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The reborn of paranoid boss cannon fodder wife(246-250)
🕑 Added 2024-02-16 04:11:48 +0000 UTCChapter 246: The Big Shot Gets Jealous
Although the style and texture are better than the white shirt, red is not only a symbol of joy but also a very domineering color that ordinary people cannot handle. If one cannot suppress the aura of red, it's mismatched, and wearing it will only make one look worse than an average person. Worse, one might even be directly made to look like a clown.
Bai Lu is confident she won't look like a clown, but whether the style suits her or not, whether her temperament is suppressed or rebounded, is hard to say.
"Ah Cheng, this outfit doesn't suit me very well. Can you help me pick another one?"
She doesn't want to experiment in front of Xiao Cheng. She must maintain her image, stay elegant and dignified at all times, and refuse any behavior that might tarnish her image.
Xiao Cheng, however, doesn't leave, he opens the door and directly puts the clothes in Bailu's arms. "You'll only know if it suits you after you change."
Bai Lu: "…"
He even considerately closes the door. Just before closing it, he flashes her a smile that could bewitch, yet his eyes give her a cold, threatening look, silently conveying, 'Change the clothes obediently, or else…'
Bai Lu is definitely not afraid of 'or else', she just suddenly wants to see what she would look like in a red outfit.
Efficiently, she changes clothes, opens the door, and takes the first step towards the full-length mirror.
"Oh my! Is it really this beautiful?" The boss lady rushes over in excitement, her eyes gleaming as she looks at Bai Lu.
"Since I opened the store, you're the most beautiful woman I've seen wearing a red outfit, and the one who suits it the best! You have a certain aura, whether in red or white, you're unbelievably beautiful. Especially in this bright red, it blends with you, giving off the same aura as Empress Wu Zetian, who ruled the world in the TV drama!"
The female boss's skill is ultimately higher than the male boss's; she praises with all her might.
Her expression is serious, her words are firm, and her gaze towards Bai Lu is as if she's witnessing a blossoming flower.
Bai Lu looks at her radiant self in the mirror, feeling surprised and somewhat amazed.
It's quite pleasing.
"Beautiful," affirmed by the big shot.
Unprecedentedly, Bai Lu hasn't even asked him yet he's already giving his opinion, and the tone carries considerable credibility.
The piercing gaze… seems trustworthy too.
The Lady boss climbs higher, smiling at Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu, "You two are the most compatible couple I've ever seen, like a pair of golden boy and jade girl. Truly, whatever you wear, it looks good and suits you perfectly."
"I've run this clothing store for many years, seen countless couples, many with good compatibility, but none like you two, the most perfect couple, the most obvious couple, this is the fate brought from past lives!"
Fate brought from past lives...
Hearing this, Bai Lu's mind is in turmoil, mixed feelings stirring within her, unable to distinguish between sorrow and joy, whether to move forward, maintain the status quo, or follow her instincts.
Is it the triangular relationship in the case, or Xiao Cheng right in front of her?
Xiao Cheng withdraws his gaze from Bai Lu's face, says nothing, pays the bill to the boss, takes the clothes bag and holds Bailu's hand, leaving.
"Aren't we still going to buy clothes for Xiao Wei? He'll finish school soon."
Buying clothes for Xiaowei is indeed what Bai Lu said, planned before shopping, for both Xiao Cheng and Xiao Wei.
Buying groceries after buying clothes was not part of the plan, but they did it anyway.
Bai Lu quickly settles her emotions, and together with Xiao Cheng, goes to the children's clothing store to buy clothes for Xiaowei.
She selects a set for Xiao Wei, from head to toe.
This time, Xiao Cheng doesn't remain silent like last time, instead, he chooses a set similar to Bai Lu's but in a different color scheme.
Bai Lu teases him for being lazy, "Why don't you pick a set for yourself? These two sets are exactly the same except for the colors. What if Xiao Wei doesn't like it?"
"Would he dare?" Xiao Cheng's expression is cold.
Bai Lu recalls the pitiful look of the little guy waiting for his big brother's favor and can't help but smile, "He wouldn't dare."
Not to mention whether he dares or not, even if Xiao Cheng sends a sack, Xiao Wei will treasure it like a treasure.
Not to mention sending clothes, Xiao Wei will surely dream happily at night, feeling immensely happy.
As expected, when they return home.
Xiao Wei receives the clothes sent by Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng, happily running around the yard ten times.
His young, innocent face is filled with happiness, joy, and laughter, sprinkling carefree childhood moments.
