:

"I wish I could eat such a feast every day."

Then she realized something was wrong and said, "Three days, no, five days, or even once every ten days if necessary."

The sight made everyone burst into laughter; Wang Meiyan's appearance was truly adorable.

Wang Chengpeng further assured, "Little sister, don't worry, as long as you keep your mouth shut, we'll eat like that from now on."

"You should know what to say when others ask, right?"

Wang Meiyan nodded vigorously and said, "Of course I know."

“Our family eats coarse grain steamed buns, cornbread, or bran and wild vegetables every day; there’s nothing good to eat.”

“Especially my bad uncle, I would never tell him the truth.”

“Otherwise, if he makes us go back again, Meiyan will never have a chance to eat her fill again.”

At this point, Wang Meiyan seemed to recall her past experience of not having enough to eat, and she began to wipe her eyes.

Liu Chunhua felt even more sorry for Wang Meiyan and picked her up in her arms, gently comforting her:

"Don't worry, daughter, our whole family will have enough to eat from now on."

Even Wang Tieshan only sighed and did not express any opinion.

The difference between the lives they led before and after the family split was obvious to the naked eye.
Coupled with yesterday's differential treatment, Wang Tieshan has begun to reflect on his actions.
Reflect on why there can be such a huge difference when both people work hard.

Even without the money Wang Chengpeng earned, the family shouldn't be starving!

After all, everyone in Wang Tieshan's family was willing to work, and the collective economy of Wangjia Village was quite good, making it a village where work points were relatively valuable.

Amidst laughter and cheerful conversation, Wang Chengpeng and his family finished their pleasant dinner.

After practicing a simple set of boxing moves to aid digestion and taking a shower, Wang Chengpeng returned to his room.

Looking at the book he had borrowed from Xia Mingyue on the table, Wang Chengpeng thought he should just return it tomorrow.

With Ji Yongyue's generous sponsorship, Wang Chengpeng's study has taken shape and is filled with all kinds of books.

Even in an inconspicuous corner, there are some books that are not suitable for display, which can be considered rare collectibles.

However, before Wang Chengpeng could look at it for long, he heard a gasp from the courtyard:
"What's going on? Is this still my bicycle? It looks completely different now."

"Pengzi, come out and see! It's a ghost! My bicycle has become young again!"

As soon as Wang Chengpeng stepped outside, he saw Wang Zidong marveling at his bicycle, seemingly puzzled as to why Wang Chengpeng's old bicycle looked so new and shiny.

Seeing Wang Chengpeng's barely suppressed smile, Wang Zidong belatedly asked:

"Pengzi, is this all your doing?"

"No, I just asked you to fix my bicycle, not to give it a complete makeover."

"If it weren't parked in your yard and looked almost exactly like my bicycle, I almost wouldn't have recognized it."

(End of this chapter)