Despite being incredibly wealthy, I want to be a prosecutor.

The next morning, Zhou Hong went to the Dongning Hotel to take a shower and checked out of the two luxury suites.

Looking at the text message Chung Ti-er sent before boarding the plane to Donghai: "I'm missing you so much! I guess I can't do anything for a long time. When I miss you, let's go shopping and chat. If you want to do anything, just let me know. I need to recover first."

He couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

I had already said I was leaving tomorrow, but they rushed off without waiting for me. I was a little surprised when I saw this message.

Cough cough, it sounds like a feeling of complete satisfaction from conquest.

After booking a private room for dinner that evening, checking out of the room, and going downstairs to get in the car, I was surprised to receive a call from my sister-in-law, Chang Yue.

"Xiao Hong, you're leaving tomorrow, right? Are you busy today?"

"Oh, it's nothing, it's just that it's Saturday tonight, so I was meeting up with some classmates here. I came back for a visit and had dinner with my best friend, and some people are already complaining." He was worried that since his sister-in-law's situation involved the evening, it would seem like he was making excuses later, so he explained in more detail.

The car was started and the black sedan slowly drove out of the hotel gate and onto the auxiliary road.

"Oh, then I'll treat you to lunch, sister-in-law. I have to thank you for that 50,000 yuan, it's your money, right?"

"It's alright, sister-in-law, we're family, no need to thank me..." Zhou Hong paused, "Noon, right? I'll definitely be there."

After hanging up the phone, I watched two figures walking on the side road.

Although the Audi was moving slowly, it quickly passed the two figures and entered the main road. In the rearview mirror, there were two young men wearing high school sports uniforms. One of them had a face full of acne, a tall stature, and looked full of youthful hormones. He was the instigator who led a group of sports class friends to beat him up during the winter vacation three months ago, ultimately forcing him to flee to Xiangguo. He was Du Feng, the class monitor of the senior sports class of No. 3 High School.

His figure receded further and further away in the rearview mirror until it disappeared from sight.

Zhou Hong felt inexplicably down. He had thought these things had no effect on him anymore, but unexpectedly, they were still a shadow in his heart.

He shook his head, turned the steering wheel, and drove off in one direction.

……

At YaYa Supermarket, Zhou Hong was talking to Da Lajiao about renovations and other things, which buildings needed renovations, what level of renovations they wanted, and that he had to make sure everything was settled before he left.

Zhang Fuming listened attentively and took careful notes in his notebook.

The phone rang suddenly. Zhou Hong looked at the number; it was his sister-in-law, Chang Yue.

"Xiao Hong, you haven't changed, have you? 11:30, Liujin Renjia, room 206, is there a problem?"

Zhou Hong glanced at his watch and realized it was almost 11 o'clock. He smiled and said, "Okay, is my brother home? If not, I'll pick him up and we'll go together."

The sister-in-law paused for a moment, then said, "Your brother doesn't know. It's just the two of us. I told Mom about it."

Zhou Hong paused for a moment and understood. Clearly, his older brother still had many lingering resentments, and even if his sister-in-law spoke to him, he wouldn't come.

The sister-in-law was trying to calm herself down.

No matter how well I behave, if I lend 5 yuan to my older brother, I won't get any credit. My sister-in-law and parents will think that I must have some resentment.

My sister-in-law, please express your gratitude yourself; my mother also supports this.

Of course, my sister-in-law informed my mother in part to avoid suspicion, so that my older brother wouldn't get a little jealous.

She glanced at Big Chili and Zhang Fuming beside her, "Sister-in-law, if you're alone, I'll treat you. I happen to have two friends here. Where are you now? I'll come pick you up."

Thinking it over, I decided to confide in my sister-in-law a little. After discussing things with her, the couple, Da Lajiao, had their plans made and the family members involved. This gave them a sense of security and prevented them from having any bad intentions. It's a shame that someone they hired to run errands for the family would end up being a parasite who schemes against them.