Bai Lu looks at the happily playing child, thinking of what Liu Zhenguo said, still feeling lingering fear.
In this world, there is not only light, but also darkness, people are good and bad, there are despicable scum.
A saying is indeed correct.
Hell is empty, and demons are in the world.
Imprisonment is too cheap for scum.
Between people, it is impossible to truly empathize, only through personal experience can one feel "pain", whether it's just a word, or burning pain, dull pain, heart-wrenching pain, sharp pain, or the pain of heartbreak.
Since personally committing a crime, then with borrowed force, let the hand of justice teach a lesson and give retribution.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
Suddenly, the sound of knocking interrupts. Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng are washing vegetables, and Xiaowei, who had run ten laps, goes to answer the door.
Standing outside is a petite and smiling neighbor girl, with red lips and white teeth, Yang Sisi, the mayor's daughter, who holds a notebook and a pen, softly asking Xiao Wei.
"Is your brother home?"
Xiao Wei remembers her, the mayor's daughter Yang Sisi, a senior in high school this year, from the same school as Yu Xiaoling.
Yang Sisi used to like his big brother, often asking about him and even asked him to help deliver love letters to his big brother.
After being rejected once, she stopped sending them.
"My brother and sister-in-law are both at home." Xiao Wei opens the door slightly, revealing the situation in the yard.
Upon hearing that she's here for Xiao Cheng, Bai Lu doesn't move, and Xiao Cheng, upon hearing that she's here for him, also doesn't move.
So, the two of them are still washing vegetables.
"Sister, Xiao Cheng," Yang Sisi calls out.
Bai Lu snatches the oilseed rape that Xiao Cheng hasn't finished washing from his hands. "Someone's looking for you, why aren't you going out quickly?"
Xiao Cheng, with a faint gaze, continues to stare at Bailu, who is washing vegetables
with no expression on her face, washing them quite cheerfully, pulls her up and walks out.
Bai Lu hasn't finished peeling the celery yet, suddenly being pulled away, looking puzzled, "What are you doing?"
"Someone's looking for you, not me. My celery hasn't been peeled yet. I want to go back to peel it…"
"Peel it later."
"The sun has already set, aren't you hungry? If I go back to peel it now, I can cook soon. You guys have something to discuss. After that, you can eat. Isn't that good?"
"Not good."
"I think it's pretty good."
"Say it again."
Bai Lu: "…"
"In fact, the sun has just set, it's not urgent to cook. Maybe she really has something important to discuss. Shouldn't I go with you to see?"
Xiao Cheng generously agrees, "Go ahead."
Chapter 247: Do You Want to See It? Bailu: "..." Thank you!
Yang Sisi saw Xiao Cheng leading Bai Lu out, and the light in her eyes gradually dimmed, but she quickly regained her smile.
Holding a notebook, she said to the two of them, "The Dragon Boat Race, held annually in Xinzhen, will take place on the third day of the Dragon Boat Festival. Registration starts today. Brother Cheng, do you want to participate?"
Xinzhen is built along the river, and the Dragon Boat Race is held on the river every year with many teams participating.
In Xiao Cheng's memory, he hasn't seen Xiao Cheng participate in the Dragon Boat Race, so his understanding is limited.
Xiao Cheng, who usually avoids crowds and crowded places, apart from collecting debts and making a living, has no hobbies.
He doesn't show interest in the Dragon Boat Race, let alone participating.
Bai Lu believes Xiao Cheng won't participate.
Unexpectedly, Xiaocheng suddenly asks her, "Do you want to watch?"
Bai Lu is surprised, turning to look at Xiao Cheng. Seeing his seriousness, not joking, after a second of eye contact, her heart beats faster twice.
It's untimely and reasonable to ask, "What are the rewards for first place?"
"A big King Zongzi!" Xiao Wei eagerly answers, his face full of excitement that can't be contained.
Every year, during the Dragon Boat Festival, either Xiao Cheng is not at home, or he doesn't participate. Xiao Wei never had the chance to see his big brother win first place or go watch the race with him.
He can only go to the riverside with Grandpa Hu to watch others compete and see others win the King Zongzi.
Just now, Xiao Wei saw Xiao Cheng asking Bai Lu's opinion and realized an opportunity had come.
As long as Bai Lu says she wants to watch, his big brother will definitely participate in the Dragon Boat Race for her sake.
Xiao Wei immediately elaborates on the benefits of winning first place to Bai Lu: "Sister-in-law, the first-place champion of the Dragon Boat Race gets a big King Zongzi weighing thirty catties, with a big pig trotter inside, especially delicious!"
