After just one morning of exams, by noon, the school's bulletin board had posted over twenty notices of "punishment for cheating on the exam." Many people crowded around the bulletin board to watch the spectacle.
Some people said, "My God, so many people have been arrested!"
Some people said, "Hey, the school's not strict enough. If they were, there probably wouldn't be enough space on this bulletin board to display all the posters!"
Some people said, "Yeah, we all cheated this morning and nobody got caught. These few people weren't very good at it, so they got caught!"
Some people said, "With such poor skills, how could you cheat! I'm speechless. Your basic skills are lacking, your basic skills in cheating are lacking!" Daqi chuckled to himself: That makes perfect sense. Li Xianming and Xie Changjin in my class used peeks, notes, and text messages, but they still didn't get caught. Their basic skills in cheating are indeed profound; they are extremely experienced in this field!
After everyone left the exam hall, Daqi called Xiaoling, Beibei, and Sha Jiaxin, and the four of them went to lunch together. Daqi asked the three girls, "Are the proctors strict where you are?" Xiaoling said, "They are strict, but those who dare to look still dare to look." Beibei said, "In the exam hall, it's always 'the bold get rich, the timid starve.' Two people in my class brought in a lot of cheat sheets to copy, which made my heart race, but they copied with great interest and looked completely relaxed." Daqi told them about how the girl cried and begged the proctor for forgiveness, and the three girls burst into laughter. Jiaxin said, "Girls crying still works; teachers are afraid of tears." Beibei said, "I might as well cheat too, and if I get caught, I'll cry like crazy, so I won't be punished." Beibei's suggestion made the four of them laugh again.
After lunch, everyone had another exam in the afternoon. Once inside the exam hall, Daqi quietly answered the questions alone. After finishing, he started observing how others cheated. There was relatively little cheating in this exam, although some people still did. However, student number 28 behind Daqi didn't kick his butt anymore, because she could easily handle this afternoon's exam herself. After the exam, everyone left the exam hall relatively relaxed.
Although the exams had only lasted one day, everyone felt much more relaxed. When Daqi met up with Sanmei, he was even whistling. Xiaoling laughed, "Honey, why are you so relaxed?" Daqi laughed, "I don't know, I just inexplicably feel relaxed." Beibei said, "I feel good too. Maybe it's because we're going home soon. I haven't seen Mom and Dad in so long, I miss them!" Jiaxin said, "Why don't you just go home and spend time with them during winter break?" Xiaoling said, "Honey, we're all going home for Chinese New Year, what about you? Are you in Changqing or Rongzhou?" Daqi said, "We'll see. How many more days of exams do you have?" Sanmei said, "Three days." Daqi said, "I have three and a half days left." Beibei said, "Same here, no exam in the morning on the last day, exam in the afternoon. In terms of finishing final exams, our two departments finish at the same time." Daqi said, "I guess after the exams, each class will have a class meeting. Have you booked your plane tickets?" Sanmei said, "Yes." Daqi said, "I'll take you to the airport then." Sanmei happily said, "Thank you, Master!"
The next few days were filled with exams. Finally, on Thursday, the exams were over. After the exams, the department notified each class to hold a class meeting. Everyone was in a particularly relaxed mood, talking about how to go home and how to celebrate the New Year. Han Meng excitedly addressed everyone, saying, "Classmates, you have finally completed the first semester of your freshman year. Now it's time for winter break. First of all, I want to wish you all a happy Chinese New Year in advance! Please be careful during the Spring Festival, especially on your way home. The start date for the next semester is..." Han Meng repeatedly reminded the entire class to be careful. When Han Meng announced the end of the meeting and the start of winter break, the whole class erupted in enthusiastic applause.
Daqi couldn't help but clap along. Even today, Daqi still can't understand why everyone clapped during the last class meeting of his first semester when the teacher announced winter break. Throughout his entire university life, this was the only time everyone clapped during a final class meeting; subsequent holidays were just routine, and no one clapped anymore! Perhaps it was because everyone was homesick, it was their first time away from home for studies?
Daqi felt that time flew by like an arrow. He cleared...
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Section Reading 225
Chu was now a mature person, unlike his classmates. Many of them were going away to study for the first time, and now that winter break had finally arrived, they could finally go home. They were truly excited and happy! Amidst the applause at the end of the class meeting, Daqi suddenly felt like he was getting old, because although he felt happy, he wasn't excited. Instead, he remembered his first time going away to Rongzhou to study. Back then, Tong Daqi was in vocational school, and during his first winter break, he was truly excited and happy.
Daqi thought to himself: Time flies! Seven whole years have passed from 1996 to 2003. In those seven years, I've undergone a complete transformation. Back then, I was just a poor student, a vocational school graduate. Now, not only am I worth tens of millions, but I also have twenty wives, and I've even gotten into university, becoming a real college student. Time waits for no one; I'm 25 now. Hehe, I'm really not young anymore!
