The reborn of paranoid boss cannon fodder wife(171 - 175)

Chapter 171: Even Dragons Have Gentleness



A cold sensation dissipated from his face, and Wang Hao, who was about to pass out, suddenly became clear-headed, his hazy gaze focusing.


From two Xiao Cheng and two Bai Lu, to rows of Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu, finally returning to one and a half Xiao Cheng and one and a half Bai Lu, they could barely stand by the edge of the sofa.


"What just happened..." Wang Hao shook his head, sliding onto the sofa.


Lowering his head to smell the scent of alcohol on himself, he sniffed forcefully, "It smells so good, Cheng Ge, which one is this? The wine given by the little rabbit... good wine..."


Although Bai Lu dodged quickly, Xiao Cheng was still affected by the strong scent of alcohol. His mind, just recovering, gradually became drowsy, and his vision became somewhat unclear.


Instinctively holding onto Bai Lu, he rested his head on her shoulder, "Lulu, I want to go home..."


The surrounding people who were on guard were instantly stunned, shocked beyond belief, their jaws dropping.


Gasps of cold air resounded.


If it weren't for the figures in the corner, lying half-sitting, with heads bleeding and trembling, and the ground scattered with chaotic debris, the smell of blood and various strong alcohol constantly assaulting their senses, they wouldn't believe it.


The moment before, Xiao Cheng was so fierce and brutal, beating people mercilessly, and now he was leaning on the shoulder of an innocent-looking girl, saying he wanted to go home.


His tone was still... not indifferent.


Forgive them for not being able to imagine or believe that Xiao Cheng, who was renowned on the streets as a ruthless and evil dragon, could speak in such a gentle tone.


Certainly not gentle.


Xiao Cheng just treated beautiful girls less coldly; he was still cruel and cold-blooded at heart.


Those who had witnessed Xiao Cheng's brutal methods many times shook their heads, rubbing their eyes forcefully to clear their vision.


Staring wide-eyed, looking at the person standing in front of the almost completely destroyed sofa, was that really Xiao Cheng?


Was the person who spoke just now really Xiao Cheng?


Looking at the girl, would she push Xiao Cheng away, considering the violent and tragic scene that had just occurred?


She should be afraid and push Xiao Cheng away, right?


Unexpectedly.


Not only did the girl not push Xiao Cheng away, but she also hugged him back and said softly, "Okay, let's go home right away."


The hall once again echoed with louder cracking sounds.


Followed by the continuous sound of heavy objects falling.


Bai Lu looked in the direction where the sound came from and saw, not far from Wang Hao, in the corner, figures swaying and falling. Obviously, those who couldn't handle the alcohol had passed out.


This kind of overpowering alcohol, Bai Lu had only seen it once in the future, on the Mid-Autumn Festival.


Two families went to a restaurant for dinner, and Bai Lu's cousin brought a jar of wine from a friend. The jar was tightly sealed, but when her cousin accidentally opened it, the jar fell to the ground and shattered.


The waiter who came to clean up fainted on the spot.


Bai Lu, her mother, grandmother, aunt, and cousin, who were all not used to strong alcohol, were all dizzy.


Bai Lu's grandfather immediately changed to another private room.


Later, they learned that the jar of wine was a gift from a friend who was the head of a winemaking family on her cousin's birthday.


Ordinary people couldn't even see it, let alone drink it.


Unexpectedly, in this seemingly backward place like Pingcheng, behind the scenes of the nightclub, there was a powerful figure.


In a place filled with dragons and snakes, it's not suitable to stay for too long. Bai Lu signaled to Yu Dongxu, who was still in a daze not far away, to come over and help Wang Hao.


Yu Dongxu was finally pulled back to reality by the clear and melodious voice of the girl. He quickly ran over to support Wang Hao.


Bai Lu, supporting Xiao Cheng, turned around.


A path was instantly cleared at the entrance that was previously blocked.


But as soon as they took a step, a gnashing sound of teeth came from behind, "Xiao Cheng!"


Xiao Cheng's cold eyes flickered, the disappeared hostility surged back into his eyes, turning fierce and brutal again.