Of course, once the city branch is established and YaYa Supermarket connects with the city branch, these concerns will disappear.

Chang Yue hesitated for a moment, then said, "Okay, I'm at Liujinrenjia. I'll wait for you at the entrance."

I also know that my brother-in-law is spoiled by that big star and doesn't value money at all. It doesn't matter to him who treats him. The main thing is to express my gratitude and make him feel good.

In addition, my brother-in-law is really poor but he has become too extravagant after suddenly becoming rich. He gives my parents 1 yuan of pocket money every month. Isn't he going to squander the family fortune sooner or later?

I also want to talk to him about these things, but I need to think carefully about how to say it so that he won't get angry and will listen.

Zhou Hong hung up the phone. "Sister Jiao, Third Brother, I'd like to treat you to a meal. Also, my sister-in-law is probably going to nag me a bit, so having you here will help her nag less." This was one of the reasons why he was bringing Da Lajiao and her husband along.

"Huh? I... I think I'll pass!" Zhang Fuming was startled.

"Yes, yes, he shouldn't go. As for me, shall I go?" Big Chili was flattered and wanted to go very much, but ultimately felt that she was not qualified.

Zhou Hong laughed and said, "That's all good, it's about time! Let's go!"

"Okay, I'll get it done quickly!" Big Chili immediately cheered.

"Um, brother, I think I won't go..." Zhang Fuming said timidly.

Zhou Hongyi almost tripped and fell. How could you call me "brother" like that? He coughed and said, "Third brother, let's go together, okay?"

What kind of situation would it be if your wife and I went to a small gathering at my house alone?

Big Chili's voice came from the inner room: "Just go when Xiao Hong tells you to! Stop asking so many questions!"

Zhang Fuming was so frightened that he dared not utter a sound.

……

Chang Yue, the sister-in-law, was dressed in a blue floral white dress. She looked very elegant and beautiful. She was also taken aback when she saw the couple, Da Lajiao and her husband, enter the private room.

Zhou Hong laughed and said, "Sister-in-law, this is perfect. Jiao Jie and her husband are helping us renovate the house. I told you yesterday that you should keep in touch. Don't tell Mom and Dad yet, or they'll start giving us bad advice again."

Chang Yue was stunned. Was what he said last night true? Xiao Hong bought two two-story houses, one of which was for himself and his brother to live in?

There were many questions, but with outsiders present, it wasn't appropriate to ask too many. So, they simply agreed, as if they knew the specifics themselves.

Seeing his sister-in-law's behavior, Zhou Hong chuckled inwardly. After all, she was someone who worked at a company. If it were his mother, she would definitely ask all sorts of questions and wouldn't hold back from talking to outsiders.

"Sister Yue, I attended your wedding with Brother Xiao Hong, but I didn't get a chance to talk to you. I said then, Da Jun is so lucky!" Da La Jiao chatted with Chang Yue in a very friendly manner, her overly familiar manner making Chang Yue feel a little uncomfortable.

Just then, the door to the private room was knocked on and pushed open. "Ha, Yueyue, our old classmate, it's my treat today!" A hot beauty entered, wearing a white suit skirt that revealed her snow-white thighs, and black high heels clicked. Her voluptuous figure made Zhang Fuming stare. Although Zhou Hong preferred extremely slender types, the beauty who entered was slightly plump. But precisely because of this, she was truly the kind of person who was incredibly filial.

"Ah? Jiaojiao, what are you doing here?" The sexy beauty with an extremely charming face was a little surprised to see Big Chili.

Zhou Hong carefully examined the uninvited guest. Well, it was Du Feng's sister-in-law, named Liu Mei, who worked in the investment promotion office.

Of course, at this point in time, she has just successfully started dating Du Feng's brother after a blind date.