"Tong Daxuan!"—Someone called him. He turned around and saw it was his beautiful teacher, Han Meng. Han Meng asked, "How are you spending the Spring Festival?" Daqi replied, "Teacher Han, I'm thinking of going back to my hometown." Han Meng asked, "Are you going home with your wife?" Daqi nodded and asked, "Teacher Han, what about you?" Han Meng said, "Last year I went back to my hometown with my husband. We're from Zhejiang. This year, it's still undecided." Daqi joked, "Teacher Han, why don't you and your husband come to my hometown for the Spring Festival?" Han Meng laughed, "Yes, you're from an ancient city. The New Year's atmosphere there must be very strong. I really want to go!" Daqi said, "You're welcome anytime, anytime!" Han Meng said, "I was just kidding. He and I are probably going back to our hometown. It's better to spend the Spring Festival back home. Spending it in a big city is really painful!" Daqi and Han Meng walked towards the parking lot, where they parked their cars in the underground parking lot of the school's administration building.
Daqi said, "I'm not used to celebrating the New Year in a big city. There's no atmosphere at all; it's like it's killing my life."
Han Meng smiled and said, "That's what I think too. My husband really enjoys spending the Spring Festival in Rongzhou; he's spent it here before. I just can't stand it; I have to go back to my hometown for the Spring Festival no matter what. Actually, the Spring Festival is all about the festive atmosphere. I think any place with a strong festive atmosphere is pretty much the same and fun. Big cities really don't have that festive atmosphere; I'm not used to it!"
The two chatted and laughed for a while before saying goodbye. Daqi drove to the girls' dormitory building. The three girls needed to pack their things. They had agreed to go back to their dorms to pack and then return to their rented apartment together, from where they would go directly to the airport the next day. He waited patiently, but to his surprise, parking was difficult because there were so many cars picking up children. Looking at the traffic jam in front of the student building, Daqi was secretly astonished: Why are there so many cars picking up children?
Actually, he understood that when he was in vocational school, parents would sometimes come to pick up their children. But there were only a few cars then, so this long line of cars surprised him. However, Daqi's car was quite eye-catching; he was driving a Cadillac! He immediately took out his phone and called the three girls. They all said they were packing their things. Daqi said, "I'll come up and help you." So, Xiaoling led him up to the girls' dormitory. If Xiaoling hadn't led him up, the dormitory supervisor wouldn't have let him go up because he was a boy.
Daqi said, "I'll help you tidy up first, then we'll go help Beibei and Jiaxin." Xiaoling nodded. Actually, quite a few boys go to the girls' dormitory to help them make their beds, mainly to help them carry their luggage. Almost all the girls have big, thick suitcases when they go home for holidays; it seems to be a rule. Daqi remembered the time he took Qiwen and Muping to the station when he was in vocational school. Now he was full of confidence and rushed straight into the girls' dormitory. After helping Xiaoling, he helped Beibei, and after helping Beibei, he helped Jiaxin. The four of them left the school together and returned to their rented apartment.
That evening, while Daqi was having dinner with Sanmei, Sanmei mentioned wanting to buy some local specialties to take home, as it was their first time studying in Rongzhou. Daqi said, "Okay, I'll take you to the city to buy things." So, after dinner, Daqi drove Sanmei to the city to buy local products. Sanmei bought several hundred yuan worth of Rongzhou specialties, and Daqi paid the bill. Whenever he went out with a woman, he usually offered to pay; after all, he was now a small-time tycoon, and he wouldn't let a woman pay.
After shopping, the four returned to their lodgings. Daqi asked the three beauties, "Are you happy to be home?" They all said yes. Xiaoling said, "We're happy because we get to see Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma, and Grandpa and Grandma on both sides. But we're a little reluctant to leave you because you won't be with us for the Spring Festival." Beibei said, "Master, come visit me for the Spring Festival! You can fly over." Daqi hugged Beibei and said, "Where would we find the time? I also need to go back to my hometown for the Spring Festival. My mom will definitely have the whole family go back there for the Spring Festival. She and I aren't used to celebrating the Spring Festival in a big city." Jiaxin said, "Then the three of us will come back earlier. There will still be a little bit of the Spring Festival atmosphere then. That way, it'll be like we're celebrating the Spring Festival with you." Daqi nodded approvingly and said, "Xin'er, you're right. Yes, the three of you should go back to Rongzhou a few days earlier, and I'll come back a few days earlier too. That way, I'll invite the three of you to my house for a meal, and that'll be like celebrating the Spring Festival with the three of you." The three beauties agreed in unison.