Bai Lu tightened her grip on his hand, looking back with cold eyes at Hu Biao, who had already awakened on the ground, his face covered in blood.


"Calling 120 suits you better."


Not calling the police and not calling for an ambulance is an unwritten agreement and a matter of dignity in street fights. Life and death are determined by fate.


Calling an ambulance before the last moment is admitting that one is a loser and a coward who admits defeat.


Hu Biao, who was helped up by his little brother, became furious. He spat out a mouthful of bloodied teeth, glaring at Bai Lu maliciously, "What are you, letting a woman like you, when did a man's words become something a woman can interrupt!"


Xiao Cheng's fists clenched, veins popping on his knuckles, but his steps were stopped by Bai Lu.


Bai Lu, facing Hu Biao's fierce and evil face, looked calm and spoke lightly, "What do you want?"


Hu Biao sneered at Xiao Cheng, his cold and fierce aura returning. Bai Lu held his hand tightly, turning back to look at Hu Biao, who had already awakened, his face full of bloodstains.


"120 is what you need."


"Let me say it again, if Xiao Cheng doesn't kneel down, kowtow, and apologize to me, don't even think about leaving!"


Just now, Bai Lu didn't understand why the guy at the counter was so respectful to Xiao Cheng, not accepting any money for the good wine, and not letting Xiao Cheng and Wang Hao pay for the damages.


Now, seeing Hu Biao's arrogant and triumphant face with a reinforced force of henchmen, the nervous expressions of the guys at the counter and the security team, their retreat and hands-off attitude, everything became clear.


This was not like Xiao's Village or Xin Town; there was no need for long-term neighborly relationships.


This was the arena, where power determined everything, and whoever won was the law.


Xiao Cheng's battle just now was about establishing dominance, deterring others, and firing the first shot in opening a store in Pingcheng.


If he retreated now, it would be pulling down the altar of prestige that Xiao Cheng had just built.


The respectful attitude of the guys at the counter, the Tian Shang security team, and the various forces lurking in the dark gathering information would all discount their respect for Xiao Cheng, falling to the lowest level.


Even the forces behind the Tian Shang nightclub would start to question Xiao Cheng's position in the arena.


This would be very detrimental to Xiao Cheng's attempt to open a store in Pingcheng. Whether he could make it or not was unknown, let alone managing it.


The path to opening the store would be blocked at every turn.






















Chapter 172: Overestimating One's Abilities


In Xiao Cheng's memory, Bai Lu had witnessed scenes where he dominated overwhelming battles, facing fifteen strong men as if it were a trivial matter.


However, injuries were inevitable.


It was best not to engage if possible. The display of strength in the previous battle had already been sufficient.


Bai Lu turned to the direction of the counter and said, "Bring me a glass of water."


Although the waiter didn't understand why Bai Lu wanted to drink water at such a tense moment, he quickly went downstairs to the restaurant and brought her a glass of water.


The atmosphere, charged with tension as crossbows were drawn, was suddenly interrupted by Bai Lu's request for water. All eyes were fixed on her.


She continued after taking a sip.


Unexpectedly, the next moment was eye-popping.


Bai Lu not only didn't drink the water but also walked to Hu Biao with the glass and splashed it directly on his face.


"Hiss!"


Gasps echoed throughout the room, even in the dimly lit corners.


Hu Biao, splashed with water on his face, hadn't expected Bai Lu to dare splash water on him. He was stunned for a moment.


After realizing, his anger surged instantly.


"Crash!"


The glass shattered in front of Hu Biao, and sharp fragments of all sizes scattered everywhere, with many landing at his feet.


Hu Biao's robust body shivered, frozen by Bai Lu's cold and stern aura. Even his angry shouts at the corner of his mouth subsided.


Xiao Cheng, Wang Hao, and Yu Dongxu were also momentarily stunned. After regaining their senses, they all looked at Bai Lu simultaneously.


Surprise, shock, and disbelief filled the eyes of everyone in the room.


Even the waiter who had just returned to the counter had weak legs and was steadied by his colleague just in time.


They thought Bai Lu was a quiet and obedient girl, or like she sounded on the phone, a gentle and soft wife. They hadn't expected her to have such a fierce presence!


