Chapter 105: Wang Wenyu's Gift

Wang Wenyu smiled and said, “Thank you for saying those words to my husband. Besides, I’m no one important—just a wanderer.”

Hearing Brother Hui earnestly offer such sincere advice to Jiang Fan, Wang Wenyu believed he was someone worthy of Jiang Fan’s acquaintance.

Brother Hui looked at the cigarette in his hand and, with a meaningful tone, said, “Those who leave their homeland are all wanderers, but wandering comes in different forms. The most common are two types: one, those who must wander out of necessity to make a living; two, those who don’t want to stay in comfort and instead choose unfamiliar places temporarily to enrich their lives.

To be honest, out of curiosity, I asked around about you, but no one told me.

In this area, you’re considered a person of some status, and when others mention you, they seem a bit flustered. I don’t know whether to define you as a wanderer or just a traveler seeking new experiences.”

Knowing Brother Hui was trying to inquire about her background, Wang Wenyu smiled and replied, “You say I don’t seem like a wanderer, but what about my husband? Wherever he is, that’s where I’ll be. If I’m not a wanderer, then what am I?”

Brother Hui laughed, waving his hand, “Let’s just say I never said anything, okay? But truly, thank you for your generous courtesy.

I had planned twice to meet with Brother Fan, but he’s been too busy. Let me know when you both have some free time; we can all get together somewhere as a return gesture. How does that sound?”

Jiang Fan, hearing Brother Hui repeatedly mention the valuable gift, had a rough idea of what was going on. He glanced at Wang Wenyu without complaint and teased Brother Hui, “Don’t interrupt. We can arrange a meal anytime, just don’t forget the matter of the fruit basket.”

Spending a little money to buy fruit as gifts for friends or acquaintances was trivial to Brother Hui. What occupied his mind was that receiving a gift from Wang Wenyu meant he should report something.

After hesitating briefly, he continued subtly, “Sister-in-law should have work to do, but she’s been here all day. She must be helping Ah Xin with the business.”

Wang Wenyu guessed what Brother Hui meant. If she confirmed it, Xiao Yuxin might feel indebted to her; if she denied it, Brother Hui might misunderstand and think she didn’t trust her. Unsure how to respond, Jiang Fan cut in and asked directly, “Do you know about Qidong Yang’s bastard at the Industrial and Commercial Bureau?”

Brother Hui nodded when Jiang Fan took up the topic he wanted to extend. “I know. Grandpa was a cadre who moved south, and my father is also a significant figure in the city.”

Because of many entanglements, Brother Hui spoke vaguely without making things clear.

Wang Wenyu immediately caught on. Hearing Brother Hui’s hesitation when mentioning Qidong Yang, she added, “The power granted by the state is to serve the people, not to serve one’s own family. Someone who can’t even control their own children doesn’t deserve to be called important.

Those with status usually care about their reputation, and Qidong Yang’s backers should have such concerns. Yet he behaves arrogantly. I think the bigger reason is that those sycophants around him have spoiled him.”

Seeing Wang Wenyu’s righteous demeanor, Brother Hui didn’t interrupt.

Xiao Yuxin, sensing the atmosphere turning serious, interjected to lighten the mood, “We small fry shouldn’t discuss big matters. Beauty is capital; with you here today, my fruit shop’s business is booming more than usual. I’ll treat everyone tonight—any objections?”

Jiang Fan didn’t hesitate, “Let’s go to my uncle’s place. His Northeastern dishes are authentic.”

Brother Hui felt their earlier conversation had gotten too deep. To ease things, he joked, “First helping Ah Xin drum up business, then promoting fruit, and now looking after the dumpling restaurant’s livelihood—looks like a natural businessman.”

Yueyue didn’t know that Brother Hui and Jiang Fan nearly fell out over the spoiled fruit. Seeing the mood had softened, she wanted to add some fun and teased, “He is good at business. A few days ago, he sold fruit once and already made quite a name for himself.”

Brother Hui wanted to stop her, but since the words were already out, he turned to Jiang Fan. Seeing him awkwardly scratch the back of his head without much change in expression, he relaxed.

Xiao Yuxin and Wang Wenyu were unaware that Jiang Fan had sold the spoiled fruit to Tang Jun.

Seeing Jiang Fan’s embarrassed gesture, Wang Wenyu laughed heartily and asked Yueyue, “How does selling fruit make you famous?”

Jiang Fan had been more concerned about the security team than the fruit trade. Seeing he no longer minded, Brother Hui revealed the story about buying four bags of fruit.

Xiao Yuxin smiled and asked Jiang Fan, “What did you do with the other two bags?”

Jiang Fan pouted and explained, “At the dumpling restaurant, gave them to my uncle, aunt, and Guihua. They all thought the fruit was precious; only someone rich like Tang Jun would despise them.”

Wang Wenyu was amused by Jiang Fan’s various expressions and laughed heartily. Xiao Yuxin said, “No wonder you two are a couple. You should teach him better.”

Jiang Fan immediately defended himself, “I’m helping you with business. It’s one thing not to get paid for labor, but how can you criticize me?”

Their laughter drew the attention of nearby shopkeepers.

About fifty meters away, in a clothing store, the young shop owner in her early twenties sat at the entrance, staring toward the fruit shop. She coquettishly said to a man in his thirties with two deep scars on his face, “Honey, can you stay out of your eldest son’s affairs? Now Brother Hui is tight with them. I’m worried you’ll get hurt.”

The scarred man was Ah Zhong, whom Brother Hui had warned Jiang Fan about. The clothing shop belonged to his lover, Li Yafang, who had charmed this man more than ten years her junior. Ah Zhong generously helped her open the store.

Though he had several lovers, Li Yafang was the most beautiful and youngest, so Ah Zhong often came by to sit and keep an eye on her, fearing she might be taken by someone else.

Yesterday, Lu Zi had sent several important henchmen home for the New Year, forbidding them from appearing on the streets for a while.

To avoid being seen by Xiao Yuxin and Brother Hui who knew him, Ah Zhong sat by the changing room of the shop, holding the curtain so he could quickly hide if someone passed by.

Shaking his head helplessly, he said, “I understand the stakes. My nephew Ah Dong has been wronged, and I haven’t minded, but I don’t know if this can be handled peacefully. If it can’t, and the boss orders action, I’ll have no choice but to comply. Otherwise, how could I survive around here?

When I get back, watch closely who tries to cozy up to that troublemaker Mao. If we can’t deal with him, we’ve got to find two scapegoats to vent on.”

Ah Zhong wanted to spend two nights with his young lover but feared Lu Zi’s reprimand, so he kept a low profile.