Chapter 167: Ding Ling Ling
Chapter 167: Ding Ling Ling
Behind the scenes of Pingcheng's market, with a slight connection to Li Chengbin's father-in-law, the real power was held by the boss in the underworld. Currently, the two sides managed to coexist without conflict.
Even those small gangs in the alleys, who might not have seen Xiao Cheng, had heard of his name. A simple mention of it was usually enough.
Xiao Cheng was no longer working under the underworld boss, but who could guarantee that he wouldn't rise again. Nobody dared to mess with a demon's business; even small hooligans would end up in dire straits.
The news spread rapidly, reaching even stray dogs, fearing they might go crazy and start barking at the store's entrance.
Previously, the underworld boss in Pingcheng and Xiao Cheng had some conflicts. Xiao Cheng had done everything the boss had done, but the results were not satisfactory; every endeavor was overshadowed by Xiao Cheng.
The underworld boss only valued the top talents in the industry, with no regard for the second-best. Now that Xiao Cheng had left, he was finally making a name for himself, occasionally able to say a word or two in front of the boss.
For Xiao Cheng's decision to open a legitimate business in Pingcheng, the boss was delighted. There was no reason to stop him, and he immediately agreed to a dinner meeting.
The heavy burden in his heart had finally lifted, and he joyfully opened up, drinking heavily.
He even declared brotherhood with Xiao Cheng, promising mutual support and assistance. If anything happened, Xiao Cheng should be the one to handle it; he would be more effective than others.
Everything that could be said, and even things that couldn't be said, were expressed. Good food and wine were consumed lavishly, with the belief that drinking to the fullest expressed true camaraderie, one cup after another.
After dinner, they went to a nightclub.
Various kinds of alcohol were continually delivered to private rooms in succession.
After a round of drinks, Xiao Cheng went to the restroom and took the opportunity to make a call at the front desk.
At home, Bai Lu and Xiao Wei were sitting in the main hall in front of a table full of delicious dishes, their hands supporting their cheeks.
A pair of puffed-up little faces.
"Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding..." The old clock on the wall struck seven times, and the sky was already dark.
Bai Lu pouted, "Your brother doesn't keep his promises."
Xiao Wei shook his head, "Big brother might be busy, not breaking promises."
Bai Lu snorted, "He probably went to drink again. When he comes back drunk, see how I..."
"Ding Ling Ling—"
Xiao Wei's eyes lit up, and he pointed at the high table, "Big brother is calling!"
Bai Lu, with a slight touch of pride, picked up the phone. A gentle, but not overly sweet voice came through, "LuLu."
It had a hint of pride but not too much.
The daytime coldness was gone, replaced by a bit of warmth, although not much. His voice was deep and clear, indicating he was still in good condition, not completely drunk yet.
Given the experiences from previous times, Bai Lu quickly deduced from Xiao Cheng's unusual tone that he hadn't eaten much. Originally planning to have dinner at home, he had ended up discussing business in a nightclub after a few drinks.
In business, socializing was unavoidable.
Local forces had their roles, mutual benefits, and required face-saving. Bai Lu understood these principles, but still couldn't help but worry, "Don't drink too much."
There were many things she wanted to say, but as she approached the words, she realized they were of no use. She had already given all the necessary instructions before. In the end, only one sentence remained, "Come back early."
Xiao Cheng responded, "Okay."
After hanging up the phone, Bai Lu and Xiao Wei returned to the table full of delicious food, picked up their chopsticks, and began eating enthusiastically.
"Big brother won't come back for dinner?" Xiao Wei, still holding a piece of spicy chicken, asked with a trace of unwillingness.
Bai Lu reassured him, "Your big brother is too busy; he doesn't have time to come back for dinner. He's full from drinking."
Xiao Wei, hearing the small complaint in Bai Lu's tone, picked up a bitter melon from his bowl and ate it.
"Don't be sad; when big brother earns enough money, builds a big house, and you have a little nephew or niece, big brother will be able to have dinner with us every day."
Bai Lu's mouth twitched, "Is there anything else in your head besides a little nephew?"
"Yes."
Xiao Wei, with a serious expression, said, "A little niece."
Bai Lu: "..."
"Well said, let's not talk about it next time."
After dinner, after taking a bath and washing clothes, and hanging them up, they took a stroll, and it was already nine o'clock.
Xiao Cheng hadn't come back.
Bai Lu sat in the courtyard illuminated by moonlight, reading a book. Next to her, Xiao Wei sat obediently on a small stool, with his textbooks placed on the chair, quietly doing his homework.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
A knocking sound echoed.
Xiao Wei immediately raised his head, and Bai Lu exchanged a glance with him, both seeing the doubt in each other's eyes.
The door was not locked. If it was Xiao Cheng returning, he would have just pushed the door open without knocking.
Who could it be at this late hour?
Xiao Wei asked, "Who is it?"
"I'm Chen Chunli."
The voice that used to be loud and arrogant was now calm and quiet, knocking on the door instead of pounding it.
Xiao Wei was surprised, turning to Bai Lu, "Should we open the door?"
Bai Lu replied, "She's pregnant."
Moreover, Chen Chunli's expected delivery date was within this half-month. Today, Wang Hao went out with Xiao Cheng for some business, not with someone else.
It wasn't with someone else but Xiao Cheng.
Xiao Cheng had a responsibility.
Xiao Wei followed Bai Lu to open the door. Once opened, not only the heavily pregnant Chen Chunli was standing there, but also Wang Hao's worried mother—He Yulan.
Seeing Bai Lu, He Yulan immediately stated her purpose, "Chunli said her stomach feels a bit uncomfortable. She wanted to come to your house to make a call and ask when Wang Hao will be back. Bai Lu, do you know Xiao Cheng's number? Help us call and ask when Wang Hao will be back."
Bai Lu gestured for them to come in, "Auntie, don't worry. Xiao Cheng will call Wang Hao right away. Please come in and have a seat first."
Xiao Wei, who had seen Chen Chunli not causing a scene and still having such a big belly, moved the chairs back to the main house.
Wang Hao's father wasn't in good health, and He Yulan usually took care of him, rarely visiting neighbors.
Bai Lu had seen her a few times, but Xiao Wei had seen her quite a lot. This child was always well-behaved.
"So late, are you still doing homework?"
Xiao Wei moved the chairs back, nodding, "Already finished."
"Big sister is calling big brother; Haoge and big brother are together. Don't worry, Auntie."
"Ah, good, don't worry."
He Yulan was quite surprised by the change in Xiao Wei. He used to be as taciturn as Xiao Cheng, rarely speaking. Now he actually greeted and comforted people, which was good.
Being a good daughter-in-law could also be a good mother.
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