Without saying a word, she directly smashed the glass.


This wasn't the demeanor of a delicate and obedient girl; she was clearly a flaming red rose with a fierce aura!


"Big sis is too domineering!"


Bai Lu coldly looked at Hu Biao. "Are you awake now?"


"You used to be Xiao Cheng's defeated underling, and now you are still Xiao Cheng's defeated underling, forever will be. Do you think winning another fight will change that?"


Hu Biao, who had been exposed, was instantly infuriated, but before he could utter the word "I," Bai Lu coldly interrupted.


"Who gave you the courage to show off in front of Xiao Cheng?"


"Your laughable record of losing over and over again, refusing to admit defeat. Look at your current state, beaten and bruised, bleeding from your head, can't even stand properly."


"Look at Xiao Cheng. Not a single hair harmed. What face do you have to challenge him again?"


Bai Lu didn't speak much, but each word struck at Hu Biao's bones, causing him pain. The beating from Xiao Cheng earlier wasn't painless, but it wasn't as obvious without the mockery from all sides.


Now, not only was Hu Biao in pain, but his face was also burning with intense pain. It felt as if his face had been trampled on the ground.


"Do you want them to..." "Call your group of half-dead lackeys to continue the fight?"


Each time Hu Biao tried to speak, Bai Lu interrupted him with a cold tone. The sarcastic remarks were all based on facts.


This made him tremble all over, and he pushed away the little brother who was supporting him. With a wave of his hand, he delivered a slap.


"Damn woman, you're asking for death!"


"Bang!"


Before Hu Biao's slap could reach Bai Lu, Xiao Cheng kicked him away, sending him flying into the group of strong men behind.


Although there were strong men to cushion his fall, there was still a crisp sound from Hu Biao's chest, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.


Bai Lu watched the chaos in front of her. Many rushed to help Hu Biao, but she could see the hesitation in the eyes of the fifteen strong men who didn't dare to touch Xiao Cheng. In their hearts, they knew the consequences.


When she arrived, Hu Biao had already been beaten unconscious by Xiao Cheng, but Xiao Cheng had no intention of stopping.


The group of strong men all rushed up to stop Xiao Cheng, but they all called him "Brother Cheng" and didn't dare to lay a hand on him.


Obviously, Xiao Cheng had a formidable reputation among them. They were all people from the same organization, and they knew Xiao Cheng's strength and his style of doing things.


Water and fire don't mix. If they crossed the line today and didn't manage to kill Xiao Cheng here, they would undoubtedly be hunted down by Xiao Cheng in the future.


Xiao Cheng didn't care whether you were paid or doing someone a favor; if you hit him, he would hit you back.


And it would be a hundred times more severe.


All from the same organization, they knew Xiao Cheng's methods and were familiar with his style.


Water and fire don't mix, and if they crossed the line, they had to be prepared for nobody to collect their corpses. Being lowly lives down to the dust, the big boss wouldn't care, and they wouldn't care either.


The hesitance and indecision of the fifteen strong men led to the current situation. Hu Biao watched helplessly as Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu left proudly. The waiter handed him the bill for compensation, and he was so angry that he spat blood on the spot.


The kind waiter immediately called for an ambulance.


Before being carried away on the stretcher, Hu Biao was forced to sign the compensation form with trembling hands.


Wang Hao rode on Yu Dongxu's motorcycle.


Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng shared another motorcycle. On the way back, Xiao Cheng kept asking if Bai Lu felt cold.


Even after Bai Lu answered twice, he kept asking, as if the answers didn't satisfy him, repeating the question over and over.


After answering twice, Bai Lu stopped talking. The consequence of not speaking was that she was hugged by Xiao Cheng all the way.


Upon returning home, Yu Dongxu escorted Wang Hao to Xiao Cheng's doorstep, promising responsibly to keep tonight's events a secret and then rode the motorcycle back home.


"Sister-in-law, is Chunli really inside with my mom?" Wang Hao, who had been riding in the wind for a while, was barely awake from the drunken stupor, but he felt a bit scared to go in.


