"The weatherâs gotten cold, standing guard outside for a whole day would freeze a person to death. Over there, a few more places selling snacks have popped up, and theyâre all competing to see who has more deals or bigger portions. Itâs not as profitable as a few months ago." Thereâs still money to be made, more than a regular job, and Hu Dong was reluctant to abandon this business.
"People like them canât stand such cold weather. Besides, there are fewer movies scheduled in the winter, and fewer people watching them. In such cold weather, if the cinema has no heating or stove, whoâd want to pay to suffer? Youâre about to have your finals, so donât go there for now. Focusing on your studies is more important."
Hu Dong listened to Lin Wan and reluctantly nodded, which was considered agreement.
Shen Qing looked at her son and felt relieved. "I donât know whatâs up with these two kids. No matter what his father and I say, they donât listen, yet theyâre willing to listen to you. We, as parents, arenât as attentive as you, as their sister-in-law."
"Mom, when do I not listen to you? Donât say such things." Hu Dong blushed at what Shen Qing said and stubbornly refused to admit it.
He just felt what Saozi said made sense. He bet Hu Liang definitely couldnât endure such hardship.
"Alright, alright, listen to everything, okay?"
Seeing that Hu Dong was fine, Lin Wan gave him a few reminders and went back.
The weather was too cold. Besides attending classes, Lin Wan spent her days at home with Little Star. Luckily, Shi Lan was around, so she wasnât too bored. In her free time, she would draw a few spring and autumn clothing designs, preparing for the upcoming spring.
Feeling too cooped up, she would occasionally go to the store for a few days in place of Mom. While at the store, Lin Wan encountered Uncle Du a few times.
Lin Wan admired Uncle Duâs persistence in pursuing her mom. Sometimes, she thought maybe it was time for Mom to agree. After spending so much time together, Uncle Du seemed genuinely nice and trustworthy for Mom.
Aside from Uncle Du, Lin Wan noticed Zhang Dandanâs recent enthusiasm seemed unusual. If somethingâs out of the ordinary, itâs bound to attract attention.
However, after observing for a few days and finding nothing wrong with her, Lin Wan decided not to press her. She was rare to be so positive and proactive, so it was best not to work her until she fell sick.
"Comrade, is there a vacant seat?" As Lin Wan was mentally mocking Zhang Dandan, a green figure suddenly loomed in front of her.
"How many people, sir?" Lin Wan looked up and saw a very handsome middle-aged officer.
"Just the four of us; weâd like a private room," Lin Guozhi indicated the three people following him.
"Alright," Lin Wan nodded, glanced around the busy hall, noted that Xiao Gu was off today, tidied up the counter, and led them to an empty room at the back on the first floor. "Hereâs the menu. Take a look and see what youâd like. What kind of pot do you want for the four of you?"
"Letâs get a spicy hot pot," Lin Guozhi glanced at the menu and replied, then looked at the others, "Do you guys handle spicy food?"
"Sir, spicyâs fine. On such cold days, itâs perfect for warming up," replied a soldier who was the one confused about him resembling Lin Yinghui at the train station that day.
He and another person were sent by the military to protect Lin Guozhiâs safety. This was their task.
So, not every military mission was dangerous. For example, the two of them have been accompanying Mr. Lin for almost a year without seeing any significant issues. But even so, they couldnât let their guard down.
The other was Lin Guozhiâs orderly, who had been by his side since he joined the team.
"Comrade, just bring us a spicy pot. And also, some small lobsters for us."
"Okay, comrade. Iâll report it to the kitchen. For any dishes on the menu, just write them on the blank paper."
Lin Guozhi nodded kindly towards Lin Wan.
After Lin Wan went out, she reported the spicy pot to the kitchen and ordered the small lobsters at the window. She called out to Zhang Dandan, "Dandan, keep an eye on the private room on the first floor. The one on the right has requested dishes."
"Got it." The first-floor private room just had several soldiers go in, and they sure looked impressive.
When someone called for the bill, Lin Wan finished speaking and rushed to the front desk, having no time to see Zhang Dandanâs infatuated face.