Xiaoling said, "Master, we're flying home tomorrow. Tonight, let the three of us help you take a bath." Beibei blushed immediately, while Jiaxin smiled and nodded. Daqi hugged Beibei tightly and said, "Beibei, still so shy?" He then picked her up and said, "Ling'er, Xin'er, come with me to the bathroom." Xiaoling and Jiaxin smiled and followed Daqi and Beibei to the bathroom. Once there, Daqi gently put Beibei down, and Beibei began to help him undress. Jiaxin also helped him, while Xiaoling efficiently filled the bathtub with hot water.
After the two beautiful girls helped Daqi undress, the three beauties began to undress themselves. Daqi soaked alone in the hot water, his head resting on the edge of the bathtub, with Beibei thoughtfully placing a thick towel under his head. Watching the three beauties slowly and methodically undress was a great pleasure. Daqi felt that the three beauties were not only elegant in their movements, but also had very expressive faces: Xiaoling was always smiling, Beibei was cool but blushing, and Jiaxin pouted her red lips, looking exceptionally pretty. It was truly a "hundred flowers blooming"!
Daqi found every woman's naked face interesting. Whether it was the seventeen beauties in his house or the three beauties before him, each had her own unique charm and beauty! Take the three beauties before him, for example; they were all top-tier beauties with graceful figures, truly a feast for the eyes. Daqi said, "Bei'er, come here!" Bei'er shyly stepped into the bathtub and embraced him. Daqi said to Xiaoling and Jiaxin, "I'll hug you later; hug Bei'er first." The two women smiled slightly and began to wash Daqi's entire body. Xiaoling applied shower gel, and Jiaxin scrubbed his back.
Daqi gently kissed Beibei in his arms, caressing her breasts with both hands, and Beibei let out a soft moan...
To prepare for his final exams, Daqi hadn't been intimate with the three beauties for a while. Now that the exams were finally over, but they had to part ways again, Daqi decided to make the most of it. The three beauties understood that they would be separated from Daqi for a short time, so they had to serve him well tonight. Because he was their emperor!
Daqi kissed Beibei, his hands caressing her breasts. After a while, Xiaoling "replaced" Beibei, and then Jiaxin "replaced" Xiaoling. All three were Daqi's beautiful "concubines," and serving the "emperor" was their most important duty!
Chapter 26 Discussing People Over Wine
In the bathroom, after Daqi kissed the three beauties in turn, they smiled and helped him shower. Then, the three of them carefully and thoroughly washed themselves. After drying off, the four of them went naked to the sofa in the living room. Daqi sat on the sofa, with Xiaoling on his left and Beibei on his right, and he embraced the two beauties on either side. He turned his head to kiss Xiaoling, then to kiss Beibei. Jiaxin stood to the side, smiling and watching the fun. Daqi said, "Xin'er, why don't you come over and join in the fun?" Jiaxin slowly approached him. Daqi, kissing the two women on either side, said to the beautiful Jiaxin standing before him, "Xin'er, my darling, kneel down quickly. Let me know how gentle and alluring you are..." Daqi sat on the sofa with his legs slightly apart. Jiaxin smiled slightly, her cheeks flushed, and gently stroked his thighs with her delicate hands. Then, she bent her knees on both sides of her long, white legs, respectfully kneeling before Daqi. Jiaxin casually tossed her hair behind her head, tilted her head back, smiled, and gave him a seductive wink. In Daqi's eyes, the beauty's seductive wink was the most alluring thing imaginable. He winked and nodded at her. Jiaxin then slowly moved her jade-like head closer to his crotch, and gently parted her lips...
Looking at the beautiful woman before him, her face flushed with desire as she knelt before him, Daqi felt extremely pleased: after a period of careful training, this little girl had learned to serve him. The same was true for Beibei in his arms. A few months ago, they were both pure virgins, but now they had become his intimate lovers, just like Xiaoling.
While enjoying the caresses of the Sand Beauty's lips and tongue, Daqi kissed Xiaoling and Beibei. After a while, he said, "You may all leave." Xiaoling and Beibei both nodded and slowly knelt before him, just like the Sand Beauty.
Daqi and the three beauties have been living together for some time. During this time, he often engages in sexual activity with them simultaneously. Even when he's with one of them, he does it in front of the other two. It can be said that the three beauties have been trained by him to be very obedient and compliant. Xiaoling has long been subservient to him, while Beibei and Jiaxin are his newly acquired virgins. After being jointly trained by Daqi and Xiaoling, they have also become uninhibited. Now, Beibei and Jiaxin are almost as skilled as Xiaoling in serving Daqi.