Xiao Wei hasn't eaten it himself, but he has seen others enjoy it, and the fragrance is so inviting that it can be smelled from afar.
Seeing the sparkle in the little guy's eyes and the swallowing of saliva, Bai Lu can't help but smile and ask, "Is there more?"
"Yes," Xiaowei quickly explains, "Every year during the Dragon Boat Festival, there are many teams participating in the race. Teams from other towns also come to our town to participate. The champion of the race can take a thousand-meter dragon boat ride around the city..."
"The champion team sits at the front of the dragon boat and doesn't have to row. The team in last place stands on a bamboo raft in front of the dragon boat and paddles, leading the whole dragon boat. The other teams sit in the middle to the end of the dragon boat according to their rankings and also have to row..."
"From Xinzhen to Pingcheng, the big river passes through many other towns and counties. Riding the dragon boat all the way up, you can enjoy many beautiful scenery along the way."
Yang Sisi's words were interrupted by Xiao Wei, but she doesn't mind. With a slightly shy face, she is full of anticipation.
"Xiao Wei is right. In addition to the big King Zongzi, the champion can also take a night boat ride in Pingcheng to enjoy the beautiful night scenery by the river. It's very beautiful."
Bai Lu likes traditional folk customs during festivals and enjoys experiencing different festive atmospheres and activities in different regions.
She also likes beautiful scenery, which can uplift one's mood, relax, and clear one's mind.
She feels a bit moved by the descriptions.
But... it seems a bit difficult for Xiao Cheng, who dislikes crowds and avoids public places, to participate.
Bai Lu leans close to Xiao Cheng's ear and asks very tactfully, "Do you want to participate?"
Xiao Cheng asks back, "Do you want to watch?"
Feeling his grip tightening slightly on her wrist, Bailu nods.
"I do."
Xiao Cheng signs his name with a pen.
Yang Sisi leaves happily with her notebook.
Xiao Wei closes the door happily and runs to report the good news to Grandma Hen.
"Three days later, on the Dragon Boat Festival, Big Brother will participate in the Dragon Boat Race. Big Brother finally participates, and he's sure to win first place. He'll win the champion King Zongzi, and I can take a night boat ride in Pingcheng with Big Brother and Sister-in-law!"
Grandma Hen: "Cluck cluck cluck~ I know!"
...
Before the Dragon Boat Festival arrives, Bai Lu receives a series of complaints from the candied chestnut teaching sessions.
It's not unexpected, but rather surprising that the first one to be complained about is Luo Shiliu.
The second is Wang Hao.
Even the honest guy Xiao Dazhuang is no exception.
She thought that the three of them, like Xiao Cheng, have a strong reputation, and their teaching should be smooth sailing.
However, the fact is that their teaching goes smoothly, but no one dares to make trouble, yet they still end up being complained about to Bai Lu in a roundabout way through ten or eight relatives and friends.
It shows how strong the reputation of these three uncles is.
Strong enough to be sent to stand in the yard, facing a cold blade, without daring to breathe.
"Speak."
A single word falls like thunder, casting the entire yard into hell, where one must confess honestly to survive.
"It's too stupid, too stupid. The students are too stupid. I've been teaching for two days and they still can't learn. They blame me for not teaching properly. If I don't give them a beating, I feel uncomfortable all over."
Luo Shiliu wants to survive, but he also shrugs, indicating that he is really powerless when dealing with talents who are foolish and dare to argue. If he doesn't beat them, he really can't stand it.
Hot-headed Wang Hao didn't hit anyone this time, but he didn't speak with much confidence either: "I think one day of teaching is enough, and the rest of the time should be left for them to practice on their own."
"Who knew they were so impatient, they didn't practice to the standard taste and went straight to set up the stall, only to be complained by customers."
Being complained about by customers and then coming to complain to him, Wang Hao feels unjust and thinks the students are ridiculous.
He's dumb, and if they can't learn properly, they blame him for teaching too quickly and not focusing on the key points. It's really ridiculous and outrageous.
To be honest, Xiao Dazhuang doesn't know why he's being complained about: "I'm teaching very seriously, and I haven't hit anyone. I don't know why I'm being complained about."
The honest man looks very innocent.
Only Bai Lu knows why he's being complained about. It's because he's too serious and responsible.
Xiao Dazhuang accepts the tuition fee
and teaches diligently. He is determined to teach every student to make the most authentic candied chestnuts, and he must teach until the students can make candied chestnuts as delicious as Bai Lu's, without any deviation.