After being educated by Bai Lu for a while, Chen Chunli had become much more restrained, not hitting him in the past few days.


But her temper had become more volatile, and her emotions were unstable.


Wang Hao was worried that entering like this might scare Chen Chunli, who was already very pregnant.


Just in case she got agitated...


























Chapter 173: Always By Your Side



"Wang Hao!"


Before the person arrived, the voice preceded.


Just as Bai Lu was about to give a reminder, a shout that seemed to engulf mountains and rivers had already echoed from the tightly closed courtyard door. Following that was a series of hurried footsteps.


The courtyard door creaked open.


Chen Chunli, with a protruding belly, took a look at Wang Hao standing foolishly outside the door and began scolding him without holding back, "You broke someone's table lamp just by having a meal. Do you think our house is not poor enough for you?"


"Do you even know how much you can handle yourself? Refusing a couple of drinks might kill you! You don't earn much money each day, rushing to compensate for damages, I think you're just..."


Before she could finish speaking, Chen Chunli's vision darkened, and her clumsy body suddenly fell backward.


He Yulan and Bai Lu, who were close, immediately supported her, one on each side, stabilizing Chen Chunli.


By the time Wang Hao rushed over, Chen Chunli had slowly opened her eyes and yelled at him, "Get away! Your alcohol breath is so strong, do you want to suffocate me?"


Wang Hao indeed reeked of alcohol, and even He Yulan felt a bit dizzy, let alone Chen Chunli.


Meanwhile, Xiao Wei, who had followed Chen Chunli outside, was now leaning against the door frame, shaking his head and rubbing his eyes vigorously.


Wang Hao retreated a considerable distance, and the air at the door, filled with the smell of alcohol, slowly returned to normal.


Chen Chunli, with her nearly intoxicated mind recovering, continued scolding as she was being supported by He Yulan and Bai Lu towards Wang Hao's house.


"Let's go home first; we can talk about it there."


Chen Chunli didn't dare to push Bai Lu, remembering vividly the scene when she was reprimanded by Bai Lu last time. Moreover, Xiao Cheng was watching nearby, his face dark and chilling, sending shivers down the spine.


It seemed like he would fight anyone who dared to touch Bai Lu, and his cold and stern gaze was anything but a joke.


Walking with Bai Lu was definitely no laughing matter.


Chen Chunli remained silent on the way until she was brought home.


Only after closing the door did she start grumbling again.


Xiao Cheng, who had just turned around to leave, suddenly looked at Bai Lu and said, "My gentle Lulu is still mine."


Bai Lu smiled without saying a word.


This guy was still in a drunken state; it was better not to engage with him. If you did, he would surely keep asking endless questions.


Ignoring Bai Lu, Xiao Cheng took a step forward, blocking her way. "Are you tired?"


"No," Bai Lu replied, bypassing him and continuing to walk.


The night breeze gently brushed past, the lights at the neighbors' houses were on, illuminating the figure that once again surpassed the girl.


That tall and sturdy figure, with his back to the girl, bent down in front of her.


"I'll carry you."


Bai Lu paused for a moment, bypassed Xiao Cheng, and continued walking. "No need, I'm not tired."


Xiao Cheng came forward again, blocking Bai Lu. His handsome face showed a clear expression of anger.


"Hurry up!"


A three-year-old child inebriated by alcohol always loved to get angry. He didn't like anyone defying him; defiance would result in a tantrum.


And he used a look that he thought was very fierce to scare people, not realizing that, in fact... it was quite cute.


Bai Lu smiled, staring at the straightened little boy. "If you don't bend down, how can I get on?"


Xiao Cheng immediately bent down.


As Bai Lu settled on his back, Xiao Cheng slowly stood up, his long and powerful hands firmly supporting Bai Lu's legs, walking steadily.


The figure under the moonlight gradually moved away.


In the gaps between streetlights, small star-shaped lights flew around, surrounding the silhouette under the moon.


Bai Lu raised her hand and grasped.


Her small white fist extended in front of Xiao Cheng. "Guess what's inside?"


Xiao Cheng knew what it was and straightforwardly answered, "Fireflies."