She and her sister-in-law graduated from the same university, a key university in the province. They majored in different subjects, but were in the same department. Since it was a university in the province, people from the same hometown were referred to by their city or district. That's how she and her sister-in-law became classmates and alumni.

Huang Liangmeng himself doesn't remember many details, only the general trend of future development, but he still has some impressions of certain things involving his family.

But how did Da Lajiao and Liu Mei meet? That's a complete mystery.

After they chatted for a while, they learned that they were junior high school classmates, but they had lost contact after graduating from junior high school, as they had become people from two different worlds.

Zhou Hong understood why his sister-in-law had called Liu Mei over. It was because he had talked to her on the phone and assumed that his older brother would be behind her. She also felt that this was inappropriate, so she called over this old classmate.

The county town is indeed small, and the various connections and stories all have some history, so it's no wonder that the saying "the county town is a Brahman town" gradually emerged.

"You must be Xiao Hong. Your sister-in-law has mentioned you." Liu Mei looked at Zhou Hong, her eyes brightening, and then she pouted.

Obviously, being tall and handsome makes a good first impression, but with his past as a petty hoodlum from the bottom of society, he doesn't really interest anyone.

The dishes were served one by one.

"Xiao Hong, thank you for lending me and your brother that 5 yuan. Sigh, my job is causing my parents so much worry," Chang Yue said with some shame, raising her drink as well.

"Sister-in-law, aren't we getting a bit carried away?" Zhou Hong quickly raised his drink glass and gently clinked glasses with Chang Yue.

It's a family matter, and bystanders should pretend not to hear. Da Lajiao didn't say anything, and even if Liu Mei had doubts about why the hoodlum's younger brother lent money to his old classmate and his wife, she wouldn't get involved in the topic and would just chat with Da Lajiao.

Standing in front of the chili noodles, she felt a natural sense of superiority, asking questions like how much the chili noodle shop made in a month.

It's clear that the two of them didn't get along very well in junior high. Two tigers can't share one mountain, and two equally stunning beauties in the same grade can't coexist.

Asking about the convenience store's sales figures was like stabbing a thorn in Da Lajiao's side.

To everyone's surprise, Big Chili grinned and said, "My little shop only pays us a minimum of 5000 yuan a month from Xiao Hong. If we make a few hundred more, that's just scraping by!"

Liu Mei was taken aback: "What? What do you mean, a guaranteed minimum of 5000?"

Big Chili glanced at Zhou Hong, and seeing that Zhou Hong didn't seem to object, she smiled smugly: "It's just that our convenience store helps Xiao Hong collect some things, and Xiao Hong pays us 5000 yuan a month."

"Really?" Liu Mei's pretty face was full of disbelief. She had just started working and her monthly salary was less than 500 yuan. This guy had become her old rival from the countryside, and his monthly income was ten times that of hers? He was her nightmare back in junior high school. The boy she liked was always revolving around this guy. She thought the nightmare was over long ago. How come it's back again?

"It's true. Actually, once my city branch connects with this place, I plan to pay Sister Jiao and Third Brother a monthly salary of 10,000 yuan." At this point, Zhou Hong naturally sided with "Sister Jiao".

"Xiao Hong, it looks like you have a good bar in your Audi? Why don't you have a drink?" Seeing that her little darling wasn't angry and was even "bragging" for her, Big Chili immediately got excited and emphasized the words "Audi".

"I won't drink while driving, and my sister-in-law won't drink either," Zhou Hong said with a smile.

"What kind of wine is it? Is it red wine? I love red wine," Liu Mei asked from the side, her tone slightly teasing. "With that mouth of yours, you can get a big boss who pays you 1 yuan a month to bring you a bottle of '82 Lafite, can you?"

"Speaking of which, there is indeed a bottle of 82 Lafite in the car. Sister-in-law, would you like some?" Zhou Hong asked.

"I don't drink..." Chang Yue was a little confused. Was it given to her younger brother by that big star?

