Chapter 15: Youthful Impulsiveness
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Zhou Yuqin couldn’t help but laugh when she saw her husband acting silly. “Then just call out,” she said.
“Call out what?”
“Call ‘Mom,’ or ‘Grandma,’ either one works.”
“Comrade Zhou Yuqin, you’re getting a bit bold now. Are you trying to get me to discipline you?”
Li Xiangdong leaned in and hugged her from behind. His hands were mischievous, wandering here and there.
With both hands supporting their daughter, Zhou Yuqin could only endure as those large hands roamed over her. Unable to bear it, she twisted her body in protest.
“Let go quickly! If you keep this up, I’ll really get mad!”
“All right, all right, I won’t fool around. Just don’t move; let me hold you for a little while.”
Li Xiangdong quietly held his wife, inhaling the fresh scent of soap on her skin. This embrace, after decades apart, brought an indescribable peace to his heart.
The couple stood still, but their daughter Li Xiaozhu was getting anxious. Her chubby little legs had just taken a couple of steps before being pulled back.
She turned her head, staring with bright black eyes at her parents, showing two tiny baby teeth as she called out, “Mama... Papa... hit...”
Li Xiangdong chuckled, reaching out to pat their daughter’s soft little head, her short hair feeling so gentle.
“Got it, got it. When you fall asleep tonight, Papa will hit Mama.”
Zhou Yuqin gasped, her voice trembling. “Don’t say nonsense.”
Her face flushed crimson, her neck and ears glowing red as well.
Seeing his wife’s reaction, Li Xiangdong thought, This isn’t necessary!
He had only said a word or two—was it really enough to make her shy like this?
But when he glanced down and saw the small tent rising beneath him…
He realized he was still young, a bit too impulsive!
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“False alarm, false alarm.”
Li Xiangdong released his wife’s embrace and stepped aside, silently chanting “Amitabha” to calm his mind…
The more anxious he became, the less cooperative his body was.
Bang, bang!
Someone pounded twice on the main gate of the courtyard, followed by the creaking sound of the door opening.
“Who is it?”
Hearing the noise, Li’s mother came out of the main room, her loud voice piercing straight into Li Xiangdong’s room.
The one opening the door, Li Xiaojiang, replied, “Grandma, it’s my third uncle’s friends. They’re here to see him!”
Li’s mother stopped in her tracks and shouted toward the west wing, “Third son, come out quickly! They’re here for you!”
After saying this, she turned back inside. Who knocks like this? No manners at all!
“Coming, coming.”
Li Xiangdong heard this from inside and quickly responded. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to rush out—it was just inconvenient a moment ago!
He took off his clothes and shoes, changing into a white undershirt, loose shorts, and old cloth shoes.
Distraction really helped!
When working, it extended the time; when not working, it calmed him down!
Before leaving, worried his wife might be angry, Li Xiangdong reassured her, “It’s probably some old buddies coming by. If I don’t go, it won’t look good, right?”
Though these friends had been as unremarkable as him in their past lives, always fussing over trivial family matters…
They’d grown up together, bound by friendship. If anyone faced troubles, the others would lend a hand, using whatever strength they had.
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In their previous lives, they were all old men, often drinking together. Their decades-long friendship never broke.
Starting anew, he definitely wanted to maintain these bonds and continue their camaraderie.
Though Zhou Yuqin wasn’t highly educated, as long as things were discussed with her, and intentions clearly explained, she was very understanding.
She nodded. “Drink less while you’re out.”
“Don’t worry, I know my limits.”
Li Xiangdong smiled. He wasn’t a heavy drinker, but when men gathered, it was unrealistic not to drink. They couldn’t just count stars, after all.
He kissed their daughter on the cheek. “Be good and listen to your mother at home.”
After saying this, he was about to leave but was suddenly pulled back by Zhou Yuqin.
He understood immediately…
He hurriedly leaned in for a kiss.
Zhou Yuqin put her hand over his mouth. “What are you thinking? Cut out those naughty thoughts. Leave your work introduction letter at home before you go.”
So that was it. Li Xiangdong had thought his wife was jealous of their daughter.
“Could I just throw it away?”
He handed the introduction letter to his wife, then thought for a moment and slipped two packs of Da Qianmen cigarettes into his pocket.
No need for the Peony brand—it was a gift for friends, no need to bring such high-quality ones.