If any step goes wrong, he makes the students practice that step repeatedly until they master it perfectly.
Practice until the taste is as authentic as the candied chestnuts made by Bai Lu, without any deviation, until the technique is mature.
Responsibility must be taken to the end.
The result is that after four days of teaching, none of the students met the standard, none of the students could set up a stall.
But Xiao Dazhuang not only didn't despise the students for being stupid, he continued to teach them diligently, sacrificing however much time was needed without complaints. Unexpectedly, he ended up being complained about.
Bai Lu sees the innocent and aggrieved expression on Xiao Dazhuang's face for the first time.
She can't help but sigh.
Look at how the child has been wronged.
Chapter 248 Sister-in-law is the Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card
Xiao Cheng's face turned even uglier, cold and angry, he paced back and forth in front of Luo Shiliu and the others twice, his gaze sweeping like a sharp blade before he spoke in a cold voice.
"We are conducting legitimate business here."
This statement was directed straight at Luo Shiliu, who failed to recognize his position and tried to teach others according to the rules of the underworld.
The second sentence was directed at Wang Hao: "Taking shortcuts is not an excuse; teach the way it should be taught."
Wang Hao was eager for quick success. After taking the tuition fee and teaching the method, he considered his job done, without fulfilling his responsibilities properly.
When it came to Xiao Dazhuang, Xiao Cheng either didn't know what to say, or whatever he said was ineffective, or saying anything was as good as saying nothing at all. He glanced at Xiao Dazhuang coldly and left.
"If you still want to continue down the old path, don't come to me in the future."
Xiao Cheng's last warning was stern.
It was heavy enough to possibly lead to disintegration, each going their separate ways, establishing themselves independently, severing all ties.
Luo Shiliu, Wang Hao, and Xiao Dazhuang ''Did expressions changed, caught off guard by this sudden and serious consequence, they stood there stiffly, at a loss for what to do.
Bai Lu also didn't expect Xiao Cheng to suddenly make things clear and decisively cut off the past.
The current situation was also due to her oversight, failing to provide adequate reminders.
Luo Shiliu, Wang Hao, and Xiao Dazhuang were all about the same age as Xiao Cheng, no more than twenty-three years old, still young and immature.
At their age in modern times, they would still be young people just entering society, but they had been forced to navigate the world for many years.
Having experienced the beatings of society and anti-social forces, they developed unruly personalities.
Xiao Cheng was more mature and stable than them, taming their youthful arrogance and restraining their sharpness.
Once they left Xiao Cheng's influence, they lost their restraint, like unbridled wild horses, doing whatever they pleased, without considering right or wrong, acting based on mood alone.
In fact, they weren't inherently bad; they just lacked guidance.
Facing the pleading looks from the group, Bai Lu cleared her throat and, with a stern tone, addressed Luo Shiliu: "Your eldest brother is right. We are conducting legitimate business here, and resorting to violence at the slightest provocation is unacceptable."
"Everyone's learning aptitude is different. Some people may learn candied chestnuts in a day, while others may take two or three days. Perhaps they are just slow in learning candied chestnuts but quick in learning other things. We cannot judge talent based on this, and you will also encounter things you learn slowly..."
"You cannot get angry and refuse to teach if someone doesn't understand, and you certainly cannot resort to violence. Have more patience and give yourself and others another chance. People pay to learn a skill, not to suffer. Everyone should be treated with equal respect."
Under Xiao Cheng's indifferent gaze, Luo Shiliu immediately responded, "Elder sister-in-law is right."
Bai Lu nodded and continued, "Hitting someone without reason is wrong. If you realize your mistake, make amends. Buy a gift and apologize, continue teaching the course. Try different teaching methods; once the students understand, they will learn quickly."
"There are still many people to teach in the future, and the road ahead is long. Work hard, young ones. Your brother and I will be watching your progress from behind. Don't be lazy."
If Xiao Cheng wasn't present, Luo Shiliu would have been clinging to Bai Lu's leg by now. His unruliness had long been tamed, and he nodded earnestly, "Thank you, elder sister-in-law!"
"Thank you, big brother!"
Xiao Cheng gave him a cold glance and remained silent.
Seeing Luo Shiliu receive a pardon, Wang Hao's eyes gleamed with envy.
Bai Lu saw Xiao Cheng's cold face and continued with an emotionless tone, "Once you've taken the tuition fee, you must teach properly. Cutting corners for the sake of results is unacceptable."
