Chapter 167 : You Are Worthy of Being My Good Son

“Deputy Captain Yu, long time no see. Why are you back?”  

Given the circumstances, Yu Xinzheng shouldn’t have returned.

The final evaluation of the freshmen’s military training was just two days away, and he was stationed far from home, having been away for some time.  

Getting off his bicycle, Yu Xinzheng replied, “I came back to pick something up. What are you up to?”  

Shen Zheng handed him a crumpled note. “Your son left me this. He suggested I go to the cafeteria for a meal. I’m taking his advice.”  

Yu Xinzheng chuckled heartily, “Ah, that’s my boy! He knows exactly how to say the right things. He is worthy of being my good son!”  

Shen Zheng rolled his eyes and crumpled the note further.  

Yu Xinzheng added, “Come on, let me take you to my house. I’m a generous person, I’ll treat you to a meal.”  

Shen Zheng shrugged. “Doesn’t matter where we eat. But it’s late, and I doubt you have anything prepared at home. Might as well join me at the cafeteria.”  

“You talk like you’ll actually find food in the cafeteria,” Yu Xinzheng retorted.  

When they reached the Yu household, dinner was already over.  

In the kitchen, Yu Feixu and Shen Haifeng were busy washing dishes while Han Weiping and Zheng Lanhua chatted in the living room.  

Hearing noises at the door, Yu Xiaopang rushed out, yelling, “Mom! This is bad! Dad’s back!”  

Han Weiping looked up calmly. “And what’s so bad about that? Let him come back if he wants to.”  

Yu Xinzheng entered with Shen Zheng in tow. “Weiping, I brought Shen Zheng back for dinner.”  

Yu Xiaopang fetched a plate and presented it solemnly. “Dad, we’re out of rice. There are only three dumplings left. I was saving them to eat later when I’m less full, but since you and Uncle are here, I’ll give them to you. I won’t eat.”  

Yu Xinzheng rubbed his temples. “No food left at all?”  

Han Weiping shrugged. “I didn’t know you’d be back. We only had so much meat, so I made stuffing for dumplings with added vegetables to stretch it out.”  

“Fine, I’ll go cook some noodles for you two.”  

Shen Zheng waved her off. “Sister, no need to trouble yourself. We’ll cook.”  

—

In the kitchen, Shen Zheng lit the fire while Yu Xinzheng washed the pot.  

As Shen Zheng added firewood, he remarked, “Your son saved three dumplings just for you. Truly, your flesh and blood.”  

Thinking about his two sons, Yu Xinzheng groaned. “Twenty years from now, if your Xiaxia agrees to marry my Feiyue, you better put in a good word for us and not kick us out.”  

Shen Zheng shot him a look. “My daughter isn’t that easy to marry. Keep dreaming.”  

Yu Xinzheng straightened indignantly. “Hey, Shen Zheng, that’s uncalled for. My son isn’t bad either.”  

“The son may be good, but I’m not so sure about the father,” Shen Zheng retorted.  

Yu Xinzheng snorted. “I shouldn’t have brought you here. You’re so ungrateful.”  

“I didn’t get to eat dumplings, and I had to cook my own noodles. This isn’t freeloading, it’s earning my keep.” Shen Zheng glanced at the pickled radish nearby and grabbed a bowl to help himself.  

Changing the subject, Yu Xinzheng said, “On my way back, I heard your Third Regiment is running devilish training. The college students are so worn out they’re wailing like ghosts.”  

Unfazed, Shen Zheng pointed at the pot. “The water’s boiling. Time to add the noodles.”  

Yu Xinzheng stirred the pot as he added the noodles. “Don’t dodge the question. Tell me, Shen Zheng, is this really necessary? They’re just students.”  

Shen Zheng shrugged. “Once they step into the camp, they’re soldiers, not students. What’s the difference?”  

“Tsk tsk…” Yu Xinzheng teased, “Shen Zheng, you really are something. With your personality, how did my sister even like you? I honestly think you should have been single for life.”  

At the mention of Fang Xiaoluo, Shen Zheng’s expression softened noticeably. “I’m just lucky,” he replied.  

—

Meanwhile, after taking the bus to Jiangcheng, Fang Xiaoluo found Tang Jingxian waiting for her at the bus station.  

Tang Jingxian drove her directly to a shop opposite People’s Park to take a look.  

At first sight, Fang Xiaoluo fell in love with it. The shop was the perfect size, ideally located, had large windows, and was very bright.  

Its proximity to People’s Park, where many gather for morning exercises daily, made it especially promising. If she could establish a market and her noodles gained popularity, it would undoubtedly be an excellent spot.  

However, the rent was steep.  

So instead of renting it outright, Fang Xiaoluo decided to think it over.  

At noon, Tang Jingxian invited her to lunch at her restaurant.  

As they entered, Fang Xiaoluo noticed how busy the restaurant was, with a long queue of customers. “Sister Tang, your business is really booming,” she remarked.  

Tang Jingxian smiled. “It’s all thanks to you. Ever since I met you, you’ve been my lucky charm. I’ve been tempted to worship you!”  

“Sister Tang, you’re the smart one and a great businesswoman. I just provide some ingredients,” Fang Xiaoluo replied modestly.  

Tang Jingxian then asked, “I heard all the land in your Honghe Village is planted with new crops. When they’re ready, let’s discuss collaboration. Don’t worry, we can negotiate the price.”  

The greenhouse over the cornfields had been repurposed for various vegetables, all watered with diluted spiritual spring water. Although these vegetables grew faster than others, care was taken to avoid suspicion. For now, her space only produced cucumbers to maintain supply for Tang Jingxian.  

“It’ll take some time, but I’ll let you know when they’re ready,” Fang Xiaoluo assured her.  

Tang Jingxian eagerly anticipated the new vegetables, envisioning opportunities to develop fresh dishes. She knew that come winter, the value of these fresh vegetables would soar, and affluent customers wouldn’t mind paying premium prices.  

Tang Jingxian added, “By the way, Ma Yongfeng has been asking about you recently.”  

“Ma Yongfeng? The boss of the Peace Hotel?” Fang Xiaoluo asked. She recalled how he had initially dismissed her food when she approached him.  

Tang Jingxian nodded. “Yes, that’s him. He’s been snooping around, asking people in my restaurant about you. I think he’s figured out when your brother delivers your supplies. He even cornered your brother this morning, acting very attentive.”  

Fang Xiaoluo smiled calmly. “Sister Tang, don’t worry. We have a great partnership. Even if I grow more produce in the future, I won’t sell to him.”  

“I’m not concerned about that,” Tang Jingxian replied, smiling. “I trust your character. I’m just worried he’ll find you and start pestering you, causing unnecessary trouble.”  

“Thank you for the reminder, Sister Tang. I’ll be careful,” Fang Xiaoluo said.  

Before their food arrived, Fang Xiaoluo excused herself to use the restroom.  

As she walked back, she passed an open private dining room where food was being served. She glanced inside and froze at the scene.  

Zhou Yanwen was inside, holding and kissing a woman intimately.  

The woman wasn’t Xu Yaqiu.  

That image… tsk tsk…