The three beauties worked together seamlessly. They flaunted their gentleness, allure, and charm in front of Daqi, thoroughly entertaining him. He kept praising them: "Belle, you've improved a lot; Xin'er, you're almost catching up with Ling'er; Ling'er, you're getting more and more skilled..." The three women smiled obsequiously throughout.
After fully enjoying the services of the three beauties' lips and tongues, Daqi smiled and said, "Ling'er, you go first, the other two wait a bit." Xiaoling smiled slightly, stood up, turned her back to Daqi, and slowly sat on his lap...
Daqi and Xiaoling went at it for a while before bringing her to the peak of pleasure. Only after Xiaoling begged for mercy did Jiaxin "take her place." Xiaoling lay down to rest and watch the fun, while Beibei knelt and gently stroked Daqi's legs…
When Beibei and Daqi got carried away, he made Xiaoling and Jiaxin kneel before him again. He ordered each of the two beauties to hold one of his feet and suck on each of his toes one by one, which the two beauties did without hesitation. Finally, Daqi had his fill of pleasure in Beibei's mouth, while Beibei looked at the man with a blissful expression.
After the four finished their passionate encounter, Jiaxin smiled and said, "Master, you're amazing! You handled the three of us so easily." Xiaoling said, "It's a good thing you guys came. It was so tough when I was the only one serving him!" Daqi kissed Xiaoling and said, "You little vixen, are you feeling unwell?" Xiaoling smiled charmingly and buried her head in Daqi's chest. Su Beibei said, "In short, our master is a superhuman, there's no doubt about it!" Daqi smiled slightly at Beibei.
Jiaxin said, "Master, there's something I want to tell you." Daqi said, "Go ahead." Jiaxin said, "Wenjun called me and asked when I was coming home. He said he wanted to come home with me. I told him it was impossible, it's all over." Beibei said, "Jiaxin, just ignore him and everything will be fine. Back then, it was his own fault for not having the courage to listen to his parents. It's not your fault. Listen to me, never talk to him again." Xiaoling said, "That weirdo, Jiaxin, just ignore him." Jiaxin said, "But...I..." Daqi said, "Xin'er, whatever's on your mind, just tell me." Jiaxin nodded and said, "He said he's very disappointed and regrets it. He even said that if I don't change my mind, he'll commit suicide!"
"Ah!" Daqi, Xiaoling, and Beibei exclaimed in surprise. Daqi said, "Xin'er, just handle this calmly. I think it's very irresponsible of him to say such things. How did you treat him back then, and how did he and his parents treat you? Sigh, what do you plan to do?" Jiaxin said, "It's impossible for me to be with him anymore. I only want to be with you, Master. I'm yours now. But how should I handle this so that he won't be too heartbroken?" Xiaoling said, "It's simple. Change your SIM card, or don't answer his calls or reply to his texts anymore. You haven't been in contact for a long time, right? In short, don't say anything to him. The more you say, the more complicated it becomes. If he really pressures you, just say you have a boyfriend." Beibei said, "That guy, a grown man, he doesn't even..." "He's acting like he's going to die, who would dare be with him like that?" Daqi nodded and said, "Xin'er, you handle this yourself. If there's anything we can do for you, just let us know. If you feel happier with him, I won't stop you. Then go back to him, I won't blame you." Jiaxin smiled and said, "I'm not that kind of person. I only want to be with you in this life! Maybe it's because I've been dating him for so many years, I'm a little worried about him. I don't mean anything else, really!" Daqi said, "Just don't be too absolute, tell him tactfully that you already have a boyfriend, and I believe he won't bother you anymore. Go home for the Spring Festival first, and we'll talk about everything next semester. Try not to talk to him or contact him, okay?" Jiaxin nodded and kissed Daqi.
The four watched TV for a while before going back to their bedroom to rest. Around 7 a.m. the next morning, Daqi woke up Sanmei. Their flight times were 9:05, 10:35, and 11:05 respectively—first Beibei, then Xiaoling and Shamei. Daqi had to wake them all at once and drive them to Rongzhou Airport. The airport was about an hour's drive from their accommodation. The four hurriedly started washing up. Since they had already packed their luggage the day before, there was no need to unpack again.
After the four of them finished washing up, Daqi and Sanmei put their suitcases in the back of the car. He drove Sanmei to Rongzhou Airport. On the way, he stopped the car next to a breakfast shop because none of them had eaten breakfast. After a quick breakfast, the four of them got back in the car and drove to the airport. By the time they arrived at the airport, it was almost 8 o'clock. Daqi accompanied Beibei through security, letting Xiaoling and Jiaxin sit in the waiting room. After accompanying Beibei through security, he took her to the boarding gate because he couldn't go in. Beibei hugged him and gave him a light kiss, saying, "Master brother, I'm leaving. Happy Chinese New Year! I'll call you." Daqi repeatedly told her to be careful and asked if anyone was picking her up from the airport, etc. She told Daqi not to worry about anything, that someone was going to pick her up. Beibei waved goodbye to him and gave him a slight smile.