"I understand your situation. Chen Chunli just gave birth, and her father's health is poor, requiring her mother's care. The burden of life falls entirely on you. You are the pillar of the family, relying solely on you for financial support..."
"Making money is important, but integrity cannot be sacrificed for speed. One mistake leads to another, the first batch of students' candied chestnuts were not taught well, and the reputation of the chestnuts they sold was poor. Subsequent students withdrew, and there's no chance to recover. Only integrity can open wider doors for business and lead to long-term prosperity."
Wang Hao also wanted to cling to Bai Lu's leg. Whether in front of outsiders or their own people, he wanted to save face.
Many things were clear, and reasons were explained to him, sparing him from embarrassment.
"Thank you for your guidance, elder sister-in-law!"
Bai Lu glanced at Xiao Cheng, whose face was turning from gloomy to clear, nodded, and continued, "Apologize when necessary and continue teaching responsibly."
"The time can be short, but the taste of the candied chestnuts must meet the standard, and being able to set up a stall is the criterion."
Wang Hao nodded in understanding and thanked her solemnly, "Thank you, elder sister-in-law. Thank you, big brother!"
Xiao Cheng gave another indifferent glance and nodded lightly.
Seeing Wang Hao and Luo Shiliu forgiven, Xiao Dazhuang, who initially didn't think he did anything wrong, felt even more nervous.
Feeling anxious, he remembered his mother's advice: when Xiao Cheng gets angry, find Bai Lu. As long as Bai Lu is there, Xiao Cheng won't do anything to him.
Xiao Dazhuang Did bold gaze bypassed Xiaocheng and fixed on Bai Lu, seeking help: "Elder sister-in-law..."
Bai Lu actually didn't think Xiao Dazhuang did anything wrong.
He just wanted the students to make better candied chestnuts, more authentic, and earn more money when they sold them.
He just took the tuition fee and wanted to teach all his skills, nothing more.
How could such an honest and responsible child be wrong? He clearly did nothing wrong.
It's just those lazy students, complaining without reason, scaring the poor children.
Bai Lu originally wanted to comfort Xiao Dazhuang a few words, but seeing Xiaocheng's face, which had just turned from gloomy to clear, turning gloomy again and staring at Xiao Dazhuang, she had to say a few more words.
"Um, Dazhuang," Bai Lu couldn't be serious, so she spoke calmly, "The candied chestnuts don't have to taste exactly like mine to be sold."
"Candied chestnuts should not be burnt or bitter, not half-cooked. If they taste good and eight out of ten people say they are delicious, they meet the standard for sale."
Xiao Dazhuang ignored Xiao Cheng's darkening face and continued to stare at Bai Lu, saying seriously, "Elder sister-in-law's standard is the standard. The candied chestnuts made by elder sister-in-law must be praised by all ten people who eat them."
"There won't be any extra two people. If someone says they are not delicious, it means they haven't met the standard, even if it's just two people."
Look at how earnest and reasonable this child is.
Bai Lu sighed, seeing the big boss's face getting darker and darker. She had to continue, "Those two people may not like candied chestnuts, so they can't be counted as the standard for deliciousness."
Chapter 249: Big Boss Explodes
Xiao Dazhuang seemed to understand but still stared at Bai Lu, asking, "What is considered the lowest standard?"
"The highest standard is definitely the candied chestnuts made by Sister-in-law. As for the lowest standard, I'm not sure."
Bai Lu truly worried that Xiao Cheng would tell the honest child to scram, which would greatly damage his confidence. Silently, she walked to the big boss's side and discreetly tugged at his sleeve.
She spoke, "Aunt Wu and Uncle Fu's candied chestnuts are also very standard. Everyone who buys them says they're delicious, and their business is doing well. You can ask them for a few to compare."
"They don't have to taste exactly like mine to meet the standard, nor is mine necessarily the most authentic candied chestnut. Each person's candied chestnuts have different flavors. As long as customers find them delicious and enjoy them, they are successful candied chestnuts and considered authentic by the customers. That is the standard."
Xiao Dazhuang understood, "If customers find them delicious, they are authentic candied chestnuts and meet the standard for setting up a stall."
"But if customers think they're authentic, they're fake authentic. Only the chestnuts Sister-in-law makes are truly authentic."
Xiao Dazhuang stubbornly believed his interpretation was correct and fixed his gaze on Bailu, saying confidently, "Right, Sister-in-law?"
Bai Lu replied hesitantly, "Um..."
