As for punishing Su Peng because of his personal motives, it's because Xu Zhengyang figured that if he didn't give this guy a good beating, he'd be up to no good, right? He just became a ghost messenger, and before he could do anything good, he came to do his own thing to vent his anger. What does he think of his identity as a ghost messenger? And what about me, his superior, the judge?
At Xu Zhengyang's home in Shuanghe Village.
The seemingly righteous Judge Xu Zhengyang lay on the bed in the dimly lit room, his shameless self-talk drifting out: "Don't talk about how a crooked beam makes a crooked tree. This is who I am! A magistrate can set fires, and commoners can light lamps, but a lowly constable can't; a higher rank can crush a ghost, let alone so many ranks higher! Su Peng is a ghost constable, a pure ghost constable. I'm not just the chief judge, I'm a person too. Sue whoever you want... Now, in heaven and on earth, within the three realms, who's going to control me?!"
After muttering to himself, Xu Zhengyang closed his eyes, turned over, and muttered to himself before falling asleep, "Isn't that just how people are?"
...
Volume 3, Judge Chapter 146: Shall I be your secretary?
On the morning of the second day of the Lunar New Year, Dong Yuebu and his wife Yu Shuhua, along with their son, borrowed a car and drove to Shuanghe Village to pay their respects to Xu Neng and Yuan Suqin. Xu Zhengyang, however, had gone to his aunt's house to offer New Year's greetings and thus missed meeting Dong Yuebu. Dong Yuebu did call him, saying he had gone to their home to offer New Year's greetings, but Dong Wenqi's legs were still weak and he couldn't come.
Xu Zhengyang felt a little embarrassed, but since it was customary to reciprocate, he said, "I'll visit your house on the fifth day of the new year."
Dong Yuebu repeatedly said, "Welcome, welcome."
Not long after the call ended, Dong Wenqi sent a text message: Welcome, welcome! Busy person, I thought you would never come to our house again.
Xu Zhengyang scratched his head, thinking to himself that this girl must be bored at home. So he sent her a text message: Sorry, I've been busy lately.
The text message replied quickly: Busy person! Did you receive my QQ message? You didn't even call or text me. Sigh, I can't access the internet anymore. Are you more tech-savvy now? Are you still typing so slowly?
Xu Zhengyang pursed his lips and replied: I'm at a relative's house. Let's chat again when we have time.
Text message reply: Okay, humph.
Xu Zhengyang thought to himself, "What are you humming about? I'm not your man, am I? Did I sell myself to you?"
During the first few days of the Lunar New Year, people were busy visiting relatives and friends to exchange New Year's greetings. Every evening, Xu Zhengyang would sit with a group of his buddies, chatting and drinking. Over the past few months, he and his brothers had unknowingly grown increasingly distant, which made Xu Zhengyang feel quite reluctant and helpless. So, during these few days of leisure in the New Year holiday, Xu Zhengyang tried to reconnect with his brothers.
Fortunately, his brothers appreciate his kindness and understand that he is a very busy man now, unlike them who have a lot of free time.
On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Zhan Xiaohui and his wife came to visit. After ostensibly paying their respects to Xu Zhengyang's parents, they both knelt before him in his bedroom. Xu Zhengyang didn't strongly object, knowing full well that they couldn't treat him like an ordinary person. Xu Zhengyang was quite satisfied with Zhan Xiaohui's actions lately; after Su Peng's death earlier this year, Zhan Xiaohui had proactively compensated the Su family with over 80,000 yuan, demonstrating to many that he was a good person.
During their casual conversation, Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing also discussed Jinghui Logistics Company's development plan for this year. In the first half of the year, they planned to build a two-way freight line between Beijing and the provincial capital, develop a professional logistics management system, and recruit a group of professional talents, among other things.
Xu Zhengyang did not express any opinion on this, only saying that Jinghui Logistics belongs to you, and if you have any difficulties and need my help, just let me know, and you don't need to discuss anything else with me.
During their casual conversation, Zhan Xiaohui mentioned that he had already given New Year's gifts to some officials in the city before the Lunar New Year, hoping Xu Zhengyang wouldn't be angry. He explained that it wasn't bribery, but rather human nature, and it would make things easier for them in the future. Xu Zhengyang smiled and said, "I'm not that petty. I don't interfere in everything. As long as you don't do anything against your conscience, that's fine."