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Section Reading 226
With a smile, she dragged a suitcase and boarded the plane. Daqi quickly returned to help Xiaoling through security and then escorted her to the boarding gate. Xiaoling gave him a light kiss, and the two chatted for a while. Xiaoling said, "Master, I'm leaving. Say hello to Sister Qiwen and the others. I'll be back soon." Daqi smiled slightly and watched her walk out of the gate. Finally, he accompanied Jiaxin through security and saw her off to her flight. Jiaxin also said she would come back early to spend the Spring Festival with him. Daqi repeatedly reminded her to be careful.
Of the three women, Xiaoling is more mature and has more life experience, so Daqi is relatively at ease with her. Beibei and Jiaxin, on the other hand, seem a bit naive, so he gives them a lot of advice, but not to Xiaoling.
After seeing the three beauties off, Daqi drove home. He first stopped at one of his wives' coffee shops. He visited the shops owned by Xiaoli, Muping, Lijie, Yulou, Ma'er, and Pingjia. Actually, his wives worked at both shops, moving between them as needed; no one was permanently assigned to one. However, Yulou and Suqin each managed the finances of one shop. The six wives were quite surprised to see Daqi. Xiaoli said, "My dear, what brings you here? Finished your final exams?" Daqi nodded, "Yes, I'm on winter break. Xiaoling and the others have also boarded the plane home. How's business?" Xiaoli nodded, "It got a bit busier around Christmas. Now it's quiet again. With Chinese New Year approaching, when should we temporarily close?" Daqi said, "Let's discuss it at home." Xiaoli nodded. Mu Ping hugged Da Qi affectionately and said, "Honey, Ping'er missed you." Da Qi laughed and said, "I know, I know, I missed you too. Since no one's around, let's make ourselves a cup of coffee and chat." All six women agreed. So, Da Qi accompanied his six wives for coffee and casual conversation. Occasionally, other people would come, but Li Jie and Su Qin could easily handle them. Da Qi ate lunch with the six women. After lunch, he went to another coffee shop. This other coffee shop was about half an hour away from the one he'd visited in the morning. Today, Mei Ting, Qian Ru, Chun Xiao, Yi Jing, Su Qin, and Jia Ran were running the shop. The six of them were quite surprised, as Da Qi rarely came to the shop. Da Qi asked Jia Ran, "Why are you here too?" Jia Ran said, "I've been cooped up at home for too long, got bored. Came out to relax. Xiao Man, Huan'er, and Jie'er are almost on vacation, right?" Da Qi nodded and immediately called the three of them; they said they were going home the day after tomorrow. Daqi said, "I'll pick you three up from your school." Just like in the morning, Daqi chatted with the six of them, even acting as a waiter himself, serving coffee to customers. One foreigner, a regular customer, was surprised and asked Daqi in fluent Chinese, "Sir, I haven't seen you much? Are you a new waiter?" Daqi smiled and was about to answer when Chunxiao said, "Mr. Carl, he's the real owner of the coffee shop; we're all working for him." Everyone laughed, and Carl smiled too. Carl said, "It's a great honor to meet you, sir. Please sit down, please sit down!" Daqi and Carl then introduced themselves and chatted. Carl was German, but he loved Chinese culture and therefore chose to settle in Rongzhou.
Carl said, "Mr. Tong, the coffee at your coffee shop is excellent. I really enjoy coming here. And your staff are the most beautiful!"
Daqi laughed and said, "Thank you, thank you. Thank you for coming. Please come visit me more often. Mr. Carl, your Chinese is so good, I really admire you."
Carl: "My grandfather spoke fluent Chinese. He taught me to learn and speak Chinese from a young age. Over time, I learned it."
Daqi: "Have you ever celebrated Chinese New Year in China?"
Karl shook his head and said, "We Germans don't have a holiday during Chinese New Year. I just see a lot of people going to the supermarket to buy things, and then there's this 'Spring Festival Gala' on TV."
Daqi laughed loudly, "No, no, no. Mr. Carl, you can't understand it that way. Chinese New Year is in the countryside or small towns, not in big cities. For me, celebrating Chinese New Year in big cities is worse than not celebrating it at all. Small places have a strong festive atmosphere."
Carl: "What is better left undone than overdone?"
Daqi said, "Big cities lack the traditional atmosphere of the Spring Festival, and the streets are deserted. But it's different in small cities or villages. The enthusiasm of the people there for celebrating the Spring Festival is something you'll never forget."
Carl: "Oh, I really didn't know. I always thought that the Spring Festival was just about eating and drinking more than usual."
