Chapter 342: Looking for a Big Sister
Lu Zhenping felt a surge of pride, his face flushed crimson. This intensity, Shen Meng rarely saw; it was likely only in front of comrades and colleagues that he acted this way.
Noticing Shen Meng looking at him, he turned and smiled at her.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, just thought your demeanor was quite striking.”
Hearing her words, Lu Zhenping chuckled. He knew what he looked like; it was just that he rarely smiled in front of subordinates. Today, they were fortunate to have gathered together for food and drinks, a chance for some relaxation.
Even before leaving the military, he’d considered that a civilian life, a new kind of society, would be different. His time at the Provincial Public Security Bureau, leveraging his past reputation, had allowed him to quickly gain respect. But he understood that lasting success in his work required more than just reputation; it demanded skill and ability.
A leader needed both tact and the ability to manage subordinates effectively. There was much to learn. He often sought out senior officials for chess games, eager to learn from their experiences.
“If you find it striking, I’ll maintain this look… all night.”
He leaned in close to Shen Meng, whispering in her ear. Shen Meng, mid-sip from her water cup, nearly choked on her drink.
“Easy there, so many people around! What are you saying?”
Seeing his wife’s flushed cheeks, he smiled.
The meal was a resounding success, the dishes emptied, and they ordered more food. They drank, but in moderation.
As they parted ways, each person lingered, looking at Shen Meng like devoted admirers. The children were overjoyed. Mingkai was even carried on Chen Du’s shoulders, causing him to cry out in fright.
Lu Zhenping quickly retrieved his son. After they parted from the others, he said to Shen Meng, “My dear, you treated us well today. When I get paid, I’ll give you the bonus and every penny of my savings.”
“Dare you keep any? Dare you, and I’ll teach you a lesson!”
“Haha, whatever you want. After all this time, finally having some leisure time, to eat like this, it’s truly relaxing.”
“Dad, I ate so much! Uncle Zhao and Uncle Peng took such good care of me, I ate a lot of meat.”
“Me too, my stomach is bulging.”
“Brother, you’ve gotten fat, dear. Should we put you on a diet? You’ll become a pig if you keep eating like this.”
Mingkai, also carried on someone’s shoulders, retorted at Mingliang.
“Pig, little fat pig, big fat pig, I’m a fat pig brother.”
Mingliang wasn’t afraid or embarrassed. He knew he wasn’t fat, but rather, his happiness was growing. Mom always prepared so much delicious food. What if he got fat? It didn’t matter; he’d eat, and he didn’t want to diet!
The family walked together towards the family compound.
Shen Meng saw Mingfang was tired, so she carried her onto her bicycle. She rode along, Mingyang and Mingliang didn’t complain about the tiredness. They slumped onto the sofa, panting, only when they reached home.
Lu Zhenping, perceptive as ever, prepared hot water for his wife and children to bathe and wash their feet. Thankfully, it was warm, a quick rinse sufficed, and they were soon asleep.
Lu Zhenping finished and urged Shen Meng to bathe. After all this time together, they understood each other’s thoughts with a glance. He was quite forward, Shen Meng thought, if he had a tail, it would probably be a propeller.
A fulfilling night. Shen Meng awoke around nine o’clock. The children were out playing. Shen Meng’s waist ached, causing a “hiss~” sound. She hesitated to move, her legs still weak, with a moisture running down her inner thighs. She felt embarrassed.
โโโ
She closed the door, entered the space, took a long bath, and ate something before regaining her strength.
Lu Zhenping, his energy levels soaring!!!
Seeing she had time, she packed some gifts, changed clothes, and rode her bicycle out.
The ten or so children playing outside saw her and greeted her. Mingyang ran over quickly.
“Mom, where are you going?”
“Mom knows a big sister in the provincial capital, whom I’ve mentioned before. When I first came to the city to negotiate with foreign businessmen, I met a big sister on the bus, Jiang Huan. Remember how we often wrote letters? Well, I’m here, and I have to visit her. I heard the clothing factory is closed today, so I’ll go there. I’ll return before lunch. If you’re hungry, there’s food in the drawer; help yourselves. And, look at all your friends, grab some candy to share.”
“Okay, Mom, I’ll go get it. Be careful on your bike, Mom!”
“Okay, be careful. You go play, and watch over your brothers and sisters.”
“Got it.”
Shen Meng reminded Mingliang and the others, emphasizing Mingfang, who was the most responsible and could supervise the others.
As she rode away, a small, chubby boy approached Mingyang.
“Your mom is really beautiful, and she talks nicely.”
“She worries a lot. She gets anxious if we’re not around, see? She even reminded us when she went out. Mom loves us so much.”
The chubby boy: “. . .”
Time to distribute the candy, right?
Shen Meng arrived at Jiang Huan’s house. Coincidentally, Jiang Huan was returning from the supply and marketing cooperative, carrying a basket of vegetables and meat. At the courtyard gate, she saw a beautiful woman getting off her bicycle. She felt a sense of familiarity.
She bravely called out, “Shen Meng?”
Shen Meng turned, surprised.
“Oh, Big Sister, it’s a coincidence! I was just thinking about coming here, what if you weren’t home? I’m so glad I ran into you.”
“Why did you come? When did you arrive in the city? It’s been a while! I’ve missed you so much! I just received your letter the other day. Come on, come inside.”
“I need to unpack my things, I brought too much. The ropes are knotted, haha!”
Shen Meng untied the knots, carrying the large and small packages and placing them on Jiang Huan’s arm. They were close.
Jiang Huan pretended to be surprised by the amount of things Shen Meng brought, but she was pleased. The courtyard residents had already heard her cheerful laughter. Seeing a beautiful woman enter the courtyard with her, they were impressed.
Everyone was a worker, and they all read newspapers. It was clear that this woman was the one who had been featured in the newspaper. Jiang Huan kept saying she was her sister’s friend.
