Chapter 36

Yuan Xiaoqiang pulled Tang Zhendong to a restaurant that was still open, and the two of them ordered some drinks and dishes.

"Brother Dong, what are you doing now?" Yuan Xiaoqiang clinked glasses with Tang Zhendong and asked.

"Me? I'm unemployed now. I sold fruits for a while, but then I lost my cart, so I just stopped. Now I have nothing to do."

Yuan Xiaoqiang said, "Oh," and then asked, "Do you need my help?"

Tang Zhendong waved his hand, "No need." In Tang Zhendong's mind, friends were just friends, and there shouldn't be any other complications, otherwise the friendship wouldn't be pure.

"Ha ha, Brother Dong, do you know? You are very confident. I used to admire you when I was in school. Your confident demeanor is a bit like my dad. I used to admire him a lot. He started as a small contractor and built up to the current Yuanshi Group. You could say he is also my idol. However, due to the rapid development in recent years and the many drawbacks, or perhaps the poor economic situation in the country, the Yuanshi Group is now in a precarious position. Sigh!"

"A fat camel, even when it's thin, is still bigger than a horse. Your family is so well-off; even if the economic situation is bad, you won't be poor!"

"I didn't realize it before, but now I'm the head accountant at my dad's company, and I know the situation best. The company's cash flow is about to break, and it's facing the risk of bankruptcy. Anyway, let's not talk about these troubles. Today, we're just here to drink."

The two of them finished another glass of wine and then started talking about the fun times from school. However, most of the talking was done by Yuan Xiaoqiang, while Tang Zhendong listened.

"Brother Dong, without you at school, I couldn't find anyone to play with. Our high school had such a heavy academic atmosphere that it made people feel suffocated. We finally managed to get through three years, and then my dad spent money to get me into a wildcat university. I just barely finished my degree. By the way, how did you meet Yu Daxiaohua?"

"We met by chance at a restaurant."

"Right, let me tell you a secret," Yuan Xiaoqiang lowered his voice, "The Yu Daxiaohua you like never dated anyone in school, but at least a reinforced company of people pursued her. I don't know about college, though, as she went to a prestigious university, and I went to a wildcat university."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Ha ha, Brother Dong, don't be so formal. Don't you think I know you like Yu Qingying? After so many years, you met again by chance. Won't there be a spark of love?"

Yuan Xiaoqiang was always so blunt, saying whatever came to mind. "But, Brother Dong, Yu Daxiaohua's family is no ordinary one. Her father, Yu Zhenhua, is the mayor of Haicheng City. I don't want to discourage you, but I really hope you can win her heart. Brother Dong, I believe in you!"

Actually, Tang Zhendong had a vague idea about Yu Qingying's background since the day he sent her home. Although Yu Qingying never mentioned her family, she lived in a heavily guarded government residential area in a detached villa. Even members of the city's Standing Committee might not have the qualifications to live in such a villa in the government residential area.

In the past, Tang Zhendong only wanted a simple love, but in today's society, love is always entangled with too many things. When it could have been simple, Tang Zhendong didn't have the chance to pursue it. Now, when he wants a simple love, he doesn't have the conditions.

Although Yu Qingying is very familiar and warm with him, and the two of them, who didn't speak to each other in high school, suddenly became close after so many years, it's as if the ice between them melted instantly. There is no distance or strangeness between them, as if they have known each other for years and have always been together.

Tang Zhendong also attributes this feeling to Yu Qingying having a good impression of him. After hearing Yuan Xiaoqiang's words, he seemed to realize that in today's society, it's hard to be together based on love alone, especially for someone from a high-ranking family like Yu Qingying.

Even if the two of them make grand vows of love, reality can still tear them apart, let alone the fact that they haven't even clarified their feelings for each other.

"Men, the most important thing is to have money and power!" Yuan Xiaoqiang had a deep understanding of society.

During the eight years in prison and the year since his release, Tang Zhendong has been trying to adapt to this society. However, perhaps the eight years were too long, and Tang Zhendong has fallen behind the pace of this society.

Before Tang Zhendong went to prison, the sky was still a deep blue, the water was still crystal clear, chickens and ducks didn't have avian flu, and pork could be eaten with peace of mind.

Back then, taking photos required wearing clothes, and debts had to be repaid. Barber shops were only for haircuts, and taking photos also required wearing clothes.

Dating required an introduction, and divorce had to involve the union leaders and the neighborhood committee aunties. A mother-in-law wouldn't ask for a house when marrying off her daughter, and the father of the child was always clear.

This society has changed in ways that Tang Zhendong can't quite understand. However, Tang Zhendong has always had a strong adaptability, and he is gradually getting used to this society, no longer finding anything strange.

But Yuan Xiaoqiang hit the nail on the head about the essence of this society: men must either have power or money!

When they left, Yuan Xiaoqiang drove Tang Zhendong to his home in the Xingfu New Village. As he left, Yuan Xiaoqiang gestured to Tang Zhendong, "Brother Dong, keep it up, I believe in you!"

The narrow alleys of the New Village couldn't accommodate Yuan Xiaoqiang's BMW, so Tang Zhendong got out at the intersection.

Although Tang Zhendong's steps were unsteady, his mind was very clear. He was drunk, the first time he had ever been drunk. Each step felt like he was walking on cotton, one step high, one step low.

"Brother Zhendong, why are you just getting back? Ah, you're drunk?" When Zhao Lili heard the jingling of Tang Zhendong's keys as he tried them one by one, she rolled out of bed and went to open the door for him. However, a strong smell of alcohol greeted her.

"Oh, it's Lili. I had a bit to drink, but it's fine!"

Tang Zhendong waved his hand, freeing himself from Zhao Lili's support, and wobbled over to find the lock on his door. However, he couldn't open it after several attempts. Zhao Lili took the keys from him and was about to help him open the door when Tang Zhendong suddenly vomited, spewing alcohol and food all over the floor, and some of it splashed onto Zhao Lili.

Tang Zhendong leaned against the door, gasping for breath.

Zhao Lili quickly opened the door, not bothering to clean the mess on her, and brought Tang Zhendong a glass of water to rinse his mouth. She then brought a basin of water to wash his face.

Tang Zhendong took the towel from Zhao Lili, and the cold water on his face made him more清醒, but his steps were still unsteady.

"Brother Zhendong, why did you drink so much? Really."

Zhao Lili helped Tang Zhendong into the room, and he fell onto the bed. She took off his shoes and pulled the blanket over him.

At this moment, Zhao Lili didn't even bother to clean the mess from Tang Zhendong's vomit on her.

After settling Tang Zhendong, Zhao Lili, still wearing her sleepwear that smelled of Tang Zhendong's vomit, went to change into a clean set of clothes. She then brought Tang Zhendong a glass of warm water and gently placed it on his bedside table.

"Qingying, Qingying, no matter how big the gap between us is, I will be with you!"

In his dream, Tang Zhendong's tone was still firm and domineering. However, Zhao Lili felt a pang of sadness. She wished so much that the Qingying in Tang Zhendong's mouth was her.

Seeing that Tang Zhendong's murmurs were all about this girl named Qingying, Zhao Lili poured another glass of cool water at his desk and then quietly left, closing the door behind her.

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