"Bring it up here, let this country bumpkin see what it's like! I won't drink it, so don't worry about the cost!" Liu Mei continued in her teasing tone.

Zhou Hong nodded, took out his phone, and dialed Jin Shazai's number.

Although Sister Tier has changed her mind, Jinsha has stayed. He has gained a new understanding of China's security and admitted his mistakes. Next time his boss returns to China, he will not have to follow him. However, he will make the best of a good start and will stay with his boss on the last day.

Not long after, Jinsha knocked on the door and came in, bringing two bottles of red wine: one was a 82 Lafite and the other was a newly released Romanée-Conti.

The newly released 2000 vintage of Romanée-Conti is not only due to the excellent grapes from the Left Bank, but also because it was a top vintage for Burgundy.

A 00 vintage of the brand, now sold at around $8000 with zero tariffs.

If measured in RMB, even the bare price would exceed 6 RMB.

"Sister-in-law, this is the 82 Lafite, which is actually less than HK$2 a bottle. This 00 Romanée-Conti is more expensive, more than RMB6. I'll leave it here for you to use when entertaining female leaders or something."

Zhou Hong turned his head and saw the bewildered Big Chili Pepper, and laughed, "I'll save you a bottle later too."

"Having been abroad makes you good at conning people..." Liu Mei muttered softly.

Although the voice was low, everyone in the private room could hear it.

"Liu Mei, what are you babbling about?! You know nothing! Xiao Hong spent nearly ten million on this property, you know? He bought a whole bunch of things, including the second floor and the storefront. Have you ever seen money?" Once Da La Jiao got excited, she forgot everything and acted completely recklessly.

Liu Mei opened her mouth to laugh, but then paused. Her pretty face showed a variety of expressions. At first, she was disdainful, clearly finding it absurd. But then, as if she remembered something, she looked at Zhou Hong in surprise. Gradually, that surprise turned into certainty, and her eyes suddenly became very bright.

"Ah, it's you? I... I heard something. My sister works there selling apartments. She was there that day! Ah?! Jiaojiao, you were there too. You were with Xiaohong, with Brother Hong, right? The pretty country woman my sister was talking about, you're you?!"

Obviously, it's supposed to be kept secret, but how can something be completely kept secret? However, people in the circle know that there's a general idea about it, but they can't trace it back to the person in charge.

"What rural woman?! You talk like your ancestors weren't from the countryside for generations!" Big Chili curled her lip, but her face was full of pride. "It's me, your grandma!"

Liu Mei fell silent, glancing at Zhou Hong, lost in thought.

"Sister-in-law, how about this? Let's not just give the money for the gift to random people. Let me see if I have any ideas?"

"You were transferred from Sanlong Third Primary School to our county's education system, right? And the reason you and your spouse are separated is because of that." Zhou Hong took out his phone and called Chen Wanli.

I originally planned to do it secretly, but the atmosphere has set the stage, so I'll just leave it at that.

Moreover, by speaking openly, we saved money. Otherwise, if things were done well, my sister-in-law would think that the money had worked, and I would have been thanked for nothing.

"Chairman Hong, haha, I was just thinking about you!" Chen Wanli answered the phone almost instantly.

"Here's the thing, find your notebook. Hmm, you have a pen? My sister-in-law from my hometown, my own sister-in-law, her name is Chang Yue. She teaches at the Third Elementary School in Sanlong County, she's the homeroom teacher for Class 3, Grade 2?" Zhou Hong turned around: "Sister-in-law, right?"

"Class 2, Grade 3..." Chang Yue was speechless.

"Oh, she's the homeroom teacher of Class 2, Grade 3. She and my brother are separated. My brother works at the Dongning County Cultural Bureau; his name is Zhou Jun. You can verify all of that! Now my sister-in-law wants to transfer to Dongning County. Is it difficult for you there?"