As long as honest people have one rigid principle, no one can bend them. They are straightforward. Let them be. Pushing them further might just make the big boss, who's about to explode, lose his temper.
"That's one way to interpret it."
"Sister-in-law's teaching is great. Thank you, Sister-in-law!" Xiao Dazhuang grinned happily at Bai Lu.
The big boss couldn't take it anymore. "Xiao Dazhuang!"
"Here!" Xiao Dazhuang instinctively responded.
Turning around, he realized Xiao Cheng's expression was terrifying, as if he wanted to tear him apart.
He asked him coldly, "Is Sister-in-law pretty?"
"Pretty," Xiao Dazhuang replied honestly.
"Get lost!"
Luo Shiliu and Wang Hao swiftly escorted the honest child away. If they didn't run now, they might lose their eyeballs!
Bai Lu patted the big boss's chest to calm him down, saying, "Don't be angry, don't be angry. Everyone is doing business for the first time, and it's inevitable to not understand everything. It's good as long as they realize their mistakes and improve in the future."
"Oh, tomorrow is the Dragon Boat Festival. Do you need to prepare anything for participating in the dragon boat race?"
Xiao Cheng glanced down, looked at the small hand patting his chest lightly, and his expression changed from gloomy to clear, "No need."
Bai Lu remembered the notice from Yang Sisi yesterday and asked again, "The elimination round starts this afternoon. Don't you want to go and see the dragon boat of the Xiao family, familiarize yourself with the team?"
"No need."
Xiao Cheng replied calmly, "I'll go later in the afternoon."
Bai Lu thought about it. In the town, who doesn't know the big boss? There's no need for him to familiarize himself with the teams beforehand because as soon as he appears, they will come to him.
The Dragon Boat Festival is indeed tomorrow. This afternoon, twenty-three representative teams from other clans in the town will compete to determine the champion team, which will compete in the finals tomorrow.
The finals tomorrow are the main event.
The champion team from the neighboring town, Pingcheng, will compete, as well as the champion team from the nearby towns.
The Gui River is long and wide, extending to other provinces. Pingcheng is naturally among them, but it is just a section of the river, and the distance from the river to the city is very short.
The small towns along Pingcheng are the same. Either they are close to the Gui River but have a short river section, or they are far from the Gui River and not suitable for long-distance races for large teams.
In contrast, Xin Town is built along the river, with the Gui River flowing directly from one end to the other.
It has a complete river section suitable for a kilometer-long race.
Therefore, Pingcheng's champion team and the champion teams from nearby towns come to Xin Town every year to participate in the competition.
The dragon boat race is quite particular.
The Dragon Boat Festival is on May 5th. Normally, the "dragon boat launching" ceremony takes place on May 1st.
Launching a dragon boat requires worshipping the dragon's head, banging gongs and drums, setting off firecrackers, burning incense to worship, and lighting the dragon's eyes. After completing the ceremony, the dragon boat will circle twice in the water to complete the ritual, ensuring a safe and successful participation in the dragon boat race.
The elimination round this afternoon undoubtedly aims for Xiao Cheng's Xiao family team to win the championship.
After completing the apology in the morning, they came to compete in the afternoon. It's the Dragon Boat Festival, after all.
After the competition, Luo Shiliu and Wang Hao challenged two members of the Xiao family team to secure their places in tomorrow's final competition with Xiao Cheng.
Xiao Dazhuang is originally from the Xiao family, so he naturally competes with Xiao Cheng and the others tomorrow.
When Xiao Cheng is racing, Bai Lu and Xiao Wei will watch by the river. Outside the bamboo forest, on the green grass, under the blue sky and clear water, the crowd surges, and the entire Xin Town's people are here.
Li Shuixian also came, accompanied by Zhou Jiayi and her two followers.
Zhou Jiayi came specifically to see which family's team won the championship this year and who would compete against their Pingcheng team for first place.
They saw that the competition ended with Xiao Cheng leading the Xiao family team to victory, which infuriated Zhou Jiayi.
She blocked Bai Lu and began to sarcastically mock her, "Hmph! You just enjoy tonight. Tomorrow, our Pingcheng team will defeat you, and you'll end up in last place, handing over the first place to us obediently."
Before Bai Lu could speak, Xiao Wei, who couldn't stand to see his brother being insulted, retorted, "What kind of daydream are you having? You want to compete with my brother for first place? Have you not woken up yet? Jump into the river and wake yourself up if you haven't."