Apparently, the child had no romantic cells.


Bai Lu slowly opened her hand, a tiny starlight stopped in her fair palm, slowly spreading its wings and flying away.


A speck of starlight leaped past Xiao Cheng's eyes, flying into the distance, and the light in his deep pupils gradually faded.


He halted his steps, and his arms subconsciously tightened.


Chen Chunli, who was on his back, felt the movement, and she spoke out with a scold, "What are you doing? Let me down!"


But Bai Lu's attention was elsewhere.


She didn't see Xiao Cheng's expression, but she felt the arms around her tighten.


Hearing what seemed like a melancholic murmur from him, "Will they come back?"


Bai Lu thought he might be upset about being pinched, so she immediately raised her hand to pat his head. "Of course, they'll come back."


"The environment here is so good, the air is so fresh, there are green trees on the roadside, and the rural paths are filled with the fragrance of rice flowers. They just go out to explore the world, and they'll come back eventually. After all, this is their home..."


Xiao Cheng, feeling the warmth transmitted from the top of his head, seemed to awaken from his heavy and sluggish mind.


"Do you like it here, Lulu?"


Bai Lu hadn't been here for a long time, but every day felt fulfilling and happy.


Smiling, she replied, "Of course, I like it here. There are green mountains and clear waters, earthly fireworks, friendly and harmonious neighbors, honest and kind villagers from the Xiao family, and you and Xiao Wei who treat me well. I really like it here."


The previously indifferent expression in Xiao Cheng's deep eyes suddenly stopped.


There were still questions that hadn't been asked, but they were covered by the laughter that sounded like silver bells, dispersing into the gentle night.


























Chapter 174: Okay, Okay, Okay


At the doorstep.


Xiao Wei was still leaning against the door frame, eagerly waiting.


Under the bright lights, a small figure appeared particularly resolute.


Bai Lu waved and greeted from afar, pinching Xiao Cheng's ear, "Hurry up, kid."


Xiao Cheng stopped and retorted, "I'm not a kid!"


Bai Lu couldn't help but laugh, "Okay, okay, okay, you're not a kid, you're a big kid, alright?"


"Let's go, let's go, Xiao Wei is getting impatient... Tell this little guy to go back and sleep early. He should have listened and not waited. He's just as stubborn as you."


Xiao Cheng stopped again and argued, "I'm not stubborn."


Bai Lu was truly amazed, "Yes, yes, yes, you're not stubborn, I'm stubborn, I'm the most stubborn, okay?"


Xiao Cheng nodded seriously, "Okay."


Bai Lu: "..."


Xiao Wei always thought that waiting at the door was the right thing to do until he saw Xiao Cheng bringing back Bai Lu, an unprecedented and shocking scene that shattered his understanding.


A small thought finally popped into his mind.


Excess.


He might be, well, a bit unnecessary.


Better go back to sleep.


Bai Lu looked at the small figure that greeted and immediately went back to the room, asking Xiao Cheng, "What happened to Xiao Wei?"


Xiao Cheng said, "I don't know."


Bai Lu looked at the clock on the wall. It was past midnight, and the poor little guy had been waiting so late.


Let's cook some supper to treat everyone.


"Knock, knock, knock—"


Bai Lu had just knocked on the door, and it opened.


A small head popped out from the door, looked at Bai Lu, and then at the man standing beside the door with an expressionless face.


"Big brother, big sister, is there something?"


Bai Lu asked, "Are you hungry? I'll cook some noodles. Let's have supper together?"


Xiao Wei looked up at Xiao Cheng, who didn't look at him but at Bai Lu.


Seemingly neither angry nor anxious.


Xiao Wei nodded happily, "Okay."


Three servings of noodles were quickly prepared, with tomato and egg as side dishes. Bai Lu didn't add any chili, as Xiao Cheng's mouth had a small injury.


After finishing supper and brushing their teeth, Xiao Wei obediently went back to sleep.


After the simple first aid incident where Bai Lu used toothpicks and cotton to disinfect Xiao Cheng when he first arrived, Bai Lu earned some money selling chestnuts and bought cotton swabs, medical disinfectant, and medicine.


