Chapter 121: The Tripod (3)

The setting sun cast its glow as the alleyway gradually grew lively, with more and more pedestrians appearing on the street. Zhang Guoqing rubbed his numb legs—he’d been squatting and reading, so engrossed that he subconsciously looked up at the sky and hurriedly searched for his friends.

A quick glance told him that aside from Li Qinglin, who was nearby, Zhang Yuntao was across the street, chatting enthusiastically with a young female vendor. Judging by his look, he was just short of bringing her home.

Zhang Guoqing and Li Qinglin exchanged a laugh—this guy was a lost cause.

In Zhang Guoqing’s opinion, Zhang Yuntao should have graduated high school and joined the army. Whether it was military school or enlisting, both were solid paths. He was in great shape, often winning track and field awards, and his personality suited the military well. Unfortunately, his father had already mapped out his future.

“Taozi, let’s go,” Zhang Guoqing called, waving him over. Didn’t he see that even passersby were glancing at him, chatting up the girl like that?

Leaving the market, Zhang Guoqing noticed Zhang Yuntao rubbing his stomach and couldn’t help but chuckle to himself.

“How about we go for another round of lamb offal soup? We can eat before heading back and still catch the last bus.”

“Hey, good brother! Now that’s a plan!” Zhang Yuntao exclaimed, hugging him and shouting with joy.

Li Qinglin led them down a shortcut. Before they even reached the shop, they saw two long lines of people waiting outside. Seeing the crowd, Zhang Yuntao sighed and was about to suggest trying another place. Li Qinglin just grinned mysteriously and led them around to the back door.

“Linzi, you really know your way around.”

“No choice, this place is always packed. We just go in and say we’re regulars. Xiao Wu, show them that bag, and no one will mind. Who’d think we’d come back after buying and leaving?”

Inside, Zhang Yuntao’s sharp eyes spotted an empty seat nearby. He quickly pulled them over and flashed a smile at the waitress, who was about to let in more customers.

The waitress remembered the three of them—how could she not, after they’d eaten so much at lunch and finished off all the lamb tripe? Seeing them again, she nodded and smiled.

After they finished eating, they rushed to catch the last bus. By the time they got back from the provincial capital to the county town, it was completely dark. Getting off the bus, Li Qinglin and Zhang Yuntao decided to accompany Xiao Wu to the restaurant to pick up his books—and maybe grab another bite.

After all, lamb offal soup wasn’t exactly a meal, and those few meat pies weren’t enough to fill the gap between their teeth. If they sneaked back to school and waited until the cafeteria opened in the morning, they’d starve.

When they entered the restaurant, Sister Wang was shocked to see them. She stared in disbelief, “How come you three are together? And where did all those bags come from? You look like a mess—don’t tell me you went somewhere far?”

Zhang Yuntao pulled a long face when he saw her. “Sis, see if there’s anything to eat. Bring it out quick, we’re starving. Let’s eat first, then talk. We really went far—walked so much our legs are about to break.”

“Oh, you three idiots! Didn’t you know you could take a bus? Did you spend all your money?” Without waiting for an answer, she shouted, “Chef! The three brothers are here—bring out big bowls of noodles, extra meat, lots of it!”

A few customers drinking nearby burst out laughing. “Miss, these are your brothers, right? Don’t worry, after starving once, they’ll think twice before wandering off again.”

A middle-aged man who knew a bit about their history chuckled and pointed at them. “These three are the ‘Tripod’ of the county high school. You know what that means? Every year, they win awards for both academics and sports at the provincial competitions. And since they’re always together, the other students gave them the nickname. Don’t believe they really walked that far—it’s a lie. Just look at their shoes.”

At that, everyone glanced at their shoes and burst out laughing. Sister Wang couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time. “Taozi, are you trying to make your sister worry?”

Zhang Yuntao saw her glare and hurriedly explained, “Sis, you’ve got it wrong. We really did walk a lot, but it was just around the market. The secondhand market in the provincial capital is huge! We spent half the day there before coming back.”

“Hmph, I’ll let you off. Now, tell me, what did you buy?”

“See for yourself, it’s all here. Just some old books and tapes—not your kind of thing.” Then, glancing at the drinkers next door, he lowered his voice and asked, “When are you transferring back? Aren’t you getting married soon? Why are you still here? Are you crazy? Why not have Fengzi transfer to the county? If his family could get him into the township, they can get him into the county too.”

Sister Wang slumped her shoulders and replied quietly, “No use, we’ve tried. They say he’s only been at the job for less than a year—moving now would look bad to the leaders. After three years, I can apply for a transfer on the grounds of long-term separation. I haven’t decided whether to go to the township yet. I’ll just work until the end of the year and see. Work is work, no matter where.”

Zhang Yuntao gave her a sympathetic look, then glanced at Zhang Guoqing and Li Qinglin, who were chatting and hadn’t noticed his conversation with Sister Wang. He blinked, thought for a moment, and let it go. The two brothers probably didn’t want to get involved in official matters—it wasn’t about not having connections, but about making choices.

Sister Wang noticed Zhang Yuntao glancing at the other two and found it amusing. Of the three, he had the softest heart. But she didn’t want to ask them for favors—save your best cards for when it matters. Small things like this aren’t worth using up goodwill. She knew that if either of them spoke up, the problem would be solved, especially Xiao Wu. Despite having the most ordinary background among the three, his words carried weight, and he had powerful connections in the county. Marrying Zhou Jiao only made things easier for him.

As for Cheng Feng’s job, others might not know the details, but she did. Besides his uncle pulling strings a few times, the key was that Zhang Guoqing took a stand and brought him to the station chief’s house—he started work the very next day.

Cheng Feng had repeatedly asked her to keep it secret and to maintain a good relationship with Zhang Guoqing and his wife, especially Zhou Jiao, who was Zhang Guoqing’s dearest. He’d told her all about the couple’s personalities and repeatedly reminded her not to trouble Zhang Guoqing unless it was absolutely necessary. For things like this transfer, Zhang Guoqing wouldn’t get involved unless it was critical. As his close friend, Cheng Feng knew him well.

From the kitchen, the chef shouted, “Xiao Wu, come get your noodles! And you two, do I have to feed you myself? Eat up and get home early so your families don’t worry.”

Zhang Guoqing winked at the other two and dashed over. “Chef, you’re the best! This bowl of noodles brings tears to my eyes—so touched!”

“Chef, if you ever leave the restaurant, what will us three brothers do?”

“Chef, don’t listen to their flattery. I’m the most grateful—just add more meat, and I’ll thank you every time.”

The chef laughed and scolded them, “Get out of here, you rascals! Three little punks with no conscience. Who needs your thanks? Eat up and get home, don’t make your families worry.”

Zhang Guoqing carried his big bowl to a corner table, grinning. The other two followed, exchanging knowing looks—they all understood the chef had hidden extra meat at the bottom.

Zhang Guoqing poked around with his chopsticks—sure enough, there was a big chunk of meat. The chef always did this for them, and they never said anything. Some things were best left unspoken."