Zhou Jiayi glared at Xiao Wei angrily. "You brat, you have brains but no memory. Who won the championship last year and the year before? It was our Pingcheng team!"
"In fact, not just last year and the year before, but the year before that and the year before that were all won by our Pingcheng team. We've won the championship for four years in a row. Do you understand?"
"This year's Dragon Boat Festival will definitely be won by our Pingcheng team. We've won four consecutive championships in the dragon boat race. Do you understand?"
Li Shuixian chimed in, "Pingcheng team wins every year. This year will be no exception. Even if the Xiao family team wins today, they will definitely lose to the Pingcheng team tomorrow."
Bai Lu sneered, took Xiao Wei's hand, and walked away. Making rice dumplings with the big boss at home is much more fun than dealing with idle gossip. Whoever wants to daydream can do so. She can't be bothered.
She simply couldn't be bothered.
Who will win the dragon boat championship will be known tomorrow.
However, while Bai Lu didn't want to deal with it, Zhou Jiayi and Li Shuixian disagreed and blocked their way, refusing to let them leave.
Not far away, Yu Xiaoling and Yang Sisi, who couldn't bear it anymore, hurried over from the crowd.
"Li Shuixian, your husband is also from the Xiao family. He'll be racing with Brother Cheng tomorrow. You keep saying the Pingcheng team will win the championship and look down on the Xiao family team. Do you look down on your husband too?" Yu Xiaoling scolded Li Shuixian for her condescending behavior.
Chapter 250: Just Wait and See
As the event concluded and people dispersed, Yu Xiaoling intentionally spoke loudly, attracting the attention of passersby, causing Li Shuixian's face to flush red with embarrassment.
She wanted to retort against Yu Xiaoling but hesitated because the mayor's daughter, Yang Sisi, was standing opposite. She couldn't retort even if she wanted to.
Through gritted teeth, she muttered, "I'm just stating the facts. I didn't say anything wrong. It's a well-known fact that the Pingcheng team has won in previous years. Can't I even speak the truth?"
"You can state facts, but you shouldn't deliberately denigrate your own people while praising outsiders," Yang Sisi retorted indignantly.
"You're the ones being stepped on," Zhou Jiayi said arrogantly. "Your Xin Town team can only ever lose to our Pingcheng team!"
Yu Xiaoling snorted in response, "In previous years, Brother Cheng didn't participate, giving you the chance to win. But this year, Brother Cheng is competing, and the first place will definitely be taken by the champion team led by Brother Cheng!"
Zhou Jiayi sneered, "Do you really think Xiao Cheng's presence guarantees first place? What a daydream."
"Hahaha, that's right!" Zhou Jiayi's follower chimed in, mocking, "Our Pingcheng team wins first place every year. Even if Xiao Cheng is here, you'll still end up at the bottom!"
"You'll end up at the bottom."
"No, you will!"
"At the bottom, save your energy for towing the boat for our Pingcheng team tomorrow night!"
"You're the ones towing the boat!"
"You!"
The argument escalated quickly among the young girls.
Zhou Jiayi had Li Shuixian and two followers, while Yu Xiaoling and Yang Sisi had two classmates come to help.
In no time, verbal battles erupted, and tensions soared.
Bai Lu and Xiao Wei wanted to leave, but Zhou Jiayi's followers blocked their way, not letting them leave without witnessing the intensity of the argument, letting them know how serious their quarrel was.
Even the male teams that had already landed looked over with curiosity.
"A few girls over there are quarreling with eldest Sister-in-law," Luo Shiliu observed through binoculars.
"They seem to be enjoying it, and every sentence revolves around Brother Cheng," Xiao Dazhuang added.
Xiao Dazhuang also saw, "The Pingcheng team has won the championship for four consecutive years. They believe they will win this year as well."
Wang Hao added, "They even want our Xin Town team to tow the boat for the Pingcheng team. Their audacity knows no bounds!"
"Although they're arrogant, the Pingcheng team indeed has the confidence, having won four years in a row," Chen Dafu commented not to inflate their ego but to state a fact.
He represented Qingshui Town, whose dragon boat qualifiers had been decided in the morning.
The champion belonged to his dragon boat team, and he came to Xin Town in the afternoon to confirm if Xin Town's champion team for the main competition was led by Xiao Cheng.
Now that he knew, he felt relieved.
Qingshui Town had no chance of winning the championship, but second place would be fine, considering the Pingcheng team's four consecutive victories.
"The champion will either be the Xin Town team or the Pingcheng team," Zhang San concluded.