Originally bought as a backup, hoping that no one would get injured. However, they didn't expect to use them so soon.


At the table by the window, two figures sat facing each other. Bai Lu used a cotton swab dipped in disinfectant to gently wipe Xiao Cheng's mouth.


His lips were a bit bruised, and the small bloodstains were from reopening old wounds that had already healed.


So, when she said Xiao Cheng was unharmed at the nightclub, she wasn't entirely wrong.


The old wounds were none of Hu Biao's business, so it counted as being unharmed.


"Lulu." Xiao Cheng held Bai Lu's other free hand. "Why aren't you saying anything?"


Bai Lu raised her eyes slightly and saw Xiao Cheng's obvious nervousness. She knew he was still a child.


A deep and restrained big brother, never showing emotions outwardly. His words were also reliable.


Children say things today and forget tomorrow, with fragmented memories. What they say today is just empty words.


Bai Lu sighed helplessly, "What should be said has already been said. I don't want to say more."


Xiao Cheng held onto Bai Lu's hand tightly, "I won't fight anymore."


Bai Lu looked at him and didn't say anything.


Sometimes, some things are inevitable. Not everything can be resolved by reasoning.


Xiao Cheng plans to develop his career locally. In the future, he will inevitably confront the four giants of Shangnan City, unless he doesn't expand his business and chooses to run a small business like Mr. and Mrs. Yu.


It's hard to say whose path to wealth is superior.


Otherwise, controlling and dividing the economic power of the four giants of Shangnan City will inevitably attract interference and acquisition.


Competition in the industry can lead to unexpected events anywhere, not just in Shangnan City.


Developing locally is still good for Xiao Cheng; he has connections and resources here, providing a lot of assistance.


If it were elsewhere...


Bai Lu remembered Xiao Cheng's hardships and achievements in the bloody path, and her heart softened.


Success is not achieved overnight. One has to go through hardships, trials, and bloody lessons to gain experience from a hundred battles.


Only then can one turn defeat into victory, stand in an enviable position, and enjoy wealth and glory admired by all.


Having absolute authority, from fighting and killing alone to commanding subordinates to fight and kill.


The big boss is the most obvious example.


Some things don't require personal involvement. The people below will act as executioners for him.


In business, the same principle applies. To sit in the position where one commands thousands with a single order and without being born with a golden spoon in their mouth, one must rely on their own efforts to climb to the top.


Xiao Cheng belongs to the latter category—no background, no influence. He has to rely on himself for everything.


Perhaps his way of solving things is aggressive and straightforward, but in this era and background, in this economically constrained place, it is the most suitable solution.


He is not in someone else's position, and he doesn't think like someone else.


Bai Lu won't impose her way of dealing with things on others. Everyone has their own thoughts, ways of doing things, and plans.


So, she doesn't want to say much.


After disinfecting Xiao Cheng's mouth and applying some medicine, she put everything away in its place.


Unexpectedly, when she got up, Xiao Cheng grabbed her hand and placed it on his face.


Like inspecting the territory, he touched his forehead, eyebrows, eyes, nose, chin, and finally stayed on his face.


"Lulu, I'm not injured."


Bai Lu couldn't get up, so she temporarily put things back on the table and tried to withdraw her hand, but he didn't let her.


Helplessly, she said, "So what?"


Xiao Cheng held Bai Lu's hand tightly, "Don't be angry."


Bai Lu smiled, "I'm not angry."


Xiao Cheng didn't believe it, "You not talking means you're angry."


Bai Lu countered, "I'm not angry."


"You're angry."


"I'm not."


"Angry."


"Not angry."


"Angry."


"Not..." The little child's mouth was covered, frowning at Bai Lu and the delicate jade hand covering his mouth.


Bai Lu heard the grinding sound of teeth through the gaps between her fingers and was afraid of being bitten, so she immediately let go.


Clearing her throat, she explained, "Well, I'm not angry. Don't overthink it."


Xiao Cheng didn't believe and said, "Don't believe you."


Bai Lu just wanted to sleep now and didn't want to coax the child anymore, "What do you want to do to believe? Do you want me to speak?"


