Chapter 1254 The joy and sorrow during the Spring Festival
In the back seat of the Audi car running on the road, Zhou Chen drunkenly leaned on Wang Ying's lap, while Wang Ying gently touched Zhou Chen's cheek with a worried look on her face.
At the dinner party with her uncle just now, her uncle was very enthusiastic and pulled Zhou Chen to persuade her to drink. The two of them drank three bottles of liquor in a daze, so that when they left, they had to be supported to get into the car.
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After returning to the community, Zhou Chen got out of the car with the help of Wang Ying, but the moment he walked into the unit building, he suddenly stood up straight and exhaled.
Wang Ying's eyes widened when she saw this scene.
"No, you're not drunk. Then you were just pretending?"
"If I didn't pretend to be drunk, wouldn't your uncle be very embarrassed?"
Wang Ying was really speechless, but she was also amazed by Zhou Chen's acting skills. She pretended all the way, but she didn't notice it at all and thought he was really drunk.
"If my uncle knew you were such a drinker, he probably wouldn't dare to have a drinking contest with you next time."
When she just left, her uncle could be said to be extremely drunk, but now Zhou Chen, besides smelling of alcohol, was not even drunk at all. The difference was really big.
Zhou Chen said with a smile: "Your uncle is also an elder after all, so you have to save some face for him."
"You are really good at pretending. You even fooled me when you acted. But that's okay. When I was in the car, I was still thinking about how I was going to take care of you at night when you were so drunk. Since you were pretending, then
You don’t have to worry about how I’m going to take care of you.”
But Zhou Chen took advantage of the situation and looked at her again: "Actually, I was just pretending. I feel dizzy now. You have to take good care of me."
Wang Ying helped Zhou Chen get into the elevator funny.
"Just pretend as hard as you can."
On the 26th of the twelfth lunar month, Zhou Chen and Wang Ying went to the street to buy couplets with the character "Fu". The Spring Festival was approaching, and because Zhou Chen was going back to San Francisco, he planned to post couplets on his home in advance.
As the Spring Festival is getting closer, the festive atmosphere everywhere is getting stronger and stronger. There are stalls set up on the streets in several places, buying Spring Festival couplets with blessing characters, etc. The red color makes people feel comfortable just looking at it.
The Spring Festival is a festival of great significance to the Chinese people. During the Spring Festival, no matter who you are, even a beggar, you can eat better food today.
Zhou Chen took Wang Ying and picked and picked along the way, buying several pairs of couplets, the Chinese character "Fu", window grilles, etc.
Wang Ying was also happy to accompany Zhou Chen while shopping. She didn't have to worry about these things at home before, and she had never bought them before. So today she went out to buy these things with Zhou Chen, and she was very interested.
, it’s very pleasant to look at and touch it.
"This sheep is so cute. Buy this, buy this."
Seeing a cute lamb pattern, Wang Yingfei asked Zhou Chen to buy it, and Zhou Chen naturally did as she wished.
On the way back, Wang Ying asked: "Only the two apartments here are covered, but the two courtyard houses you bought are not covered?"
"Forget it over there. If you really want to post it, you won't be able to finish it all day long, so just post these two sets at home."
"Listen to you."
When she got home, Wang Yingxing hurriedly insisted on applying it herself. As a result, she was busy all afternoon. After finishing the application, she shook her arms, kicked her legs and twisted her neck.
She was exhausted, but she was still very proud and happy when she saw her masterpiece.
In a blink of an eye, it was the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, and this was also the day Zhou Chen was leaving. Wang Ying sent him to the airport, and after being gentle with him for a long time, she had to let Zhou Chen leave.
Zhou Chen also asked Wang Ying if she wanted to spend the New Year with him, but Wang Ying thought for a long time and refused. He was not surprised by this decision. After all, Wang Ying rarely got together with her parents during the New Year, so she naturally wanted to spend the New Year with him.
The family stays together instead of traveling to a foreign country.
During the Spring Festival, every household gathers together for a reunion dinner, and Chinatown in San Francisco, where Zhou Chen lives, is also very lively.
Zhou Chen had nothing to do, so he wandered alone on the street. When many neighbors saw Zhou Chen, they greeted him politely, and many even had the intention to please, especially many merchants, who treated Zhou Chen
Even more polite.
In terms of the most famous and prestigious Chinese in Chinatown, Zhou Guoxing and Zhou Chen are definitely the second.
Zhou Guoxing earned his reputation through decades of daring and hard work, while Zhou Chen relied on his reputation as a genius and a lot of money.