After seeing Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing off, Xu Zhengyang reflected that he had indeed neglected such an important matter as offering New Year's greetings. After all, he knew so many people, and it was a bit inexcusable that he hadn't even sent a single greeting during the New Year. However, Xu Zhengyang's social skills were truly lacking when it came to formal occasions. So, after much deliberation, he simply forwarded the two New Year's greeting text messages Ouyang Ying had given him. The recipients included Zhao Qing, the director of the Cixian County Public Security Bureau; Yu Zhenbang, the secretary of the Fuhe City Party Committee; Pang Zhong, the director of the Fuxing District Public Security Bureau; and Li Xiuping, the director of the Fuxing District Public Security Bureau…
Unfortunately, no one replied to the message. Xu Zhengyang scratched his head, not caring.
On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Xu Zhengyang drove to Fuhe City to visit Dong Yuebu's home as promised. He still didn't inform Chen Chaojiang; there was still a long road ahead, and he couldn't expect Chen Chaojiang to be by his side every day. He was a person too, and needed his own life, right? Although… his lifestyle was undeniably monotonous, dull, and somewhat one-track-minded.
Upon arriving at Dong Yuebu's home, they were naturally given a warm welcome. Dong Wenqi's younger brother, Dong Wenbin, kept calling Xu Zhengyang "Big Brother" with obvious admiration, and asked why Brother Jiang wasn't there. He'd heard Brother Jiang was a martial arts master, incredibly powerful...
Xu Zhengyang was both amused and exasperated, but he could understand Dong Wenbin's thoughts. What boy doesn't dream of being a martial arts master or a chivalrous hero? So he smiled and gave him some perfunctory words.
Fortunately, Dong Yuebu and Yu Shuhua scolded their son and sent him back to his room to read, which gave Xu Zhengyang some peace and quiet.
Dong Wenqi was already able to walk slowly around the house with her cane. However, it was only after Xu Zhengyang had been home for a while that Dong Wenqi, urged and complained by her parents, reluctantly came out of the bedroom with her cane, pouting and dawdling, and greeted Xu Zhengyang unwillingly.
Xu Zhengyang thought to himself, "What's going on here? I didn't do anything to you."
Yu Shuhua awkwardly explained from the side, "I'm getting sick from being cooped up at home. I'm not in a good mood. Zhengyang, she's been complaining the other day that you haven't come to see her."
"Well, it's my fault, it's my fault, I've been so busy..." she said politely, but in her heart she was thinking, "Why did I have to come to see you?"
Dong Yuebu, however, spoke for Xu Zhengyang: "What nonsense are you spouting? Zhengyang is so busy every day, where would he find so much free time to come see her?"
"I'll definitely come often in the future, often." Xu Zhengyang quickly tried to smooth things over. Well, he came here as a guest, but now he has to comfort this whole family and tell them not to fight.
Dong Wenqi blushed with embarrassment and exclaimed, "When did I complain that he didn't come to see me? We're not even that close..."
"Alright, alright, you two talk for a bit, I'll go make lunch." Yu Shuhua said as she stood up.
Xu Zhengyang hurriedly said, "No, I have to leave in a bit. I still need to check on the shop today; it's opening tomorrow, and there are always things to take care of."
"We should eat before we leave," Yu Shuhua said with a smile.
Dong Yuebu said, "Alright, alright, don't be so polite. Zhengyang can come over to visit often when he has time."
"Yes, definitely." Xu Zhengyang smiled and got up to leave.
"Hey, don't just leave like that. Sit a little longer, sit a little longer." Yu Shuhua quickly stepped forward to let Xu Zhengyang sit down, and then said, "It's still early. If you say you're leaving just because it's time to eat, it'll seem like I'm deliberately trying to get rid of the guests."
"No, no." Xu Zhengyang had no choice but to smile and sit back down on the sofa.
Yu Shuhua then said she was going to the bedroom to find something. After arriving at the bedroom, she called Dong Yuebu over and closed the door.
Xu Zhengyang was puzzled. What was he going to say to this family? How could they entertain guests like this? Just as he was about to say something to Dong Wenqi, he faintly heard Yu Shuhua's low voice coming from Dong Yuebu's bedroom: "What's wrong with being two years older? Haven't you heard the saying, 'A woman two years older brings a son, a woman three years older brings a gold brick'..."
"Keep your voice down. Don't overthink things!" Dong Yuebu quickly scolded his wife.