Xiao Cheng nodded.


Bai Lu pulled him up, "Let's talk in bed. I'm tired and want to lie down."


Xiao Cheng didn't refuse.


Just as Bai Lu was about to praise him for being obedient, the next second, when she lay down, he hugged her and pulled the blanket over.


"What are you doing?"


Bai Lu lifted the blanket, got up, and pushed Xiao Cheng back outside, saying, "You sleep here. We used to sleep here."


Xiao Cheng disagreed, "I want to sleep inside."


"Fine."


Bai Lu slept outside by herself and pushed Xiao Cheng inside, saying, "Sleep."


Xiao Cheng naturally pulled her back, "Sleep."


Bai Lu: "..."


"Can you not make trouble when you're drunk?"


"I didn't make trouble."


























Chapter 175: A Gentle Kiss


The big shot who had too much to drink not only behaved like a child but also slept in a child-like position.


Not only did he embrace Bai Lu, but he also buried his face in her neck, and the slightest movement of his eyelashes could be felt.


Knowing it was an unconscious act, Bai Lu's heartbeat couldn't help but slightly accelerate, contrasting with his steady heartbeat resonating from his chest.


Truly a troublesome little rascal!

Bai Lu dug her face out of the neck hollow, smiling earnestly, "I'm really not angry."


Xiao Cheng looked at her seriously.


He responded with an "Oh" and buried his face again.


Bai Lu: "..."

The breath sprayed at close range, sweeping back and forth on the neck. When the slightly cool and soft lips accidentally touched the neck, a faint scent of alcohol dispersed in the thin air.


The rising temperature of the intoxicating breath quickly spread throughout the room, casting an ambiguous hue over the night.


Under the interweaving of moonlight and lamplight, the blurry shadow of lips gradually moved upward from the neck.


It reached the fair as jade chin.


As the slightly cool and soft lips fell, Bai Lu suddenly woke up, pushing away Xiao Cheng's face that was pressing down.


"Oh, I bought a new pillow for you. Take a look and see if you like it."


After pushing Xiao Cheng away, Bai Lu quickly got off the bed, went to the wardrobe, and took out the new pillow she had bought in the afternoon.


Turning around, she saw that Xiao Cheng was still maintaining the posture she pushed him into, elbow on the bed, half lying down.


When he saw her approaching, he only reluctantly sat up.


Sitting outside with his back against the head of the bed, he stared at her with a faint gaze, never blinking.


As if walking through the flames, Bai Lu hurried to the bedside, smiling as she placed the new pillow in Xiao Cheng's arms.


With one hand, she took out her own pillow, turned it over, and unzipped it.


She took out the brand-new, hot bank card.


Handing it to Xiao Cheng, "Now that you have a new pillow, you can put the bank card in there. No need to keep it with me anymore."


Xiao Cheng looked at the card in Bai Lu's hand, then shifted his gaze to her face, furrowing his brows.


Still holding the pillow that she had just stuffed, he didn't move.


Apparently, he was reluctant to accept the bank card.


Sighing, Bai Lu sat down on the edge of the bed, took Xiao Cheng's pillow, turned it over, unzipped it, carefully tucked the bank card inside, and then placed the pillow back in Xiao Cheng's arms.


"There you go."


While it was hidden, Bai Lu felt it was necessary to remind him, "Keeping the bank card in the pillow is not safe. Find a better place to hide it tomorrow, or better yet, keep it on yourself. No, it's safer in your own wallet."


Bai Lu thought for a moment and suddenly asked, "Do you have a wallet? If not, I'll buy you one."


Xiao Cheng shook his head, "No."


Assertively, he said, "You buy for me."


Bai Lu wiped her face, showing an expression of disbelief, "Do you really not have a wallet?"


It couldn't be possible.


Big shots weren't entry-level workers just starting in society.


The rewards for working for the big boss were not small. Without a wallet, where would he put his money? A sack?


Seeing Bai Lu's distrustful eyes, Xiao Cheng got angry and threw the pillow aside, taking out all his belongings from the pockets of his clothes.


Five, ten, twenty, fifty, one hundred... The pile of money added up to at least a thousand yuan.


