Daqi asked Lao Cai, "Teacher Cai, I heard you're planning to retire, is that true?"
Old Cai said, "After teaching this last graduating class of senior high school students, I'm really retiring. Sigh, I'm getting old. I officially retired five years ago, but I'm currently on a contract. I've been teaching for decades, I'm tired, I just want a few days of peace and quiet, and to wait for death. Haha!"
Daqi: "Your retirement would be a loss to our Evergreen education community. It's better if you don't retire; you still have the energy."
Actually, Daqi really didn't want Lao Cai to retire. He felt that Lao Cai was still in good health and shouldn't retire. He was an outstanding middle school teacher. Several of his students were the top scorers in the provincial college entrance examination for Chinese language and essay writing. In the 2002 college entrance examination, the top scorer in Chinese language in Binhai Province was Daqi's classmate, and he was personally taught by Lao Cai.
Old Cai sighed and said, "It's time to make way for the younger generation. Many of the rising stars are doing a good job teaching now. Our school has plenty of talent. Come on, Xiao Tong, drink up!"
Daqi came to visit Lao Cai today, firstly to wish him a Happy New Year in advance. Both he and Lao Cai were a little drunk. After drinking, Daqi said goodbye to Lao Cai and went back to the Tong family mansion. For the next few days, Daqi visited his former teachers and classmates. Many of his junior high school classmates called the Tong family mansion to invite him to dinner, and everyone expressed their admiration after hearing that Tong Daqi had been admitted to university. After all, it's very difficult for someone who had been out of school for several years and hadn't attended high school to be able to get back into university. Daqi hadn't been in contact with his former classmates for several years, and they still had a lot to talk about. He made a special trip to Dazhong's house to see Dazhong's parents and Dazhong himself. Qiwen and Meiting both said to Daqi, "Why don't you eat at home all the time? Invite your classmates home for dinner." So, Daqi invited many classmates to the Tong family mansion for dinner. This made Daqi feel a little better. Because so many of his wives had gone back to their hometowns for the New Year, not spending time with him made him feel uneasy. Especially during the New Year's Eve dinner, Daqi felt truly miserable. Looking at his wife, who was only half-eaten, he forced a smile and ate with everyone. Xiao Li knew he was upset, so she kept trying to lighten the mood, as did Qiwen. What made him happiest was that Xiaoqi actually called him "Dad...Dad..." on this day.
His son actually called him "Dad"! Daqi was so happy he held him all night. Daqi's happiness lifted the mood of the whole family. After the New Year's Eve dinner, Daqi held his son and watched the Spring Festival Gala with the whole family. Around 10 o'clock, the phone in the Tong family mansion started ringing non-stop; it was each of his wives who had gone back to their hometowns for the New Year calling. There were Mu Ping, Su Qin, Ye Huan, Zheng Jie, and others, as well as Xiao Ling, Bei Bei, and Jia Xin. He answered the landline in one hand and the cell phone in the other, leaving Qi Wen no choice but to take their son from his arms. Each wife said she missed him terribly, and Daqi patiently talked to each of them, asking how things were at home. They all said they were fine, but they just wanted to go back to the Tong family mansion for the New Year. It wasn't until after 2 a.m. on New Year's Day that Daqi finished talking to all his wives. After the calls, his mood naturally improved a lot. Daqi suddenly noticed that Mei Ting seemed to be in a bad mood. Since the other seven wives were all happy, she seemed a bit sullen and went to bed early.
He went to Meiting's bed; she wasn't asleep yet. Daqi also got into her bed and asked, "Ting, what's wrong?" Meiting whispered, "I really want to see my sister, but the thought of them forcing me to marry someone from Singapore makes me feel a little cold..." So that's what was bothering Meiting. Daqi knew where Meiting's troubles lay. Meiting rarely returned to her hometown, and she should have met and eaten with her sister and brother-in-law, since it was Chinese New Year. However, she kept thinking about her sister and brother-in-law's indifference after their parents died. If her sister hadn't been so cold, she definitely wouldn't have married someone from Singapore. In recent years, Daqi and Meiting had spent a considerable amount of time at the Tong family mansion. Daqi had spent an entire year in his hometown of Changqing attending a high school prep class to prepare for the college entrance exam. Meiting had also been staying at the Tong family mansion that year. But she never went to see her sister and brother-in-law. Daqi thought: If you don't want to see them, then don't! To forget the past, Meiting had almost no contact with her former classmates.
But today is the Spring Festival, and Daqi knows that Meiting is homesick, missing the home she had when her parents were still alive. To be precise, although Meiting somewhat resents her older sister and brother-in-law, she still misses them a little. After all, she and her sister are biological sisters who grew up together.
Daqi hugged Meiting and said, "Ting'er, how about I go with you to see your sister in a couple of days? It's been so long, let's just pretend it never happened. And let's go back and visit your old neighbors too. There's an old lady who was your neighbor. When I went to your house to look for you years ago, she was crying and telling me about your family; I still remember it all." Meiting said, "That Grandma Zhuo who lived next door, she watched me grow up. Our families have been neighbors for generations. I don't know why, but this year I especially want to see my old relatives. Even though they're annoying, but..."