Daqi: "In smaller places, besides eating and drinking, relatives visit each other frequently during the Spring Festival. There are also temple fairs, lantern-walking, and many other traditional activities. You should visit some of China's smaller towns."
Carl: "Really? No wonder the Spring Festival travel rush is so intense in your country. Is it because everyone wants to go home for the Spring Festival?"
Daqi laughed and said, "Mr. Carl, you're absolutely right. We traditional Chinese people are very attached to our homes. We especially miss home during the Spring Festival. It's okay if we're not home at other times, but we really can't stand not being home during the Spring Festival."
Carl said, "I can't understand, haha. I'd be happy even if I spent Christmas in China." Daqi laughed heartily after hearing this. The two chatted for a while, then Daqi kissed his six wives goodbye and returned to the Rongjiang Villa. Only Qiwen was home alone with her three children, her mother, and two nannies. As soon as Daqi got home, Qiwen happily asked, "Did you finish your exams?" Daqi nodded and hugged her, saying, "You worked hard. Are the kids alright?" She pouted and nodded. He asked, "Did your mother go home?" Qiwen nodded and said, "She has to go back to be with her dad." Daqi looked at his son, Tong Xiaoqi, and his two daughters, Tong Xiaoxue and Tong Xiaofeng, and felt an indescribable sense of accomplishment. He hugged Xiaoqi, then Xiaoxue and Xiaofeng, constantly urging them to call him "Dad." Qiwen coaxed Xiaoqi, "Xiaoqi, Xiaoqi, call me Dad, call me Dad." Xiaoqi just looked at his father with wide, curious eyes. Daqi also looked at Xiaoqi with wide, curious eyes. The mother laughed, "What a pair of adorable father and son!" Xiao Qi said, "Mom...Mom..." and then pointed at Da Qi. Da Qi said, "Wen'er, my son is probably unfamiliar with me. Sigh, I'll spend some quality time with the three of them during winter break and get them to call me Dad." Unexpectedly, Xiao Xue and Xiao Feng both said, "Dad...Dad...Dad..." Da Qi must have been overjoyed, kissing his two daughters. He said, "Daughters are definitely smarter." Qi Wen said, "If they can say 'Mom,' they'll definitely say 'Dad' too. Don't worry, I've been teaching them to speak. Xiao Qi can say 'Dad.' Maybe he'll say 'Dad' tomorrow." Da Qi hugged Qi Wen and kissed her, saying, "Wen'er, you've worked so hard. Ten months of pregnancy was tough, and now you have to take care of the baby. I've also gone to school, so it's been difficult for me to take care of the family. It's really been hard on you!" Da Qi put Qi Wen on his lap and sat her on the sofa. Qiwen smiled slightly and said, "Honey, have I gotten old?" Daqi laughed, "What? Old? Haha, you've become more beautiful. Really, more mature and sexy than before!" Qiwen poked Daqi's forehead with her finger and said, "You silly boy, Mom's here, the kids' here, behave yourself." Daqi then released his hand from her chest. The two nannies smiled slightly and said nothing. They knew that Daqi treated Qiwen the best. They always listened to Qiwen's orders the most because she was the head of the household.
Qiwen said, "Honey, I'll go grocery shopping with Aunt Zhang and Aunt Li today. You can stay home too, so we can all have a nice meal together. I'll cook for you myself, okay?" Daqi said, "How about this? Aunt Li can stay home with the kids, and I'll go grocery shopping with you!" Qiwen smiled and nodded. Daqi, Qiwen, and Aunt Zhang went to the market to buy groceries together.
Daqi felt a warm feeling in his heart: It had been so long since he had accompanied Qiwen grocery shopping. It was such a comfortable and heartwarming feeling!
Qiwen bought a lot of Daqi's favorite dishes, and the three of them carried loads of meat, vegetables, and eggs. Back home, Daqi chatted with his mother, happily taking turns holding the three children, while Qiwen, Aunt Zhang, and Aunt Li went to cook. While he was holding the children, Xiaoling, Beibei, and Jiaxin called him one after another to let him know they were safe. Daqi told them to be careful during the Spring Festival, and the three girls said they knew. They said they would call him again during the Spring Festival.