Actually, the bedroom was very soundproof, and the couple didn't speak much to begin with. But Xu Zhengyang wasn't an ordinary person; his hearing was very sharp. So he still managed to hear some of their conversation intermittently. He couldn't help but smile wryly. Good heavens... So you want to make me, your great benefactor, your son-in-law?
When did I, Xu Zhengyang, become so popular?
Xu Zhengyang's vanity was greatly satisfied, but he didn't consider for the moment whether he could marry her or whether she was suitable. He happily munched on sunflower seeds, his face beaming with contentment.
"Hey, Xu Zhengyang. Do you really hate me?" Dong Wenqi suddenly said.
"Huh? No, big sister, what are you talking about?" Xu Zhengyang asked, looking puzzled.
"So when I send you a text message, you just ignore it?"
Oh, so that's what got you angry about? Girls really are petty. Xu Zhengyang chuckled awkwardly, "I was visiting relatives at my aunt's house that day, and I was talking to someone, so it wasn't convenient..."
"So you didn't even send me a message when you came back?"
"Hey, are you even being reasonable? Why should I have to reply to your messages every now and then?" Xu Zhengyang said somewhat discontentedly, "Sorry, sorry, I forgot, I really forgot... Ugh, my brain is getting worse and worse." After saying this, Xu Zhengyang suddenly thought narcissistically, "Could it be that Dong Wenqi really likes me?" That won't do, no way, I'm doing a good deed without expecting anyone to repay me with their body.
"Hmph..." Dong Wenqi snorted, then said, "Hey, I heard you're also the owner of a logistics company, is that right?"
"Oh, a hands-off manager who doesn't get involved in anything," Xu Zhengyang said with a smile.
"Then, once I'm healed, could I work at your logistics company?" Dong Wenqi asked, a little embarrassed.
Xu Zhengyang paused for a moment, then said, "Oh, I'll ask around for you later. I don't usually handle logistics company matters, but I heard they're planning to hire more people this year."
"Do you need staff to work at your antique shop?"
"Antique shops don't need many staff, right? I'll ask Mr. Gu later. I don't ask too many questions about things in the shop, and I don't know much about it."
"Huh? You have other companies and businesses?"
"That's all..."
"Then you don't really manage either side, what are you busy with every day?"
"Well... cough cough." Xu Zhengyang was a little embarrassed, so he quickly changed the subject and said, "Well, the general manager of the logistics company, Zhan Xiaohui, told me yesterday that the logistics company is going to recruit a batch of people this year. I'll talk to him about it later and save you a place."
"Okay, okay. Thank you!"
Xu Zhengyang quickly waved his hand and said, "No, don't thank me yet... it might not work."
Dong Wenqi said with a grin, "Since you, Boss Xu, have spoken, how could you not let me work? Sigh, what kind of job would I do at your company?"
"Well, I don't know either. I don't understand these things," Xu Zhengyang said with an embarrassed smile, scratching his head with an honest and simple expression.
"Then I'll be your secretary?"
"Ahem... No need, I don't need it." Xu Zhengyang tensed up. Good grief, how did this turn into him wanting to be his secretary? This is unacceptable!
Dong Wenqi pursed her lips, about to say something more, when Xu Zhengyang's phone rang in his pocket. Dong Wenqi had no choice but to shut up, looking at Xu Zhengyang with a slight surprise as he pulled out such a large, antique-looking phone, wondering why he was still using this kind of phone.
The call was from Chen Chaojiang, asking where he was. Xu Zhengyang was just about to make an excuse to leave, so he responded with a couple of "uh-huhs" and then said, "Gu Xiang Xuan, please." After hanging up, Xu Zhengyang quickly said goodbye to Dong Yuebu and his family, saying that the shop had called and he needed to go there immediately.
After getting into his car downstairs, Xu Zhengyang let out a long sigh of relief. He now regretted that the day he became the chief judge, he had been in a good mood and had given Dong Wenqi good luck on the case file: work would come naturally after he recovered from his injury, and he would meet someone he could entrust with his work.
The person I can entrust this to is not me!
Volume Three, Judge, Chapter 147: The Question of Marriage and the Timing of Treatment
On the sixth day of the first lunar month, many shops reopened.
The vehicle was traveling on the national highway. Every now and then, you could see firecrackers being lit in front of a restaurant or small shop by the roadside, with red fragments scattered all over the ground amidst the crackling sounds.