Daqi smiled and said, "It's all in the past now, let it go. Let's go see them when we have time. Don't think too much about it, you and your sister are still blood sisters." Meiting, her eyes red, rested her head on Daqi's chest. She looked at Daqi gratefully and said, "Husband, you're so good to me, you always understand me, thank you!" Daqi smiled and said, "Let me hold you while we sleep!" The two then fell asleep in each other's arms.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Daqi's mother, along with Daqi and Qiwen, went to the Tong family ancestral graves to offer incense to their ancestors. Afterward, the three returned home. Starting from the second day of the Lunar New Year, many relatives and friends came to the Tong family mansion to pay their respects. However, Daqi and Meiting discussed visiting her sister and old neighbors. On the third day of the Lunar New Year, Meiting made a phone call to her sister's house. The two sisters talked a lot on the phone, and Meiting cried uncontrollably. The two sisters hadn't seen each other for several years, and her sister didn't know that Meiting was also in Changqing, as Meiting rarely went out. The phone call lasted a full hour and a half before ending. After hanging up, Meiting was still crying. Daqi kept comforting her, asking her what she had to say. Meiting said, "We'll go to my sister's house the day after tomorrow."
Daqi thought this year's Spring Festival would be quite ordinary. The only "highlight" would be that Meiting could visit her sister. Daqi thought to himself: the sisters should at least get together.
On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the two bought many gifts, and Daqi also prepared a large red envelope. This red envelope was for her sister's son, and it contained 5,000 yuan—lucky money. Upon arriving at her sister's house, the two sisters hugged and cried. Meiting's brother-in-law happened to be there too. Daqi greeted her sister and brother-in-law and gave the red envelope to their son. Meiting's sister looked very much like Meiting and was also very beautiful; her brother-in-law was also exceptionally handsome.
Meiting's older sister is named Meiying, and her husband is named Changsheng. Both are native Changqing residents. In Daqi's eyes, they are honest and upright people. He sighed, wondering why they had forced Meiting to marry someone from Singapore. He couldn't understand it. Daqi thought: Maybe they were afraid of taking on too many obligations, since Meiting was still in school at the time. Daqi addressed them as "older sister and brother-in-law," just like Meiting. They ate lunch at Meiying's house. The young couple seemed to feel bad for Meiting, constantly apologizing. Meiting said, "It's all in the past, let's not talk about it anymore!" When they learned that their younger sister's boyfriend was Tong Daqi—Daqi had visited her sister's house as Meiting's boyfriend—they asked Daqi, "Aren't you the Tong Daqi who donated to Changqing No. 1 Middle School?" Daqi smiled and nodded, surprising them. They thought to themselves: "My goodness, my sister's boyfriend is a small-time tycoon! We can't be rude to him." Changsheng was overjoyed to learn that his sister-in-law's boyfriend was the one who donated money, Tong Daqi. He took advantage of a convenient moment to open his son's New Year's money and saw that there was 5,000 yuan inside.
Chang Sheng thought to himself: My goodness, giving my son so much New Year's money, he's really rich! I need to get closer to my brother-in-law in the future, he definitely won't treat me badly!
At the dinner table, Mei Ying asked Da Qi, "I feel like I've seen you before? You look so familiar."
Daqi laughed and said, "Sister, I came to your house to look for Meiting a few years ago, during a summer vacation, the year my uncle and aunt had their accident."
Mei Ying (Xuan) suddenly realized, "Yes, yes, yes. No wonder you looked so familiar. It's rare to see you so good to my sister. Hey, let me toast you today, hoping you'll forgive us too..."
Daqi laughed, "Sister, it's all in the past. Come, let's drink and not talk about unhappy things! I'll toast you and brother-in-law!" Daqi then clinked glasses with Meiying and Changsheng. Meiting seemed much better, because she was reunited with her older sister. Meiying and Changsheng kept toasting Daqi, who was quite a heavy drinker. Soon, Changsheng was drunk, and Meiying was almost done drinking too. The four of them drank all afternoon before Daqi and Meiting returned to the Tong family mansion. Daqi told Meiying and Changsheng, "Sister, brother-in-law, come visit the Tong family mansion more often, Meiting misses you terribly!" They smiled and said, "Definitely, definitely!" After saying goodbye to Meiying and Changsheng, Daqi and Meiting took a rickshaw home. Along the way, Meiting hugged Daqi gratefully.
Meiting: "Honey, I feel much better. You're so good to me. Why do you think my sister and brother-in-law forced me like that?"
Daqi: "Everyone's living a poor life. I don't think your sister and brother-in-law are particularly bad people. It's all in the past now. Let's go see Grandma Zhuo tomorrow!" Meiting nodded and said, "I want to go back to the old house." Daqi also nodded in agreement. When they were at Meiying's house, Meiting asked her, "Sister, our house hasn't been sold, has it?" Changsheng replied, "No, it's been empty. Your sister absolutely refuses to sell it. She said it was left by our parents, and she grew up there, so she's determined not to sell!" At that moment, Meiting said she wanted to go home for a visit, and Meiying immediately gave Meiting the keys. Meiying specifically said, "The house might be a little dirty. I cleaned it once half a year ago. I haven't touched anything in your room. I know that one day, you'll come back..."