Daqi's wives gradually returned. By then, the food was almost ready. Qiwen called everyone to eat. At the table, the family chatted idly. Suddenly, Suqin said, "Honey, this Spring Festival, I want to go back to our hometown in Fenghuang. It's been several years since I've spent the holidays with Mom and Dad." Daqi nodded and asked, "Should we bring Xiaofeng home?" Xiaofeng was Suqin's daughter. Suqin smiled and said, "No need, I can go back by myself." Ma'er also said she wanted to go home to spend the Spring Festival with her parents, so Daqi said, "Those who really want to go home, tell me quickly, and I'll book your tickets." Meiting said, "Master, shall we go back to our hometown in Changqing for the New Year?" Daqi nodded and said, "Let's go back. It's no fun spending the New Year in Rongzhou." Yulou, Lijie, and Pingjia also said they wanted to go back to their hometown for the New Year. Daqi agreed to all of them. Because they had spent the past two years with him for the New Year, they had indeed not been home for several years. Actually, Daqi was reluctant to let his wives be away from him during the New Year; he wished he could see them every day.
Daqi thought to himself: "Ugh, this is so frustrating! Other families can reunite for the New Year, but my family has to be separated. There's just no way to deal with it!"
However, all the wives who were going home said they would definitely spend next year's Spring Festival with Daqi. Daqi said, "Come back soon, come back, let's have another family reunion dinner in Rongzhou!" That was the only option. Daqi estimated that only half of his wives would come back to his hometown with him for the Spring Festival.
That evening, as he sat in the living room watching TV, Xiao Li sat beside him and whispered, "Honey, you don't seem very happy." Da Qi said, "So many people are going back to their hometowns for the New Year, and we can't refuse them. It's hard to accept!" Xiao Li said, "Which of my sisters would be willing to leave you? It's all because their parents keep urging them to go back. I hope you can understand everyone. Don't worry, all my sisters only have you in their hearts." Da Qi smiled and nodded. He said, "Sister, what about you? You haven't been home for several years either." Xiao Li sighed and said, "I have my younger brother at home with them. I wanted to go back and visit. But I know you'd feel uncomfortable. After thinking about it for a long time, I decided to stay with you." Da Qi hugged her and said, "Sister, you're always the one who understands me best. Thank you!"
Daqi truly couldn't bear to see Xiaoli go home. She, along with Qiwen, Muping, and Meiting, were his four most cherished wives. If Xiaoli also went back to Harbin for the Spring Festival, he would be heartbroken. Daqi said, "Sister, send some more money home. Even if it's my fault for letting your parents down, I really can't bear to be without you!" Xiaoli smiled slightly and nodded. Xiaoli understood that Daqi was already a little disappointed. She had originally intended to go back to Harbin, but seeing Daqi sitting alone in the living room made her change her mind. She thought: Sigh, I'll go back to my hometown to spend the New Year with my parents another time!
Mu Ping then discussed it with Qi Wen: "Sister Wen, I'm thinking of going home to spend the New Year with Dad and Mom, but I'm worried about Da Qi..." Qi Wen said, "If you leave, he might dream about you. I know him too well. But you haven't spent several New Years with your parents, and you're an only child. Sigh... Why bother with the Spring Festival? The family will be torn apart. Don't even mention Da Qi, I feel bad too! Forget it, forget it, I'll talk to him for you!"
That night, Daqi didn't stay in anyone's room. He stayed alone in his study, writing about his feelings. Suddenly, he felt very lost. Perhaps it was because too many wives were going home for the New Year. He thought: This year's New Year is really not going to be happy! At this moment, Qiwen and Xiaoli came into the room and talked to him. Qiwen briefly mentioned that Muping was going home for the Spring Festival, and Daqi nodded without saying anything. He looked at Qiwen and Xiaoli and said, "Hey, am I being too selfish? They're going to be with their parents, but I can't bear to see them go back to their hometown." Xiaoli smiled and said, "Master, don't think so much. Everyone knows what you're thinking. You like to have a lively Spring Festival, and with half the family gone at once, no one will feel comfortable. Don't worry, they all promised you they'd spend next year's Spring Festival with you." Daqi said, "You two should give each of them enough money to go home for the New Year. It's rare for them to come home, so give them more money!" Qiwen said, "I guess Huan'er and Jie'er will also be going back to their hometown for the New Year. There will only be me, Li'er, Jia Ran, Xiaoman, Ting'er, Jing'er, Qianru, and Chunxiao at home." Daqi asked, "Will your mother come?" Qiwen shook her head and said, "She's going to be with Dad." Xiaoli said, "They usually send money home. This time, since they're going back for the Spring Festival, give each of them 20,000 yuan." Daqi nodded in agreement. Qiwen said, "How about we go to Longhai for the New Year? We have a villa there anyway." Daqi shook his head and said, "Wen'er, forget it, let's go back to our hometown. We still have to go to our great-grandfather and grandfather's graves to offer incense on the first day of the Lunar New Year." Qiwen nodded and said, "You decide." Tonight, Daqi, Qiwen, and Xiaoli spent the night in the study together.
