Chapter 89: Bro, Your Turf Is in Danger

Who doesn’t know how to give a compliment?

But if you want your compliment to really make someone feel good, you have to hit the right spot. And if the person giving the compliment is capable, good-looking, and reliable in both words and actions—well, that’s even better.

The teahouse owner already admired Su Qinghu, and now, being praised by her, he couldn’t help but beam with pride, feeling the same joy he had as a child when the principal singled him out for praise in front of the whole school.

“Come, come! Eat as much as you want, it’s all on the house!” The owner’s eyes crinkled into a peacock’s tail as he grinned. “Of course, if you could give me some feedback after you’re done, that would be even better~~~”

It hadn’t been obvious in previous years, but lately, the country’s economy was growing at an unstoppable pace, attracting foreign capital from all over. The fastest movers had already set up shop in provincial capitals.

Western restaurants were among those quick to act. The influx of foreign culture had made Western restaurants a symbol of status and a high-end dating spot in many people’s eyes, to the point where they were so packed that unbelievable lines formed outside.

Spending fifty or sixty yuan for a meal, at a time when many people’s monthly salary was still hovering around forty or fifty yuan, was something people still flocked to…

Of course, the owner had tried Western food, more than once or twice. But aside from the upper-class atmosphere created by suits and ties, he didn’t find the food all that tasty.

Su Qinghu’s sudden appearance had cleared up his confusion and given him practical advice for the teahouse’s future development. This made him more confident about moving forward, and about turning the teahouse into a gathering place for young people.

The owner called over his son, who had just entered the teahouse, introduced them formally, and personally walked Su Qinghu to the door, inviting her to come again.

Su Qinghu agreed with a smile and got into a taxi.

Watching the taxi carrying Su Qinghu disappear into the distance, the owner sighed with emotion. “Looks like I need to hurry up and embrace new things too…”

After his sigh, the owner looked at his son and shook his head. “What a pity.”

“What’s a pity?” Li Zhaohua asked his father, Li Ruishun.

Li Ruishun replied, “It’s a pity she’s married. Otherwise, you could try to pursue her. If you managed to win her over, our family’s next generation would be set.”

“With looks like that, a brain like that, and such a good personality—if she became family—” Li Ruishun thought of Su Qinghu’s smile, the kind that made everyone around her feel at ease, and her measured way of speaking. He clicked his tongue in admiration. “That would be a blessing.”

Li Zhaohua, who had just been dumped by his girlfriend, said, “People get divorced even after getting married. If you think she’d make a good daughter-in-law, I can try to break them up and see if I can make it happen.”

“Rascal!” Li Ruishun frowned and scolded, “If you dare do something like that, I’ll break your legs!”

After speaking, he noticed his son seemed different from usual. After a moment’s silence, he asked, “What’s wrong? Weren’t things going well with your girlfriend?”

“Girlfriend? What girlfriend? I don’t have one anymore!” Li Zhaohua took a deep breath. “I broke up with Su Baixue.”

“You broke up with her?” Li Ruishun looked at his son, frowning. “I’ve never met the girl, but from what you’ve said, she sounded smart and good-looking. Zhaohua, don’t aim too high.”

“…She broke up with me.” Li Zhaohua’s mother had passed away early, so he’d always been open with his father. After a pause, he added, “She probably found someone better.”

Li Ruishun said nothing, just patted his son on the shoulder. “Come on, I’ll make you some tea.”

As he turned, he met Zhao Yanliang’s gaze, which the other man hadn’t managed to withdraw in time.

Zhao Yanliang smiled. “Just came out for a smoke…”

Of course, that was just an excuse. The real reason was that he’d seen Su Qinghu upstairs. He hadn’t been sure at first, but when she smiled and lifted her face, he recognized her—the girl with the wavy ponytail, full of youthful energy, was indeed Su Qinghu.

He’d wanted to say hi and ask if she was having any difficulties lately, but as soon as he came downstairs, he overheard this father and son discussing his brother’s wife. And that brat who’d just gotten dumped was shamelessly thinking of stealing his brother’s woman!

Li Ruishun and Li Zhaohua nodded at him and went into the teahouse.

As soon as they left, the cigarette in Zhao Yanliang’s hand snapped in two. He cursed under his breath and dashed upstairs. Less than a minute later, he reappeared at the teahouse entrance and headed straight for the nearby post office.

No way!

His brother had to hear about this!

Not only did someone want to steal his wife, but Su Qinghu had gotten a new wavy hairstyle and looked even prettier—he had to tell him everything!

Zhao Yanliang rushed to the post office, bought stamps, envelopes, and paper, and wrote the letter at lightning speed. After sealing and mailing it, he muttered curses as he walked back.

He’d just gotten rid of that shameless Zhang Dongsheng, and now here was another newly-dumped, would-be scumbag with a bit of money trying his luck. What a pain!

Su Qinghu had no idea she’d almost run into Zhao Yanliang, or that he had already rushed to write to Chen Lie.

She sat in the taxi, reached into her bag, felt the thickness of the envelope, and couldn’t help but smile, her eyes sparkling with joy.

There must be at least a thousand.

She got out of the car with a grin, handed the driver ten yuan, and pulled out an extra one-yuan note. “Thank you for waiting for me—here, have some tea.”

They’d agreed on ten yuan for the ride from the start. But the driver had been kind, waiting while she talked to the kids and again for a long time at the teahouse, even helping her carry things. Giving him an extra yuan was just a little tip for his trouble.

The driver waved it off with a smile. “I’m happy to have you as a passenger—no need to pay extra.”

It was rare to meet such a pretty, cheerful young woman; he didn’t mind a little less. After picking up a new passenger, he drove off.

Su Qinghu walked away with a spring in her step. With money in her pocket, everything looked adorable.

She’d planned to meet up with the kids and her mother-in-law, Mrs. Meng, but suddenly changed her mind and took a different route.

Close to noon, Su Qinghu finally appeared in the children’s line of sight.

Er Dan was nearly in tears. Other than the gourd-shaped craft his brother made, nothing else had sold.

He was having a hard time—there were only three hours left before he’d have to pay a fine of 0.18 yuan…

Da Dan also saw Su Qinghu, and not only noticed her cheerful expression, but also the new bag in her hand.

A new bag, one he hadn’t seen before.

—She’d spent money.

He looked away, telling himself not to interfere or say anything. When the family ran out of money, she’d figure it out.

Qian Duoshu felt no pressure. The moment she saw Su Qinghu, she ran over, tilted her little face up, and beamed, “Auntie!”

(Today there will be two extra chapters for monthly ticket rewards, delivered a bit later.)"