When they got home that evening, all the wives asked Daqi and Meiting about their trip to Meiying's house. Everyone was quite happy because Meiting had reconciled with her sister. Qiwen said, "Even if there are many faults, a sister is still family." Xiaoli also said, "Sister Ting, you seem much better now!" Meiting smiled and nodded... Daqi asked Qiwen and Xiaoli, "Did any relatives come to our house today?" Qiwen said, "It's the same old thing every year, like your uncles, aunts, and so on. Since you weren't here, Mom kept them company, and Xiaoli and I had a few drinks with them." Daqi nodded and said, "You guys decide what to do. If any children come with them, give them lucky money." Xiaoli asked, "How much is appropriate? Luckily..." "None of the children who came today brought their kids," Daqi asked his mother. "Mom, how much New Year's money should we give the children from our relatives' families when they come to visit?" His mother replied, "When our family was struggling, we didn't have much contact with them. Now that they see our family is doing well and that you're successful, they all come. For these relatives, a little comfort and a token of appreciation is enough. I think 100 yuan per envelope is sufficient." Jia Ran said, "Grandma, I think 200 yuan each is fine. After all, our Tong family is a wealthy family!" Qianru and Chunxiao also advocated 200 yuan each. Upon hearing this, the old lady had no choice but to change her mind and say, "Then 200 yuan it is. In short, Qi'er, remember this: they are all opportunistic and sycophantic people. If you were really in trouble, they would all stay far away. The fact that our Tong family is hosting them is already giving them a lot of face!" Daqi nodded and said he understood.
Jia Ran and her mother-in-law called Da Qi's mother "Old Lady," while everyone else called her "Mom." Since Xiao Man and Qi Wen both called Da Qi's mother "Mom," Jia Ran and her mother-in-law could only call his mother "Old Lady." This wasn't Jia Ran and her mother-in-law's fault; it was Da Qi's. Why? Because this guy had taken both Jia Ran and her daughter, and Qi Wen and her daughter, as his mistresses. He felt a great sense of accomplishment from having these two stunningly beautiful mother-daughter pairs, but he also had some troubles. The way they addressed each other was one of those troubles. Da Qi really wanted Jia Ran and her mother-in-law to call his mother "Mom," but considering their daughters already called their mothers "Mom," he didn't insist too much on their way of addressing their mother. After all, Jia Ran and her mother-in-law were older than Da Qi.
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His wives, especially his daughters, were all Daqi's wives, so they were somewhat arrogant and took advantage of their age. They addressed Daqi's mother as "Old Lady," with a hint of pride in their voices. His mother-in-law, in particular, often thought: "Look at you young girls, so respectful to the old lady, while I, Wenhua, can skip all the formalities." Of course, Jiaran and his mother-in-law were both afraid of Daqi, so they still treated his mother with respect, like an older sister.
Jia Ran and Xiao Man kept flirting with Da Qi all evening, and Da Qi would occasionally glance at the young woman and smile. They exchanged knowing glances. As Xiao Man expected, Da Qi really did ask her to spend the night. Da Qi asked softly, "Where's your mother?" She smiled and said, "She's next door. I'll go get her." So she went to get her mother. Soon, the beautiful mother and daughter appeared before Da Qi. Xiao Man said, "Master, let us help you take a bath." Da Qi nodded. Each of their rooms had a bathroom, which was quite convenient. The three of them soaked naked in the hot water of the large bathtub, and Jia Ran and Xiao Man diligently helped him wash. Xiao Man asked, "Master, when did Sister Ting's parents leave?" Da Qi then told the mother and daughter what had happened at Mei Ting's house. Jia Ran said, "Mei Ting has really escaped a calamity! If she hadn't had that accident... sigh, thankfully she's back by your side now." Xiao Man said, "Master, I'm asking a question I shouldn't. Can you please not be angry?" Da Qi stroked her breasts and said, "Silly girl, when have I ever been angry with you?" Xiao Man said, "You're surrounded by beauties, why did you still accept Sister Ting? And you're so good to her. Even Sister Wen is a little afraid of Sister Ting." Jia Ran said, "Isn't it because Mei Ting is Master's first love? Back then, Master was a poor scholar, but she still loved him. You little rascal, you wouldn't understand even if I told you." Xiao Man nodded thoughtfully. Da Qi said, "Sister, Xiao Man is still young, she'll understand later." Xiao Man chuckled and said, "I'm not young anymore, I've grown up, I've served you for so long..." After saying that, she kissed Da Qi's entire body...
Daqi comfortably enjoyed Xiaoman's teasing, and Jiaran joined in, the mother and daughter working together seamlessly. Looking at the mature and sexy Jiaran and the youthful and beautiful Xiaoman, Daqi felt a surge of satisfaction. He was very fortunate to have won the hearts of this mother and daughter so easily, and was especially grateful to Jiaran. Because Jiaran had not only given herself to him and her daughter to him, but had also allowed him to enjoy the pleasures of life—allowing him to play with beauties from all over the world and from all over the country. In fact, Jiaran herself was a great beauty, and Xiaoman was a little beauty. Now, the little beauty was a third-year university student; back then, she was a beautiful and innocent high school girl, a shy virgin who was completely obedient to him and gave him everything.