"Become a leader? No need, no need. Just stay a teacher, a permanent position. Let me tell you, my brother and sister-in-law both graduated from Jiangbei University last year. Jiangbei University is a key university, a top-tier university!"

"There's a vacancy for deputy section chief in the Education Bureau?... No way, you're already getting it done for you... What would it look like if I snatched it away?... No..."

Zhou Hong was stunned when he heard Chen Wanli's words.

It's said that Chen Wanli had an old flame at the Dongning Education Bureau. Although it's all in the past, a position just happened to become vacant, and the old flame wanted to make a move. She approached Chen Wanli, who had already moved on quite a bit. Now, he immediately said he would give it to "Chairman Hong's sister-in-law," taking advantage of the connections he had just established. So, he patted his chest and guaranteed it.

Otherwise, even if he were completely clueless about the affairs of the lower-level business bureau, how could he dare to make such a boast?

Since he said that, he must have known what he was doing.

Zhou Hong tried to decline, but Chen Wanli had already hung up the phone.

Zhou Hong scratched his head, feeling a bit guilty towards Chen Wanli's ex-lover. Of course, he figured Chen Wanli would give her proper compensation.

"Sister-in-law, wait for news. They should be transferring you to the Education Bureau, I think you'll be a deputy section chief..."

Chang Yue was stunned, wanting to say something, but then stopped herself.

Zhou Hong knew his sister-in-law didn't believe him, and felt he was being too naive, but he couldn't bring himself to say it.

That's true. Although the deputy section chief of the county education bureau is just a deputy section-level official, it's nothing compared to the provincial and municipal government positions.

However, for college graduates who have been working for less than a year, getting promoted to deputy section chief level in the county system still requires extremely strong connections.

"I'm calling Chen Wanli, yes, the Chen Wanli you know, the Chen Wanli from Wanli Group in the city."

"He vouched for it himself, so there shouldn't be any problems."

Chang Yue was even more stunned. "You know Chen Wanli? And you can even talk to him on the phone?"

"Anyway, just wait for the news; it shouldn't take long." Zhou Hong paused for a moment. "If anything happens again, call me."

"Hmm..." Chang Yue replied absentmindedly.

"Um, Brother Hong, what kind of big business do you run?" Liu Mei asked cautiously with a smile.

"Would you believe me if I said I was acquiring a commercial building worth several hundred million US dollars in Donghai?" Zhou Hong smiled.

When Chang Yue heard her best friend call her "Brother Hong" and add "Little" before it to cover it up, she was both amused and annoyed. But she had known all four years of college that although this guy didn't have a bad heart, he was very vain and loved to fantasize. He especially liked reading novels about domineering CEOs.

"I believe you!" Liu Mei nodded, speaking very seriously.

"Liu Mei, why don't you just quit your job and work with me? Run errands for Xiao Hong, and you'll earn way more than you do now!" Big Chili said triumphantly and nonchalantly.

"Really? Little Hong, is it okay?" Liu Mei looked at Zhou Hong with eager eyes.

Big Chili was just mocking her, but she didn't expect this reaction. She was about to speak with a look of disdain when Zhou Hong coughed and said, "Forget it, Sister Liu. Actually, a government job is the best job for a girl. So many people will envy you in the future. There are government jobs everywhere. Don't be silly."

He glanced at his watch again, stood up, and said, "You guys chat, I have to go."

I was originally just chatting with my sister-in-law about family matters, but things have gotten strange, and I can't sit still anymore.

"Okay, let me talk to Yueyue about the villa renovation." Big Chili hurriedly stood up to see her off. Unconsciously, she felt a lot of pressure in front of "Xiao Hong". She had to watch his expression before she spoke. It was good that he left. Now it was her home turf. She could have a good time to poke and seduce Liu Mei, that vixen and nemesis.

The word "PUA" (or "Xiao Hong") is also quite creative.

……

In the evening, at room 208 of the Dongning Hotel, Zhou Hong met up with several long-lost friends.

