Returning home, Qi Taiguo had already gotten back and was sitting in the living room, reading a "Story Club" magazine. As soon as he saw Cheng Su enter, he subconsciously glanced at the small clock on the table.
Itâs only four oâclock, why so early today?
Thinking this, Qi Taiguo already blurted out, "Youâre back so early today?" Doesnât she have to prepare tomorrowâs ingredients?
"Donât even mention it!" Cheng Su set down her armful of bags.
Seeing her disheartened tone, Qi Taiguo couldnât help but ask, "What happened?"
"Some bullies came to the restaurant today for a free meal." Cheng Su casually replied, then added angrily, "I mean, whatâs with your generation getting into the underworld so early?"
Your generation?
It was as if she didnât consider herself one of them.
Qi Taiguo didnât think much about it and only heard about bullies not paying for their meal and getting involved in the underworld, which made his face darken. "A free meal? What happened afterward?"
"Luckily, Sister-in-law Zhou happened to pass by today and lent me a hand." Cheng Su recounted the events of the day.
Qi Taiguo listened with a grim expression, "Are you hurt?"
Cheng Su felt a warmth in her heart and shook her head, "Thanks to Sister-in-law Zhouâs toughness, she brought up our military service and those bastards didnât give me a hard time, but the meal they ate cost over ten yuan, and I let them go without paying... What a loss..."
"At a time like this, youâre still worried about money? Do you think those hoodlums are easy to deal with? They could kill or start a fireâanything is possible! Look at the trouble youâve gotten into over a few dollars. What would you have done if something happened?" Qi Taiguo interrupted her angrily.
Cheng Su was startled by his shout and looked at him without a word.
Qi Taiguo, being stared at directly, became even more infuriated. "Did I say something wrong? As a woman, what could you do if they decided to push you around?"
Was she fearless, or had she really worked up the courage of a bear or leopard? Any other woman would have started crying by now.
But no, she acted as if she wasnât afraid to die and was ready to roll up her sleeves and fight.
Truly reckless!
"I didnât invite this trouble. Who could have imagined there were people from the underworld around already? Itâs not like I planned it. I thought the nineties would see more of this!" Cheng Su also yelled, "Rest assured, I donât need your help to stand up for me or to settle scores with them. Sister-in-law Zhou said it already; they wouldnât dare cross military folks!"
"You think youâre right?" Qi Taiguo glared at her as they stood face to face.
"I bought you a full outfit and shoes, try them on." Cheng Su finally broke the silence after a while.
"Cheng Su!" Qi Taiguo exploded in anger. What kind of nonsense was she talking about at this time?
Qi Taiguo looked at the beautifully wrapped clothes and shoes she had brought out, not sure whether to be angry or amused. He just felt like his punch had hit cotton, with no effect.
"At a time like this, you still have the mood to shop?" Qi Taiguo said with annoyance, "You have too much money to spend? Why buy these? I donât need them."
But he wasnât ungrateful. Even though he disapproved of Cheng Suâs wasteful behavior in going shopping, she had thought of getting something for him; deep down, he was somewhat touched.
"Isnât money meant to be spent? Hurry up and try them on. If they donât fit, I can still exchange them," Cheng Su urged him.
Qi Taiguo looked at her and sighed, "Then what do you plan to do? What if the same thing happens again?"
What an undependable woman!