Daqi positioned Xiaoman in a perfect horse-riding position, gently patted her pert bottom, and said, "Higher." Xiaoman smiled slightly and raised her shapely, sexy buttocks high, saying, "Brother, are you satisfied?" Daqi smiled and nodded. He then said to Jiaran, who was hugging him from behind, "Sister, you're the same as her." Jiaran smiled slightly and lightly kissed his cheek, doing the same. He knelt behind the beautiful mother and daughter, taking turns enjoying their alluring bodies. Throughout, Xiaoman only moaned softly, while Jiaran practically screamed her lungs out…
After the three of them got into bed, Daqi sat in the middle, embracing Xiaoman and Jiaran on either side. The three of them chatted and laughed for a while before falling asleep sweetly.
The next morning, Daqi got up and washed up, while Xiaoman and Jiaran were still asleep. After washing up, he went to Meiting's room to wake her. Meiting said, "Honey, why are you up so early?" Daqi smiled and said, "Didn't you say we were going to Grandma Zhuo's place together?" Meiting immediately said "Oh" and got up. At this moment, the sound of a baby crying came from Qiwen's room; it was Xiaoqi crying. Daqi said, "I'll go check on Wen'er in her room." So he went to Qiwen's room. He asked, "What's wrong?" Qiwen said, "Nothing, is he hungry? I'll make him some baby food. Can you help me soothe him?" Daqi had no choice but to pick up Xiaoqi and start comforting him. Daqi said, "Son, don't cry, Daddy will hold you, Daddy will hold you..." Qiwen brought in a bowl of baby cereal and said, "Are you accompanying Meiting to see her old neighbor today?" Daqi nodded and said, "Yes. By the way, the family is counting on you." Qiwen smiled and said, "Go ahead, go ahead, there's me, Li'er, Qianru, Chunxiao, Jiaran and her daughter, and Jing'er at home. Don't worry!" Daqi asked, "Who's been taking care of Xiaoxue and Xiaofeng these days?" Qiwen said, "Qianru and Chunxiao are taking care of them, and I often look after them too." Daqi held Qiwen, and Qiwen fed Daqi baby cereal. Daqi said, "Our Tong family is thriving!" Qiwen said, "By the way, we've received a lot of lucky money these days, for their three children. It was all from relatives." Daqi said, "Oh, they brought their own children, and they gave their children lucky money too." Qiwen laughed, "Your relatives are so stingy, they only gave less than 50 yuan." Daqi laughed, "They're just poor relatives, it's good enough that they gave anything at all. Hehe, Meiting and I are going out now." Qiwen nodded, and Daqi kissed her goodbye before taking a rickshaw with Meiting to find Grandma Zhuo.
After getting out of the car, Meiting and Daqi went straight to knock on Grandma Zhuo's door. The door was tightly shut. Meiting said, "Is Grandma home? Grandma, Grandma!" After a long while, someone inside answered, "Who is it? That voice sounds so familiar!" When the door opened, Grandma Zhuo looked at Meiting in surprise and burst into tears. Meiting also cried. Grandma Zhuo welcomed Meiting inside.
Grandma Zhuo: "Ting'er, how could it be you? Where have you been all these years? I've missed you so much..."
Meiting cried and said, "I'm so sorry, Grandma, I haven't come to see you."
Grandma Zhuo: "It's good you're back, it's good you're back. I'm so glad to see you again. Child, have you lost weight?" Grandma Zhuo kept touching Meiting's face. Grandma Zhuo was an elderly woman in her eighties; her only son had passed away many years ago. Meiting's family used to take very good care of her, and she had watched Meiting and Meiying grow up. Later, Meiting's family had a misfortune, and she rarely had anyone to care for her anymore. Now, during the Spring Festival, the house was eerily quiet and devoid of any festive atmosphere. Grandma Zhuo kept telling Meiting about the things that had happened over the years. She said she dreamed about Meiting and her parents. Grandma Zhuo asked Daqi, "Child, are you Ting'er's husband?" Daqi nodded readily and said, "Grandma, how are you? How are you?" Grandma Zhuo said, "Ever since Meiting's family had that accident, her health has been declining day by day. Ting'er is such a good girl, you must treat her well!" Meiting immediately said, "Don't worry, Grandma, his name is Daqi, he's very good to me." Meiting pulled Daqi over and said, "She'll definitely be spending the New Year alone. Before, my family would invite her to spend the New Year with us. Now, my family is like this... do you understand what I mean?" Daqi smiled and said, "Let's bring her to the Tong family mansion for a few days. In the future, I'll have my mother come and take care of her often. My mother said she wants to live alone in the mansion." Meiting said, "Mom doesn't want to live with us?" Daqi said, "I don't know, she said she's more comfortable living in her hometown. Sigh, she's getting old, let her be. I'll hire a caregiver to take care of our mother." Meiting nodded.