Zhou Hong hadn't thought much of it at first, but upon seeing his friends, he suddenly realized that he and Xiao Bao's friends were truly a case of like attracts like—all the worst of the worst in their class.

Three of them have stopped studying.

"Zhu Zi," Wang Jinzhu, went to work on construction sites with his father after graduating from junior high school. Now he is tanned dark, has calluses on his hands, and speaks and acts a bit like a migrant worker in a construction team. His pants have those white lime spots that can't be washed off.

"Old Tian," Tian Dahui, dropped out of high school in his second year and apparently worked as a security guard at a bathhouse in the city. He was tall and strong and was Zhou Hong's most capable helper when he fought in gangs. Now he seems to be a big shot in the city's small-time gangster circle, but he doesn't talk much when he's with his classmates. He's not the kind of person who talks big and boasts like a gangster.

"Old Ma," Ma Peng, will not go to school after this year's winter vacation and will instead work as a truck driver with his relatives.

These three, along with Zhou Hong and Xiao Bao, were all elementary school classmates.

In junior high school, the group separated from Xiaobao because his family moved to the county town.

They rekindled their friendship in high school, but Ma Peng and Lao Tian were not in the same class as Zhou Hong and Xiao Bao.

Zhou Hong and Xiao Bao were coincidentally assigned to the same class again.

Besides these three best friends from elementary school, there were two more buddies who were in the same class as Zhou Hong and Xiao Bao in high school.

One is named Zhao Kaifeng, and the other is named Du Jianjun.

These two didn't have a connection from elementary or middle school; they gradually became friends after entering high school and being in the same class.

Looking back now, Zhou Hong realized that although the two of them were a little afraid of him because he was good at fighting, they usually didn't provoke him at school because of his reputation.

But in reality, they probably listen to Xiaobao more, since Xiaobao usually pays for meals, videos, and video games.

"Xiao Hong, hey, you changed your watch again?" Xiao Bao now really likes to see what kind of watch Zhou Hong is wearing.

Zhou Hong is wearing a Rolex Daytona today, which is the prize watch for the Daytona Rally, sponsored by Rolex, every year.

This year's platinum Ref. 116509 has a particularly eye-catching ice-blue surface, which is why Zhou Hong decided to wear it for a few days. The domestic price is about 500,000 to 600,000 yuan, but the sales are almost non-existent.

However, it must be said that, in terms of proportion, Rolex's mid-range watches are the most valuable among all luxury watches under $100,000.

Zhou Hong glanced at his bare wrist and smiled slightly.

"Sigh, my dad found out and confiscated it from me, and now he's wearing it! I've never seen anyone steal my son's favorite thing before. I don't know where this weirdo came from!" Xiao Bao clicked his tongue repeatedly, his face full of sarcasm.

Zhou Hong found it funny, but this kind of father-son relationship is actually quite good.

"Perfect timing, since you're all here, you can ask Xiao Hong yourselves if he gave me a watch worth over 5 yuan?"

Zhou Hongli was speechless. Although in theory others shouldn't be jealous, after all, he and Xiaobao had grown up together like children.

Not to mention, if we really look at the economics, the money Xiaobao has spent on treating people over the years must be at least a few thousand.

But that's the theory. In reality, aren't others envious?

However, at least on the surface, no one seemed to take it seriously. Zhao Kaifeng and Du Jianjun both laughed and said, "Oh dear, we all said we believed it..."

"I can't be bothered to tell you!" Xiao Bao grinned at Zhou Hong. "I told my dad you gave it to me, but I don't know if he believed me or not. Anyway, he said you're free now, so I should take you to my house for dinner!"

"This time won't work. I'm leaving tomorrow and will come back after the college entrance exam."

"It doesn't matter, as long as I know you'll be back on time..." Xiao Bao didn't finish his sentence.