Indeed, he didn't have a wallet. Besides money, there was only money. He didn't even have a cigarette or a lighter. Bai Lu didn't know if he had finished smoking and didn't have time to buy more, or if he bought some but didn't bring them with him.


However, Bai Lu hadn't seen Xiao Cheng smoke recently, and she hadn't smelled the tobacco scent on him.


"Lulu, buy me a wallet," Xiao Cheng suddenly spoke, reminding Bai Lu again.


Looking at his face that would get angry if she didn't buy, Bai Lu reluctantly nodded, "Okay, I'll buy it for you tomorrow."


The child was finally satisfied.


Leisurely organizing the money on the bed, one by one, neatly stacked. When he reached a twenty yuan bill...


Something small shook off.


Bai Lu picked it up and looked at it carefully, confirming it several times. Finally, she was sure.


"This is my hair clip."


Xiao Cheng didn't deny it and admitted directly, "Yes, Lulu's hair clip."


Bai Lu pinched the small black hair clip with a puzzled look, "But when I cut your hair before, didn't you already return it to me? I only put one hair clip in your pocket at that time... No, maybe when changing clothes, I accidentally knocked another hair clip off the table, picked it up, and..."


"It seems like I put it in your pocket casually." Bai Lu couldn't remember clearly about such a long time ago.


However, "Both hair clips are in your pocket. Why did you only return one when cutting your hair?"


Bai Lu looked at Xiao Cheng, who was picking up money with a puzzled expression.


Xiao Cheng didn't lift his head, and he answered matter-of-factly, "You didn't say you wanted both."


Bai Lu: "..."


Communicating with a child required very stable emotions, as well as an immense amount of tolerance and understanding.


No problem, this was her strength.


Not at all angry.


Xiao Cheng neatly arranged the money, looking up at Bai Lu, he asked, "Are you still buying clothes?"


"What clothes?" Bai Lu didn't follow his mental leap to outer space.


Xiao Cheng looked at Bai Lu's light and thin knitted sweater, "The clothes you wear."


The light-colored sweater on Bai Lu wasn't thick, nor was it too thin. It was a conservative style.


Actually, nothing could be seen, but being stared at by Xiao Cheng for so long, she felt a bit embarrassed.


"No need to buy more. You've already bought me two sets of dresses and a coat, enough to wear."


"No pajamas." Xiao Cheng brought up the type of clothing deliberately ignored by Bai Lu.


Bai Lu didn't have pajamas and always used sweaters as pajamas. When it was cold, she wore thick ones; when it was neither hot nor cold, she wore thin ones, just like now, "No need to specially buy pajamas. What I'm wearing now is pajamas."


Xiao Cheng corrected, "A sweater is not pajamas."


"Right, right, you're right." Bai Lu didn't want to argue with a child, "Next time I have time, I'll go buy pajamas on the street, real pajamas."


But Xiao Cheng said, "The clothes on the street don't match you."


Bai Lu raised her eyebrows in surprise, seeing a profound and mysterious expression on Xiao Cheng's face. The clearly revealed deep eyes also seemed to have recovered a trace of clarity.


This... Did the big shot recover?


"Sao Cheng?" 


As soon as the words fell, Xiao Cheng on the opposite side furrowed his brows, "Call me Ah Cheng!"


Bai Lu: "..."


Okay, she thought too much.


"Ah Cheng."


Satisfied, Xiao Cheng nodded, holding money in his left hand and gently holding Bai Lu's soft hand in his right.


"I will buy better clothes for Lulu."


Bai Lu lifted her gaze slightly, meeting Xiao Cheng's serious eyes and earnest tone, feeling a slight tremor in her heart.


Grandpa had once told her to live well no matter what circumstances she faced. External possessions didn't matter; surviving was the essence of life.


She had always remembered that. In the struggle for survival, those who adapted to the times survived. Without the ability to change the era, adapt to the era in a way she could accept.


Strive to become a better version of herself so that when they meet again, she won't disappoint anyone.


She had never thought about using a better way to treat herself, but Xiao Cheng not only thought about it...


He also did it.