Last night, the lady boss personally called to inform them they had two days off for the Dragon Boat Festival.
Zhang San and Li Si returned to Dashizhen with joy and participated in the dragon boat qualifying competition this morning, winning the championship.
Tomorrow they could compete with the boss's team.
However, the most important thing now was not to compete with the boss but: "lady boss seems to be trapped."
"Should we go help?"
Xiao Cheng noticed the situation on Bai Lu's side even before he got ashore, his gaze never leaving.
She was gentle, not arrogant, avoiding quarrels and fights whenever possible.
Only when unavoidable did she confront them directly, using irrefutable logic to leave the other party speechless.
If she's not speaking now, she must be too lazy to bother and is thinking of a way to get away from the battlefield.
Xiao Cheng glanced from afar, a light smile in his eyes, deciding not to disturb the girl's normal performance.
"She doesn't need help."
Luo Shiliu raised his hands in agreement. "Girls fighting, what business do we have interfering, it's not appropriate."
"We're good young men striving to improve," Xiao Zhuang nodded earnestly. "Sister-in-law must be pleased to see you turning over a new leaf."
"There's someone over there who's even more diligent and enterprising than you, going to help the boss's wife," Zhang San said.
Just as the words fell, a gust of wind swept through.
Repeated gusts of wind.
The grassland, which was originally crowded with figures, suddenly only had a dumbfounded Zhang San, looking left and right.
The riverside was empty, and there were only traces of large strides on the grassland, with no human figures in sight.
Realizing belatedly, Zhang San immediately ran after.
What started as a quarrel between girls, Yu Dongxu happened to witness an injustice and spoke up for Bai Lu, which was overheard by Zhou Jiayi's admirer, igniting a new high in the flames of war.
The entire battleground turned into a mixed battle of men and women, with verbal battles, pinpricks against the wheat, quarrels escalating into chaos.
Zhou Jiayi's admirer was also a member of the Pingcheng Dragon Boat Team, the champion of the Dragon Boat Competition for four consecutive years.
A single sentence of "We are the four-time champions of the Dragon Boat Competition" left the shy Yu Dongxu speechless.
Xiao Wei felt embarrassed for him: "You can't argue with them. My wife and I don't need your help. You go help Xiaoling. Xiaoling is about to lose to Li Shuixian."
Although Yu Dongxu couldn't argue, he still wanted to stand in front of Bai Lu, defending her like a brother: "I'll take you guys out."
The nearest exit was surrounded by dense thorns on both sides, Zhou Jiayi's two followers blocking the way, while Li Shuixian and Yu Xiaoling argued and intentionally crowded towards the exit.
Zhou Jiayi also squeezed towards the exit, forcing Yang Sisi to follow, and a group of people blocked the way out.
Bai Lu and Xiao Wei had nowhere to go.
Yu Dongxu decided to do everything in his power to open up a way out and escort Bai Lu away.
But at this moment, Bai Lu had found a way out without having to speak or act.
Just as she was about to thank Yu Dongxu for his chivalry, she suddenly felt a tightness around her waist and was pulled into a broad and sturdy chest.
A cold voice rang out from above the battlefield: "Get lost!"
A single word silenced the bustling battlefield in an instant, leaving both men and women stunned.
They were all frightened into silence by Xiao Cheng's cold expression.
Yu Dongxu also stiffened all over, silently moving from the position blocking Bai Lu to stand beside Yu Xiaoling.
Protecting his sister.
Xiao Wei was used to being ignored when Bai Lu was around, so he automatically stepped back to stand beside his brother and sister-in-law, obediently staying quiet and being a nobody.
After a moment of surprise, Bai Lu didn't evade or dodge, but leaned against Xiao Cheng to watch the scene unfold, waiting for the path to clear itself.
"If you don't make way, do you want to feed the fish in the river?" Luo Shiliu had a tuft of grass in his mouth, looking fierce.
With a wicked smile: "You all want to feed the fish, huh? Then I'll reluctantly do a good deed and help you see which spot has more fish, and which spot doesn't need to be fished out~"
Passing by, Xiao Zhihai quickly dragged Li Shuixian away.
The two little followers hid behind Zhou Jiayi, their faces pale, already scared silly by Xiao Cheng and Luo Shiliu.
The members of the Pingcheng Dragon Boat Team escorted Zhou Jiayi away, threatening as they left: "Just wait and see!"
"Tomorrow, when our Pingcheng team wins the championship, we'll make you pull the boat all over Pingcheng!"