Zhou Hong thought about the time he had been out of contact and how anxious Xiao Bao had been, sending him messages on QQ every day. He patted Xiao Bao on the shoulder, feeling a warmth in his heart, and smiled, "Call me if you miss me!"

"Pah, only a dog would miss you, why don't you hit me?" Xiao Bao shoved Zhou Hong's hand away.

The waiters served the dishes one by one, and the table was soon filled with food, including several dishes that the group considered to be the main attraction, such as braised sea cucumber with scallions and stewed octopus with meat.

Ma Peng laughed and said, "It seems that Xiao Hong has really made money going abroad!" He drives a big truck with his relatives and is already showing signs of being a member of the underworld. Moreover, it seems that he can earn about two thousand a month, which is a pretty good income.

Upon hearing that "Zhou Hongzhen made money," Xiao Bao immediately wanted to say something, but then became too lazy to respond and held back.

Zhou Hong spent most of his time chatting with his friends and asking about their recent situations.

"Zhu Zi, I'll find you a job later!" Zhou Hong chatted with Zhu Zi for a while, then patted him on the shoulder with a smile.

Zhu Zi, who went to work on construction sites with his father after graduating from elementary school, hasn't changed in personality; he's still very honest and kind, but he feels somewhat inferior in front of his old classmates.

He doesn't attend any classmate reunions; this is a small circle gathering. He only came from the countryside because he knew Zhou Hong was there, and he even had to ride his water pipe bike home late at night.

"That's great!" Zhu Zi grinned sheepishly, then asked, "Is it a construction site that my second aunt's husband knows about?"

The most capable member of Zhou Hong's family is his second aunt's husband, who owns a large truck.

"It's not work over there. Where do you want to go? We can discuss it later." Zhou Hong smiled slightly, then got up and took five small paper bags from the wine cabinet.

It consists of 5 Nokia 3300 phones, priced at 3500 yuan at the local telecommunications hall.

I bought one for each of my friends; it was ready yesterday.

All added up, it's just a few hours' wages for me, not to mention that it's all included in the "public funds" expenditure.

"These are gifts for you. Get your own SIM cards later. I'll ask Xiao Bao for the numbers. Oh, Ma Peng, you and Lao Tian already have phones; you can give them to friends later!"

"A cell phone?! Ah..." The friends exclaimed in surprise.

"Why isn't mine? You little brat, you're such a jerk!" Xiao Bao rubbed his hands together, very angry.

"Didn't I give you a watch? Besides, you have a cell phone!"

"This is better! This can be used as an MP3 player, I've wanted one for a long time!" Xiao Bao said angrily.

"Damn it!" Zhou Hong said helplessly. "Okay, I'll have someone bring you a better one later. You can get it from Big Chili."

"Thank you, Master Hong!" Xiao Bao immediately beamed with a fawning smile. "Xiao Bao accepts the reward!" He then gave a nodding gesture.

"Get the hell out of here!" Zhou Hong had no way to deal with him.

Just then, an untimely voice whispered, "Zhou Hong, can I sell it later? A month's phone bill, I..."

It was Zhao Kaifeng who spoke, and the private room fell silent for a moment.

Xiao Bao was furious. "Kai Zi, you've really gone crazy from playing in the mud! This is Xiao Hong's heartfelt gift. Why don't you just give it to him for money? Even if that's what you're thinking, you can just secretly sell it later, right? Oh, don't open it. It'll sell for over 3000, no problem!"

Zhou Hong was both amused and exasperated, and said helplessly, "Alright, alright, you can do whatever you want with me, but Zhu Zi, don't sell him! I need to talk to you about something!"

Zhu Zi grinned sheepishly, "Okay!" Then he said, "Xiao Hong, you've really hit the jackpot!"

Ma Peng's eyes also welled up as he looked at Zhou Hong: "Xiao Hong, tell me, what kind of big business are you in?"