Meiting, Daqi, and Grandma Zhuo went back to Meiting's home. Meiting used the key her sister had given her to open the door. As they stepped into the once-familiar house, Meiting couldn't hold back her tears and burst into sobs, because she saw her parents' photos still hanging on the wall. Grandma Zhuo also wept uncontrollably, for the two deceased were the people who had often cared for her. Meiting asked Grandma Zhuo to sit in the living room, and she and Daqi went back to her old bedroom. Looking at everything familiar in the room, not only Meiting but even Daqi was overwhelmed with emotion.
In this small room, he and Meiting shared so many stories. He clearly remembered that it was in this room that he lost her precious first time. Looking at Meiting's swollen eyes, Daqi felt incredibly heartbroken; she had cried a lot these past two days. Meiting asked Daqi, "Qi, do you remember this place?" Daqi nodded and gently embraced her, saying, "This place has been deserted for so long. Its owner only returned today. You should have come back to see it sooner." After saying this, the two couldn't help but kiss each other lightly.
Perhaps it was the sight of the scene that stirred up memories of their first love; perhaps Daqi wanted to comfort his beloved Meiting; or perhaps Daqi simply wanted Meiting to know that he would never forget the past... In any case, Daqi gently carried Meiting to the bed that was once so familiar to them, and although there was a little dust on the bed, neither of them minded.
Daqi said, "Ting'er, I love you so much!" Meiting smiled and said, "Me too!" And so, the two began their passionate lovemaking. Since they had both lost their virginity on this bed in this room, they both felt a sense of nostalgia. Unlike before, when they had come secretly, behind Ting's parents' backs, they were now open and unhurried. Daqi gently removed Meiting's "armor," and Meiting reciprocated. Meiting said, "It's so good to know you, Master, I want to stay with you forever!" With that, she turned her back to Daqi, knelt on both knees, and rhythmically swayed her high, snowy buttocks, turning back to softly call out, "Master, what are you waiting for?" Daqi smiled and approached her from behind, saying, "Waiting for you to get horny!" Meiting said coquettishly, "You...bad...ah—." Before she could utter the word "dead," she closed her eyes, her mouth wide open. Because her lover behind her had thrust his hips forward forcefully, pressing his abdomen tightly against her soft, tender buttocks...
Both of them were covered in sweat. Meiting leaned back slightly and said, "Master...love...love me..." Daqi said happily, "My darling, never leave me again..."
Daqi finally chose Meiting's red lips to end their "madness." Looking at his first love's alluring smile, he smiled happily... then hurriedly put on his clothes and went downstairs, because Grandma Zhuo was still waiting. Meiting said, "Grandma, come on, let's celebrate the New Year together." Grandma Zhuo smiled and said, "Okay, okay, okay, thank you, thank you!" So, Daqi and Meiting led Grandma Zhuo into a rickshaw and arrived at the Tong family mansion. Daqi told his mother about Grandma Zhuo's affair, and his mother was especially happy about her arrival.
It just so happened that relatives came to pay their respects at noon, and the whole family had a New Year's meal with them and Grandma Zhuo. After the meal, Grandma Zhuo asked Daqi's mother, "Is this the Tong family mansion?" The mother nodded and said, "Grandma, yes, yes." Grandma Zhuo said, "Amitabha, I came here a few times when I was young, sixty years have passed." The mother and Daqi were both surprised because Grandma Zhuo would say that. Grandma Zhuo continued, "Back then, I wasn't married yet, and I came with my mother. My mother was a maid in this mansion. Who's in charge here now?" Meiting said, "My husband, you've met him, Daqi." Grandma Zhuo said happily, "Ting'er, so you're also a wife of the Tong family now?" Meiting looked at Daqi: "...", Qiwen smiled and said, "Grandma Zhuo, yes, yes, Meiting is Mrs. Tong." Qiwen kept gesturing to everyone with her eyes, and everyone understood what she meant. Meiting smiled and didn't say anything. Grandma Zhuo smiled and said, "Ting'er, you're so lucky! The Tong family has a long history of doing good deeds! So fortunate, so very fortunate!" Daqi said, "Grandma, since your mother has worked here, you're no longer an outsider. Come visit often when you have time." Daqi's mother also smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, come visit often; I'm always at home." Grandma Zhuo smiled and said, "Definitely, definitely!"
Chapter 28: A Romance Amid SARS
Grandma Zhuo said, "I remember there was a young lady named Wan'er in this house. She was the lady of the house, and she was very kind to everyone!" Daqi said, "Grandma Zhuo, have you ever met my grandmother? My grandmother is still alive!" Grandma Zhuo said, "Oh, she must be over ninety years old, more than ten years older than me." His mother said, "Yes, yes, she is over ninety years old." Grandma Zhuo said, "Is she still in this mansion? When she became a nun, it caused a sensation throughout the whole county." After hearing this, Daqi also sighed, "How I wish I could see my grandmother again, but alas, I don't know where she is?"
Xiao Li comforted Da Qi, saying, "If we're meant to meet, we'll meet again!" Da Qi nodded. His mother and Mei Ting chatted with Grandma Zhuo. Da Qi, along with Qi Wen, Qian Ru, and Chun Xiao, played with his three children.