Especially in the past two or three years, Zhou Chen has made a lot of investments in Chinatown, and the factories he acquired have also recruited many local Chinese. Many people rely on Zhou Chen for a living, which has undoubtedly directly increased Zhou Chen's reputation.
Gangs make people fearful, but they are difficult to respect. But what Zhou Chen does is easy to win people's hearts. After all, Zhou Chen himself is Chinese. Taking care of his fellow villagers is better than working under those foreigners.
It's much better, and the salary is not low.
When more and more families rely on Zhou Chen to make a living, it is difficult for his reputation and status to rise.
Zhou Chen did this naturally to take care of his compatriots, but also for himself. In foreign countries, especially in a capitalist society like the United States, where the jungle is strong and the jungle is strong, if you want to become bigger and stronger in the United States, money is essential, but you must also have enough power and power.
Manpower, domestic compatriots are obviously more trustworthy than people of other skin colors.
Along the way, Zhou Chen felt like he was like a second-generation ancestor in ancient times going shopping. Although he didn't spend a penny, his hands were stuffed with a lot of things, including food, drink and fun.
The difference is that these things he had were all given to him voluntarily by others.
In China, during the Spring Festival, Wang Ying came to Yang Cheng's house to wish Yang Cheng's parents a happy New Year as in previous years. However, she did not see Yang Cheng's father, but only Yang Cheng's mother.
Yang Cheng's mother invited Wang Ying to drink tea as before, and even poured tea for Wang Ying herself.
"Come on, Yingying, this is your special cup. Auntie will remember it. Drink it."
Wang Ying took the cup with both hands: "Thank you, Auntie."
Yang Cheng's mother said with a smile: "By the way, I heard from Beibei earlier that you have been dating a boyfriend for almost a year?"
Wang Ying replied truthfully: "Yes, it's been almost a year."
"You are sensible and steady, unlike Beibei, who always messes around every day. You have had a lot of girlfriends, but none of them can last long."
Wang Ying smiled and did not tell anything about Yang Cheng's relationship with Xie Qiao. This time she came to Yang Cheng's house, her mentality was completely different from previous years. Even when facing Yang Cheng's mother, she was able to remain calm and calm.
Yang Cheng's mother also felt Wang Ying's change and took a sip of tea.
"I also heard that your parents know that you are in a relationship and have met the child? It seems that your parents don't object to it."
"My mother has seen it, but my father has never seen it, but they really didn't care about me and respected my wishes."
"If I had a daughter as sensible and obedient as you, I would definitely believe in you just like your parents. Unlike our Beibei, who is not sensible or mature at all."
Hearing Yang Cheng's mother's complaint, Wang Ying smiled and said, "I think Yang Cheng is much better than before."
"What's so good? It's Chinese New Year, and I don't know where to go to play. No one is around all day long. I heard from Beibei that your boyfriend is Chinese-American?"
Wang Ying felt strange and didn't understand why Yang Cheng's mother always mentioned Zhou Chen. In her impression, Yang Cheng's mother was not a gossip.
"Yes, he is in Chinatown, San Francisco. He is an exchange student from Stanford University to Beiqing University."
Yang Cheng's mother praised: "Yes, he must be a good child if he can catch the eyes of Yingying and your parents."
There was some regret in her heart. In the past, Yang Cheng and Wang Ying had a good relationship, and the Wang family was also gaining momentum. She had not considered marrying the two families, but later the two children did not develop in this direction. To be precise, she was somewhat
It can be seen that Wang Ying has a good impression of her son, but her son is obviously slow and does not feel it.
But after this meeting, she clearly felt that Wang Ying had changed. She had just mentioned Wang Ying's boyfriend several times. Wang Ying's expression and demeanor were very similar to when she was in love with her husband.
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So she knew that Wang Ying really fell in love with her boyfriend, or that she fell deeply in love with her, which was completely different from Yang Cheng's playful love.
However, she only felt a little regretful, quickly erased it, and changed the topic.
"Yingying, how are your parents doing recently?"
"They are all very nice. They knew I was coming and asked me to say hello to you and uncle."
"We are fine too. Thank you for your parents' concern."
Wang Ying just sat for a while and then left. In the past, she could chat more with Yang Cheng's mother, but this time, she suddenly found that she didn't know what to talk about anymore, so in order not to be embarrassed, she took the initiative to leave
.
After walking out of Yang Cheng's house, she looked back and suddenly smiled with relief.