Two days later, he drove to Binhai Normal University to pick up Xiaoman, Ye Huan, and Zheng Jie. Sure enough, Ye Huan and Zheng Jie said they wanted to go back to their hometown for the New Year. Daqi smiled and agreed, saying, "Come back soon!" Both girls said, "Master, if you don't agree, then we won't go back to our hometown." Daqi said, "Go home, Huan'er, spend some time with your mother. Jie'er, you spend some time with your parents too." The two girls nodded in relief, knowing in their hearts that Daqi was reluctant to let them go home for the New Year. Xiaoman said with a grin, "Master brother, I'll stay with you, give me a kiss!" Daqi smiled and kissed her.
Next, Daqi accompanied all his wives to get their hair done, as he had promised to do so before the Spring Festival. After three or four days, all the wives finally got their hair done. Then, he, Qiwen, and Xiaoli were busy booking plane and train tickets for them, as eight of the wives were going back to their hometowns.
These past few days, all the wives have been asking Daqi to spend the night with them, because they all hope their husband will "favor" them once before the New Year. Each wife explained to Daqi individually why she went back to her hometown, and they all said that they would definitely not go back to their hometown next year for the New Year and would obediently spend the New Year with him! Daqi was not very happy about this, but there was nothing he could do, so he smiled and said, "Go home and have a good New Year. Come back soon."
Another three or four days passed, and Daqi began to see his eight wives off one by one—some by plane, some by train, and some by car. It took him two and a half days to send all eight wives off. With each one he saw off, he felt a pang in his heart—it was incredibly painful. His wives felt the same way; Ye Huan even cried before boarding her plane. Daqi said, "Silly girl, don't cry. I'm not dead. Try to stay positive when you get home!" She stopped crying then, but Daqi knew she was also heartbroken.
Sigh, even a short separation is so painful, let alone a real separation of life and death! Living is indeed very painful! Daqi finally understood the meaning of the Buddhist saying "all sentient beings suffer".
After seeing off his eight beautiful wives, Daqi and the remaining ones...
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Section Reading 227
The beautiful wives drove back to their hometown. He and Xiao Li each drove one car. His mother, Daqi, his eight wives, and three children—thirteen people in total—went back together. Although half the wives were gone, at least eight beauties were with him, so Daqi wasn't too lonely. Yijing started cooking again. Actually, Yijing had always been the one cooking for everyone, until the family moved into the Rongjiang Villa and hired a housekeeper, after which she rarely cooked.
On the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, the Tong family began preparing for the New Year. These tasks were handled by their eight wives, while Daqi himself started visiting relatives and friends. He first went to the homes of Lao Cai, the head teacher of the high school preparatory class, and several other teachers. Lao Cai was overjoyed to see Daqi and insisted he stay for a meal. The two drank heavily and talked about everything. Lao Cai inquired in detail about Daqi's university life. Daqi recounted what he had observed at university over the past six months, to which Lao Cai shook his head in disapproval.
Daqi said, "Old Cai, I didn't mean to flatter you. But with your level of expertise, most university professors aren't even half as good as you."
Old Cai: "Little Tong, twenty years ago, Binhai Normal University wanted to hire me as a lecturer. I declined their offer because I didn't speak English. The reason I'm willing to stay and teach at Changqing No. 1 Middle School is because I understand university teachers all too well. I'll give most of them twelve big words."
Daqi: "Old Cai, why don't you tell me?"
Old Cai: "Ignorant, fame-seeking, and profit-driven. Some professors, for a little research funding or bonus, don't hesitate to sacrifice their integrity by plagiarizing others' work; some married couples who are university teachers in the same unit don't hesitate to fake divorces to fraudulently obtain more housing benefits from their units; some so-called research leaders have become mere plagiarism factories—they never write anything or do any research themselves, they just have their students do it, and then they put their own names on it. Haha, I've heard and seen so much of it, my ears are calloused! Come on, let's keep drinking!"
Daqi and Lao Cai clinked glasses and said, "I have something to tell you. This happened at Longhai University."
Old Cai: "Go ahead and tell me. I love hearing what you kids who are just starting out in college see and hear."
Chapter 27: Old Friends in Tongzhai
Daqi continued chatting with Lao Cai over drinks. The teacher and student rarely met, and once they did, they had so much to talk about. Daqi continued, "There's a doctoral supervisor at Longhai University who worked on a research project, and the government allocated him research funding. Once, while teaching his students, this supervisor openly said, 'Students, my research project is nearing completion. However, I still have a quarter of my research funding left. If any of you have any train tickets, invoices, or anything that can be reimbursed, please give them to me so I can get reimbursed.'"
After hearing this, Lao Cai laughed heartily and said, "These kinds of things were even more common in the 1980s and early to mid-1990s. But for an intellectual to openly ask a student for an invoice is indeed a bit ridiculous."