Around the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, Daqi took his eight wives and three children back to Rongzhou, because the rest of his wives had called to say they were also planning to return. His mother said she wouldn't go back to Rongzhou; she preferred staying at the old house. Daqi hired a nanny to live with her; the nanny was a distant relative of the Tong family.
Back in Rongzhou, Daqi called Han Meng, who said she wouldn't be back until close to the Lantern Festival and would like to have a meal with Daqi then. Daqi happily agreed, as he was very excited to have dinner with Teacher Han. Xiaoling, Beibei, and Jiaxin all said they would return to Rongzhou before the Lantern Festival. The eight wives also said they would return around the tenth of the first lunar month.
On the tenth day of the first lunar month, Daqi and Xiaoli each drove a car to various train stations and airports to pick up Daqi's wives. After a few days, all the wives returned. By the twelfth day of the first lunar month, all the wives had returned to Rongzhou, including Xiaoling and her two female students. On this day, Qiwen specially hosted a banquet at Jiaran's younger brother's "Three Sheep Bring Prosperity" restaurant so that everyone could celebrate the Spring Festival together. Daqi was very happy to see twenty women, and his mother-in-law had also come to Rongzhou. It was the first time that Beibei and Jiaxin had eaten with Daqi's family, and they were the center of attention. Qiwen took the initiative to raise her glass to them: "My two little sisters, I'd like to propose a toast to you!" Beibei and Jiaxin were flattered and said, "Thank you, Sister Wen, thank you, thank you!" The three clinked glasses and drank. While everyone was eating, the mother-in-law said, "Have you all heard? It seems there's some kind of 'atypical pneumonia' appearing in Guangdong. They say it's incurable and can kill people." Xiao Li said, "I've heard some things, but I don't know the specifics. It should be fine." Bei Bei said, "A couple of days ago, when I was at home, I couldn't find vinegar anywhere." Da Qi also said, "Oh, right. When I was back home, my mom asked me to buy vinegar. The vinegar seller said the price had gone up, and a bottle cost over ten yuan. Could it be…?" The mother-in-law said, "Yes, the price of vinegar has gone up very fast where I am too. I can't even buy it if I want to." Su Qin said, "I heard that eating vinegar can prevent this so-called pneumonia." Everyone started discussing the epidemic.
Qianru said, "I don't really believe vinegar can prevent this disease. If it could, it wouldn't be so serious. I think the news broadcast about it a few days ago. But I didn't pay attention." Chunxiao said, "It's all hearsay. I still don't understand what this infectious disease is. I've also heard that drinking Banlangen (Isatis root) can prevent it. I went to buy Banlangen when I had a cold a couple of days ago, and the pharmacy said they were sold out. I was quite surprised!"
Qiwen said, "How about this, after we finish eating today, we'll go get a few packets of vinegar; maybe it'll come in handy."
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It's not expensive at all. Even if it were a hundred yuan a bottle, I'd buy a few, for the health of my whole family.
Daqi said, "Let's buy it then, but I really don't believe this disease is that serious. When I was a child, there were often rumors of plagues in my hometown, and each time they disappeared without a trace. Just live life naturally. If I really get this disease, even if it's my fate, I don't care. If this disease is really that serious, then vinegar and Banlangen alone won't solve the problem. We might as well see how the government is guiding us. Our individual strength is too small, so we should just cooperate as much as possible."
After dinner, everyone returned to Rongjiang Villa. Qiwen and Xiaoli said they were going to the supermarket to buy vinegar and Banlangen (a traditional Chinese medicine). Daqi turned on the TV to check, but didn't see any news about pneumonia. While he was watching TV, Qiwen and Xiaoli carried two large bags of things. Daqi saw that they were all vinegar and Banlangen. He laughed and said, "My two wives, what are you doing? Do you really believe this can prevent pneumonia?" Qiwen said, "You don't know how many people are lining up to buy this. It's sold out in the supermarket. We went to a small shop to buy it. The vinegar is ten yuan a bottle, and the Banlangen is ten times the usual price." Xiaoli said, "Luckily, we lined up early; there were many people lining up to buy it." Daqi's mood suddenly became heavy. He smiled and said, "I hope it works!"
That evening, he deliberately turned on the radio. He had a very good quality radio that could receive many foreign stations, including Chinese stations from several countries. He hadn't listened to these stations in a long time, but he knew that listening to them often brought up some non-mainstream voices, though most of them were heavily politically biased. He listened to one station and was shocked. This station actually claimed that many people in Guangdong, China, had contracted "atypical pneumonia," that the epidemic was spreading rapidly, and even went so far as to say that the Chinese government was powerless to control the epidemic… Daqi vaguely felt that this "SARS" epidemic might not be as simple as he had imagined.
Daqi thought to himself: Oh well, let nature take its course. I hope no one in Rongzhou gets infected, and I hope the epidemic will be brought under control soon.