In the past, she was happy that Yang Cheng's mother could leave her own cup alone, but now, she no longer has such thoughts. Even here, she feels that she may not be able to come again in the future.
After getting in the car, she told the driver: "Go back."
Xie Qiao's family is also very lively during the Spring Festival. In addition to their family of three, there are also grandma and uncle's family of three. The whole family gathers around the same table. The Spring Festival celebration is very lively.
Xie Qiao usually rarely talks at home, but today when she heard her parents, uncle and grandma talking about the house, she immediately pricked up her ears and listened very carefully.
"I think it's safe to put money in the bank to earn interest, but you can't keep it forever. The house is real estate, and the housing reform has been going on for a few years. House prices will definitely rise in the future, so I need to withdraw the money to buy a new house.
Large commercial housing is more cost-effective than depositing money in a bank."
Xie Qiao's mother, Qiao Li, expressed her opinion. She is the one who strongly supports buying a house in her family.
On the contrary, Xie Qiao's father, Xie Zirun, said hesitantly: "I am not opposed to buying a house, but now the house prices here are not low. Can they still go up?"
He is not opposed to buying a house, but he is not particularly in favor of it. The main reason is that buying a house costs a lot of money, but for Chinese people, the meaning of a house is very important, so he wants to buy it, but is worried about it.
A kind of ambivalence.
On the contrary, Xie Qiao's uncle Xie Fenghe, who has always been idle, said carelessly: "Why buy so many houses? In my opinion, it is better to use this money to enjoy yourself, eat well, pursue dreams, and live a good life."
Grandma Xie told him directly: "You are worthless. If you don't speak, no one will treat you as a mute. I think Qiao Li is right. Buy it. If you have money, buy it."
In the eyes of the elderly, the importance of the house is self-evident.
Listening to the discussions of several adults in the family, Xie Qiao was thoughtful, then her cousin stretched out her hand.
"Sister, if you don't want to eat the chicken legs, give them to me."
"Eat, eat, eat, you will know how to eat, give it to you, give it to you."
Xie Qiao also had no idea what to do about her foodie sister. Seeing that the elders were still discussing, she couldn't help but raise her hand.
"I think you can buy a house."
Suddenly, the adults who were discussing all looked at Xie Qiao in unison.
Xie Fenghe said cheerfully: "Yes, Qiaoqiao is an adult now that she is in college. We should listen to her opinion."
Xie Zirun looked at her daughter curiously and asked: "Qiaoqiao, why did you say you can buy it?"
Facing the gazes of the elders, Xie Qiao recalled what Wang Ying had said to her not long ago.
"Actually, I don't really understand it, but Zhou Chen said that I can buy it, and he also said that house prices will definitely rise in the future. Buying a house at this time is more cost-effective than investing."
Qiao Li raised her eyebrows: "Zhou Chen, that's the kid from the old Zhou family in the alley. I remember that when Grandma Qin passed away last time, he went there too. The kid was completely different from when he was a child. He was tall and handsome.
Yes, he looks more energetic than Xiaozhou."
Xie Zirun said: "I also have an impression of this child. He was taken away by his relatives in the United States a few years ago. Qiaoqiao, you said before that he was quite promising now, but when did he tell you about buying a house?
"
"He didn't tell me, I heard it from Wang Ying. Wang Ying is my roommate. As you all know, she is still Zhou Chen's girlfriend. Oh, why am I telling you this."
Xie Qiao stopped his introduction and went straight to the topic: "Zhou Chen is really awesome. Even though he is one year older than me, he has already started a company to make investments. At the end of last year and last month, he just
I bought two courtyard houses, do you know how much it cost?"
"Twenty million, a full twenty million, yes, I had the same expression as you at that time, and I was almost scared to death."
Several elders were frightened by the numbers Xie Qiao said.
"Qiaoqiao, are you right? 20 million yuan, is it really 20 million yuan?"
"It can be fake, but it's real. You don't know how rich Zhou Chen is now. He buys clothes for Wang Ying for hundreds of thousands and hundreds of thousands, and gives a necklace for more than 800, which is scary to death.
Personally, oh my, I went too far again, talking about the house, about the house."
Xie Qiao got excited while talking, couldn't stop her mouth, and poured out all the food.
Several elders looked at each other with doubts about Xie Qiao's words.
Xie Qiao continued: "I said so much just to tell you that Zhou Chen has lived abroad for so many years and is an investor. He is far more visionary and capable than us. Even he thinks this is a good time to buy a house.
, everyone can spend 20 million to buy a courtyard house, I think we shouldn’t hesitate and buy it.”