Zhou Hong laughed and said, "Hoarding houses is something that happened in Xiangguo. The housing market used to be very cheap, but after the economy developed, the housing market was the most dynamic indicator of the economy. Hot money flowed in, and the prices were driven higher and higher. I think it might be the same in mainland China. People with some money can buy a house, even if it's not a necessity now. I feel that it will appreciate in value in the future."

"No way!" Zhao Kaifeng exclaimed incredulously. "That's in a foreign country. How could that be possible in our country? There are hardly any people who can afford to buy a house now, let alone see prices rise?"

Zhou Hong smiled and said, "That's true." He just said it casually and left it at that.

"Come on, let's all fill our glasses and have a drink!" Zhou Hong urged.

Everyone cheered loudly, and the atmosphere gradually became more enthusiastic.

……

Late at night, an Audi was parked next to the old site of Zhoucun Primary School, which has now been demolished and turned into a "courtyard barbecue".

Inside the car were Zhou Hong, Xiao Bao, Zhu Zi, and Lao Tian.

They are four truly best friends who grew up together.

The group chatted about their elementary school days, laughing and joking around. Even Zhu Zi, who had become rather dull after working on construction sites for several years, was much more lively today.

Zhou Hong turned on the CD player, pressed the button a few times, and the song "Childhood" came on.

"On the banyan tree by the pond, cicadas are chirping, heralding summer."

Only butterflies perched on the swings by the playground.

The teacher's chalk was still frantically scribble on the blackboard.

A childhood filled with waiting for get out of class to end, waiting for school to be over, and waiting for games…

The car gradually quieted down, and everyone listened attentively.

"I've wanted to bring people back to beat up Du Feng and his gang several times! Du Feng, right?" Old Tian suddenly said.

Old Tian, ​​who had gained some notoriety among the city's petty thugs, finally showed his teeth.

"Forget it, it's pointless. If we really have to fight, it'll be just the two of us!" Zhou Hong laughed. "We'll find an opportunity."

Even if you want to resolve student fights, you still end up resolving them by having students fight each other.

"Good!" Old Tian immediately rubbed his fists together.

"You all treat me like I'm not human when it comes to fighting!" Xiao Bao huffed angrily.

"Sure, you can come too!" Zhou Hong patted Xiao Bao's shoulder with a smile.

"That's more like it..." Xiao Bao was grinning when Zhou Hong's next words, "Stay away and be a cheerleader, don't make Lao Tian and me have to save you," made him yell angrily and grab Zhou Hong's neck.

After laughing and joking for a while, Zhu Zi hesitated for a moment, then handed a plastic bag he was holding to Lao Tian, ​​saying, "Here, take it. You have a lot of social engagements, and it'll be useful. I can't stand cigarettes like this."

Zhou Hong gave them, two smokers, ten cartons of cigarettes each, all of them Soft Zhonghua brand.

"Zhu Zi, how many times have you said that nonsense?" Xiao Bao rolled his eyes. "Isn't Xiao Hong going to say it again? From now on, I'll provide you two with cigarettes. I'll come find you on the first of every month and deliver them to you! Damn it, I've become a nanny. I don't care if you're shy, that's your problem. I won't deliver them. I'm telling you to go to Ya Ya Supermarket to pick them up. If you don't go, then don't get them!"

Zhou Hong glanced at his watch. "I'll take you home. I'm leaving tomorrow. I want to chat with Mom and Dad a little longer tonight."

"You two, stop talking nonsense and go back by yourselves! If you keep doing this, I'm not inviting you to the next gathering!" Xiao Bao turned around and glared at Zhu Zi and Lao Tian.

Zhu Zi was about to say something, but he had to swallow it back down.

Zhou Hong chuckled inwardly, started the car, and said, "Just put it in the trunk. It's late at night. If we encounter a female ghost and there's no one for me, I'll be very angry. I'll be very furious."

The people in the car immediately started laughing and joking again.