On the fourteenth day of the first lunar month, Han Meng called Da Qi, and the two arranged to have dinner at the "Silver Chopsticks Restaurant" in the city. Da Qi bought some New Year's gifts for Han Meng. When they met, Han Meng joked, "Da Qi, why are you bribing your teacher?" Da Qi laughed and said, "Teacher Han, I'm your student. Even Confucius' disciples in ancient times gave him gifts. This isn't bribery, it's normal." Han Meng said, "Never mind, you're my most outstanding student, so I'll accept it. But, not again!" Da Qi nodded with a smile. During dinner, they talked about what happened during their winter vacation. Han Meng also mentioned SARS. Daqi said, "Teacher Han, let nature take its course. I don't think the government can't control this epidemic." Han Meng said, "My friends abroad all say the Chinese government can't control it, but they've never lied to me." Daqi said, "The Chinese Communist Party has survived the Long March, why would they be afraid of SARS? That's just worrying unnecessarily. I believe the government definitely has the ability to control it." Han Meng said, "I hope so. However, my husband said he won't come back if things don't look good. He went to Canada for business a couple of days ago." Daqi paused for a long time before saying, "So he's not going to take care of you?" Han Meng said, "I don't think so!"
For some reason, Daqi felt a pang of unease. He thought Han Meng's husband was far too cowardly. Was SARS really that terrible? Besides, as her husband, if China really couldn't control SARS, would he really not come back and abandon Han Meng? No way! How could a husband be so foolish? Daqi knew Han Meng was a little hurt, but she didn't show it. The two chatted as they ate. Han Meng finally said, "Daqi, this semester, try your best to pass the CET-4 (College English Test Band 4). I'll tutor you. You have to believe in yourself and work hard!" Daqi nodded in agreement, but inwardly he thought: I have no chance of passing, Teacher Han! My English is just awful!
After having dinner with Han Meng, Daqi went home. On the Lantern Festival, Daqi and his twenty wives had another happy celebration. He bought a lot of fireworks and set them off with them along the Rongjiang River. Beibei said, "It's so much fun! My parents never let me play with them before." Qiwen said, "That's because they were afraid you, their sweet girl, would get hurt. Fireworks are better, but firecrackers are out of the question." Qiwen seemed to like Beibei quite a bit, thinking that this girl was a very calm person. These days, Xiaoling and her two friends have been living with Daqi and his family. One evening, Qiwen said to Daqi, "That girl named Su Beibei looks especially innocent." Daqi laughed, "Aren't you jealous?" Qiwen smiled and shook her head, "I'm used to it. That's just how you are. Wherever you go, there are always women clinging to you. I can't do anything about it." His mother-in-law chimed in, "That's just a man's nature. If you're not lustful, are you even a man?" Daqi laughed heartily and hugged his mother-in-law, saying, "You really know a lot!" His mother-in-law smiled charmingly and asked, "My dear, tell me the truth, are these young girls nicer to you, or is Mom nicer to you?" Daqi could only whisper, "Young girls are nice, but none of them are as caring as you, Mom." His mother-in-law smiled and said, "You silly boy, at least you said something that makes me happy!" Daqi said, " "I try to make you happy every day, my goodness!" Qiwen shook her head at their reaction, saying, "You two are hopeless." Daqi hugged Qiwen and said, "To be honest, my dear wife, you're the one who understands me best." Qiwen laughed, "Who knows if you're telling the truth or not?" Daqi solemnly declared, "It's true, otherwise, may I be cursed by heaven..." Qiwen immediately covered his mouth, saying, "Don't make any vows, it's pointless. If we're meant to be together, we'll be together; if not, we'll part ways. I don't want anything bad to happen to anyone." Daqi smiled and said, "Okay, okay, okay. I won't make any more vows." His mother-in-law said, "My dear, these vows aren't to be made lightly. What if you break your vow and it really comes true? How will Wen'er and the three children live? And how will I live?"
It was obvious that his mother-in-law was very reluctant to let Daqi "die," a fact he knew better than anyone. Now, usually his mother-in-law and Qiwen would serve Daqi overnight together, and occasionally Muping would be called in as well, because Qiwen preferred Muping as her partner. However, his mother-in-law insisted on serving Daqi with her own daughter, which left Qiwen feeling helpless. After all, it was her mother, and no matter how bad her temper, she dared not lose her temper. Daqi, on the other hand, quite enjoyed the feeling of being served by one young woman and two young girls. Actually, Qiwen couldn't really be considered a young girl anymore; she had a child and was a stunningly beautiful young woman! Muping was also becoming more and more womanly; her figure was noticeably fuller than before, but being a tall woman, she appeared even more sexy and mature than before!
The day after the Lantern Festival, Daqi drove Xiaoling, Beibei, and Jiaxin back to school. He brought back a lot of local specialties to his dormitory. He shared some with all his classmates to try. Many classmates also brought back local specialties for Daqi to sample.
Daqi and Xiaoling, Beibei and Jiaxin continued living together in Baisha Apartment. Daqi's classmates Li Xianming and Xie Changjin were completely addicted to games. At the start of the new semester, they sometimes skipped classes to play games in their dorm. A week later, the department notified all class monitors and student union secretaries to prepare for the scholarship selection for the previous semester. Daqi didn't take it seriously, knowing he had little chance of winning a scholarship. However, through a vote, his classmates elected him as a member of the scholarship review committee. He didn't pay much attention to it, but his phone kept ringing these past few days. It was all calls from classmates who were likely to receive scholarships.