Zhang Dandan happily entered Lin Guozhiâs room, and by then, Lin Guozhi had already ordered. Seeing someone enter, he handed the menu to Zhang Dandan and casually asked, "Do you have hot water?"
"Yes," Zhang Dandan quickly glanced around the room. Among all of them, only the officer looked better, albeit older.
"Please bring a pot of boiled water."
Zhang Dandan walked out in disappointment, losing the enthusiasm she had when she went in.
After handing the menu to the kitchen and bringing back a pot of water, she didnât ask if they needed anything else and left straight away.
Coincidentally, Wu Liu, whom sheâd been anticipating for over half a month, finally came today. He had several business friends with him.
"Brother Wu, do you need a private room this time?" Lin Wan, familiar with Wu Liu, asked casually as she saw him coming.
Before Wu Liu could respond, Zhang Dandan hurriedly ran over. "Brother Wu, Iâll take you upstairs. Thereâs a private room upstairs."
Wu Liu didnât think much of it, only noting this waitress was extra enthusiastic today. He told the people with him, "Please," and followed Zhang Dandan upstairs.
Lin Wan watched Zhang Dandanâs enthusiastic demeanor, puzzled.
That afternoon, there were no guests in the private rooms, so Lin Wan had Xiao Yu in the hall keep an eye on them.
Lin Guozhi came out over an hour later.
"It totals to sixteen yuan and fifty cents. Just make it a round number, fifteen yuan will do."
"Haha, young lady, youâre quite genuine. Four of us only spent ten-something yuan, and youâre offering such a big discount. Arenât you afraid of losing money?" Lin Guozhi laughed.
Lin Wan was a bit dazed seeing his smile; it seemed familiar as if sheâd seen it before.
Lin Guozhiâs words snapped her back to reality, and she quickly said with a smile, "Uncle, youâre quite funny. My husband is also in the military. Usually, when soldiers come over for meals, they get a fifteen percent discount. Donât worry, uncle, I wonât lose money. Thereâs still a margin."
"Youâre really humorous." Lin Guozhi paid and turned to leave. (Another case of not recognizing each other upon meeting, haha. Liang Hongmei, come quick and take a look!)
Lin Wan worked in the shop until after five, then rode her bike to class.
In another two weeks, their school would close for the holidays. Recently, everyone was revising and preparing for exams.
In winter, riding a bike felt cold no matter how many layers one wore. Upon reaching the classroom, before class started, a few students clustered around the two stoves to warm up.
Every class had two stoves, gifted by the previous cohort of students. They simply had to purchase coal for it.
A dollar per person was enough for the entire winter session of their class.
Last year, both she and Su Ling were pregnant, and they barely attended class in the winter. The previous year they didnât contribute. "The neighboring classâs pharmacy brought in a batch of medicine yesterday. Do you need any?" Li Changjiang asked at the stove.
"Who buys medicine without needing it? Itâs like cursing people," Wang Aihua laughed in response.
"Oh, Wang, Iâm not cursing anyone. Itâs just that winter is when you easily fall sick. The medications at clinics and hospitals are expensive. Buying from there is much cheaper, and we only buy frequently used ones like for headaches and fevers."
"Li, do you have any childrenâs cold medicine, something for runny noses, tonsils, or any ointment for injuries?"
"Iâm not sure. Lin, why do you need injury ointment? Whoâs hurt?" Li Changjiang knew them quite well, as his sister often came to Linâs house to pick up clothes for sewing, earning quite a bit in the process, so he asked caringly.
Beside him, Su Ling laughed, "Her husband is in the military, injuries are common." She then gave Lin Wan a playful gaze.
"Oh, I forgot about that. After class, I can take you to ask him."
"Sure." "Xiao Wan, let me tell you something. Do you know who I saw yesterday?" Yin Peibai whispered as he scooted over.
"Who?" Su Ling in the front row interrupted, curious.
Yin Peibai winked at the two and whispered, "Li Liang, Mr. Li."
Su Ling snorted, now least interested in hearing about Li Liang, who nearly caused her to make a grave mistake. Thinking back now, she internally felt guilty towards Liu Wei.
"Whatâs he up to now? Couldnât resist and started hitting on other peopleâs wives again?" The three of them knew by now that Li Liang had a thing for hitting on married women.