Xie Zirun and Qiao Li looked at each other. They felt that their daughter would not be able to lie. They already had intentions, so they made a decision immediately.
"Then buy it."
Xie Qiao and his family were discussing buying a house, but the atmosphere at He Xiaozhou's house on the other side was depressing. Although it was Chinese New Year, the family was not happy because his mother had to spend the New Year in the hospital.
That's all. The most painful thing is that in order to treat their mother's illness, their family has no money and has borrowed a lot of money. If they want to continue treatment, the only way now is to sell their house.
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He Xiaozhou did not hesitate, but his father He Chengyong was a little hesitant. He was not doing it for himself, but for his son.
As a middle-aged man, he understands the importance of owning a house. If he owns a house, He Xiaozhou can save many years of struggle. But if he sells the last house, let’s not talk about whether he can cure his wife in the future.
It must be very difficult for my son.
But because of his son's persistence, and seeing his wife who wanted to live, He Chengyong still couldn't bear it, endured the sadness, and agreed to sell the house.
But He Chengyong knew very well that even if he sold the house and had money, the most he would do was delay his wife's life. There was no possibility of cure for advanced gastric cancer.
On the campus of Beiqing University, He Xiaozhou and Xiao Qianxi were hanging out hand in hand. In order to save money, Xiao Qianxi did not go home during the Spring Festival. Instead, he found a part-time job at the school.
During the Spring Festival, the school was very quiet, with only a few people like Xiao Qianxi staying in the school.
Looking at her frowning boyfriend, Xiao Qianxi felt very heartbroken, but she really couldn't help him now.
"Xiaozhou, have you really discussed with your uncle that you want to sell your house? Do you still remember what I told you at the end of the term? According to Zhou Chen, house prices will continue to rise in the future. If you sell your house now, you will want to buy it later.
It will be even harder."
He Xiaozhou was silent: "Of course I understand, but I can't give up on my mother. I must save her, even if it means selling the house."
"Xiao Zhou, I can understand how you feel. I am the same as you. I want my aunt to be well, but we can also think of other ways, such as asking Zhou Chen for help. He is very rich and he also values love. As long as
If we ask him, he will definitely agree. If that doesn't work, I can ask Wang Ying."
He Xiaozhou stopped and looked at his girlfriend beside him. He saw the anxiety and worry on her face. Of course he knew that Xiao Qianxi was doing it for his own good. Otherwise, with Xiao Qianxi's character, it would be absolutely impossible for him to lower his head and ask for help.
, to borrow money from others.
"I know that if I ask, Zhou Chen will definitely lend me money, but I can't borrow his money to repay other people's money. Our family is not at a dead end now. If we sell the house, we will have money to give to my mother.
You can also pay off the money you owe relatives and friends by getting medical treatment. You can definitely understand what I mean."
Xiao Qianxi choked up and said: "I understand, but..."
After arriving in the capital and getting in touch with the people here, she realized how naive her previous ideas were. No matter how hard she tried, it was really difficult to succeed.
Zhou Chen can spend more than nine million or ten million to buy a courtyard house and leave it there, neither living in it nor using it. However, if she and He Xiaozhou put together a lifetime of hard work, they probably won't be able to earn so much money and can't buy it.
Build a house like this.
She has always known that the world is unfair, and has always wanted to find a balance through her own efforts. However, as she grows older and more knowledgeable, she finds that it is really difficult to cross class.
Feeling Xiao Qianxi's sadness, He Xiaozhou hugged her into his arms.
"Qianxi, don't be afraid. I will definitely work harder in the future and I will buy a house again with my own hands. I promised you that I would give you a home here. This is my promise and I will definitely fulfill it.
You believe me."
Xiao Qianxi also hugged He Xiaozhou tightly: "I have always believed in you, but I feel sorry for you. You have worked too hard and are too tired."
He Xiaozhou showed a sunny smile: "I never feel hard, whether it's for my mother or you."
"Xiaozhou."
The atmosphere in the Qinchuan family is not very good. Several major events happened in their family this year. First, Grandma Qin passed away, and then it was revealed that Qin Chuan and Qin Qian ran back to the country.
Hui got married, and after being discovered, they eloped.
Now during the Spring Festival, there are only three people in the family. Although I try hard to be happy, it is still not as good as before.
The most uncomfortable one was Qin Chuan, because his parents' unhappiness would eventually be vented on him, so much so that during the Chinese New Year, he didn't dare to stay at home for too long, so he would go out to play in his second-hand Alto when he had time.