Someone said, "Hey bro, the scholarship evaluation is in a few days. Give me a high score, and I'll treat you to dinner."
Someone said, "Hey bro, I'm hoping to get a second-class degree, but I heard from a senior that it might be downgraded to a third-class degree. You have to put in a good word for me!"
Someone said, "Hey, the class's Youth League secretary is a legally mandated member of the scholarship evaluation committee. Our class's Youth League secretary has excellent grades, so she's definitely going to get the first prize." Daqi said, "Don't worry, we will make an objective and accurate evaluation of everyone's grades and performance."
In short, the phone calls have been constantly bothering Daqi these past few days. As soon as he got home, Xiaoling, Beibei, and Jiaxin all talked to him about the scholarship evaluation.
Xiaoling said, "I didn't have a chance to get a scholarship, but I think the way scholarships are awarded is a bit unfair. Apart from grades, which are objective, the other bonus points are completely arbitrary."
Beibei said, "I'm the vice president of the student council. My classmates gave me bonuses that I should have, and bonuses that I shouldn't have. I figured I'd get a second-place prize, but I got a first-place prize. I don't know what to do."
Daqi asked, "Are you a member of the review panel, Belle?" Belle shook her head.
Daqi said, "Then just go with them. It's better to be first than second."
Beibei said, "Master, you don't know, when the results were announced, the person who got the highest score in our class said it wasn't fair and burst into tears on the spot. I... I really want to tell the department that I'm not participating in the selection. I don't care about that 2000 yuan!"
Jiaxin: "Your class is alright, they just cry. The guy in our class who got first place didn't get the first-class scholarship, so he actually called home to his parents, and they said they were going to come to the department to argue with the teachers."
Daqi said, "It's just a little bit of money and so-called honor, is it really worth making such a fuss?"
Xiaoling said, "Everyone has different ideas. It's hard for me to demand what others are thinking or how they think."
Daqi's phone rang again; it was another call about scholarship evaluations. It was Zhao, the class beauty, calling. Zhao said, "Boss, please get me a lot of points! I want to try and get a third-class scholarship. Actually, my grades are good enough for a second-class scholarship, but I know about the 'tricks' involved. I'd appreciate it if you could help me secure this third-class scholarship." Daqi replied, "We'll see what everyone thinks then. Don't worry, I'll handle it fairly."
Since Daqi was a member of the evaluation panel, he repeatedly emphasized at the evaluation panel meeting: "I myself have no chance of receiving a scholarship, but I hope that everyone here can treat this evaluation objectively and fairly. I'm sure you've all heard the rumors about the scholarship evaluation these past two days, and I don't want this to happen in our class."
When the evaluation results were announced, the whole class burst into enthusiastic applause. It should be said that the evaluation of the scholarship by Daqi's class was objective and fair. However, the neighboring Literature (2) class, especially their class monitor, had a moral education score of 102 out of 100. Upon hearing this, Daqi laughed loudly and said, "How can moral education be added up to 102 points? With that kid's character, he doesn't deserve 102 points. This is a typical case of abusing power for personal gain, because he is the class monitor and a legally mandated member of the scholarship evaluation committee." From then on, whenever Daqi saw the class monitor from the neighboring class, he would glare at him, thinking that the kid was up to no good!
A week later, a blood donation van arrived at the school, inviting college students to donate blood. To Daqi's surprise, the line to donate blood stretched for five days straight, a full week. Seeing everyone's enthusiasm, Daqi joined the queue. Before he even joined the line, he overheard two students talking quietly.
A: "Xiao Shen from our class got a higher scholarship than me this time, even though his grades weren't as good as mine, and he didn't do as much work as I did."
B: "Why?"
A: "This kid secretly went to the city to donate blood last semester, and his moral education score increased by 5 points. My total score suddenly fell far behind his! So, I must donate blood this semester no matter what, and try to get a higher scholarship this semester."
B: "I missed two points in moral education last semester, so I'm here to donate blood this time. I refuse to believe I won't get a scholarship this time." The two continued their conversation. Daqi, upon hearing this, became furious and left the blood donation line.
Back at their lodgings, Beibei asked Daqi, "Master, you didn't go to donate blood?" Daqi replied, "Never mind, I won't go. If I were to go, I'd donate in the city; I'm too lazy to queue."
Jiaxin: "More than half of the people in our class went to donate blood today!"
Xiaoling said, "Two-thirds of our class..."
Beibei said, "Almost everyone in our class went."
Daqi said, "Your classmates have such high quality and awareness! I admire them!"
Beibei said, "Everyone said that it would add 5 points when applying for scholarships, so I went."
Daqi asked Beibei, "And you?"
Beibei said, "Let me ask for your opinion."
Daqi said, "This is a transaction, not a sacrifice. You don't have to do this transaction. I think it's better not to go."
Beibei nodded and said, "I had a feeling about that, so I didn't go."