Gu Xiang Xuan is also opening today. In fact, Gu Xiang Xuan has never closed down. During the Spring Festival, Chang Da and his wife, along with Yao Chushun, stayed at Gu Xiang Xuan and didn't go anywhere else. People like them no longer regard the Spring Festival as a special celebration, and even have some aversion to it from the bottom of their hearts.
Xu Zhengyang and Chen Chaojiang arrived at Guxiangxuan before 8 a.m., hoping to catch the festive atmosphere of the New Year's opening. Jin Changfa had brought Wang Jiayu yesterday, but his nephew Jin Qiming couldn't come because of family matters.
The main entrance of Gu Xiang Xuan was adorned with festive red couplets with gold lettering, and large "Fu" (福, meaning good fortune), "Chun" (春, meaning spring), and auspicious patterns for wealth and prosperity were pasted on the windows, creating a joyous atmosphere. Most of the shops in the antique market were not yet open, presumably not until after the Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the first lunar month). Yao Chushun simply didn't have the patience to wait until after the Lantern Festival, which is why he chose to open his shop today, when most shops in the antique market were still closed!
Crackle, crackle, crackle...
The crisp sound of firecrackers, mixed with the explosive sounds of double-bang firecrackers, finally brought back some liveliness to the antique market, which had been quiet for many days.
After Xu Zhengyang and Chen Chaojiang finished lighting a few double-bang firecrackers and several strings of firecrackers, they retreated to the steps at the front door, smiling as they watched the firecrackers exploding on the ground, the smoke billowing up. The ground was covered in red fragments… Wang Jiayu was still excitedly circling around, lighting double-bang firecrackers.
"On the fifteenth of the lunar month, buy several thousand yuan worth of fireworks and set them off properly," Yao Chushun said loudly to Xu Zhengyang.
"Mm." Xu Zhengyang nodded.
Gu Xiang Xuan's business is booming right now, and Yao Chushun is even considering opening two branches in the provincial capital or Beijing. However, after much deliberation, he still felt it was inappropriate. In the antique business, what matters is uniqueness and distinctiveness. Besides, having suffered setbacks in the past, Yao Chushun was really reluctant to hand over the shop entirely to someone else.
Xu Zhengyang remained indifferent to this, thinking that since he himself was incompetent, Master Gu could do whatever he wanted.
While the firecrackers were still going off, Xu Zhengyang, Chen Chaojiang, Gu Ye, Yao Chushun, Jin Changfa, Chang Da, and others returned to the shop. Outside, Wang Jiayu was still enthusiastically setting off firecrackers.
Yao Chushun said, "We're all here for lunch today, let's have a proper meal. It's the Lunar New Year, and we haven't eaten together before, it's not right."
Changda's wife said, "Let's not go to a restaurant. We bought a lot of things for the New Year, so we can cook for ourselves."
"Zhengyang, let's eat here for lunch today. Don't go back," Yao Chushun said to Xu Zhengyang.
“Okay, no problem.” Xu Zhengyang nodded in agreement.
Chen Chaojiang glanced at Xu Zhengyang but said nothing. He knew Xu Zhengyang was going to visit a family at the courtyard house in the western suburbs for the New Year, and he had agreed. What if they wanted you to stay for lunch?
"Aunt Chang, you don't even have melon seeds or candy for the New Year?" Xu Zhengyang said with a smile.
"Oh, I forgot, I forgot! I was so busy having fun!" Aunt Chang slapped her thigh and ran inside laughing.
Soon, Aunt Chang brought out melon seeds and candy and placed them on the round table, and also brewed tea.
While eating sunflower seeds, Xu Zhengyang said casually, "Uncle Gu, I'm going to pay my respects to Old Master Li later. I'd like to see what gift I should bring..."
"Hmm?" Yao Chushun paused for a moment, then frowned and began to think. Giving a gift to Old Master Li was not something to be taken lightly.
Xu Zhengyang, however, appeared relaxed and unhurried, sipping his tea and lost in thought. He wondered what an awkward situation he'd face when he arrived at that courtyard house and met Li Bingjie's family, especially Jiang Lan. Heh. Xu Zhengyang had already considered it. He'd go early and come back early today, definitely not staying for lunch; that would only cause him trouble, not worth it.
I doubt they would be so enthusiastic as to insist that guests stay for dinner.
Damn, if I really marry Li Bingjie, I'll have such a mother-in-law and such a father-in-law in the future... How much pressure will that put on me? Xu Zhengyang curled his lips, "We're not a good match."