Chapter 192: Pain
Chapter 192: Pain
Xiao Cheng took a sip of tea, "Have you considered letting others teach after learning?"
Bai Lu, confident, replied, "Of course, but when your brothers go to teach, no one will dare snatch business from us until our teaching journey is complete."
This was one reason Bai Lu chose to cooperate with Xiao Cheng—his reputation could fend off troubles.
Those in small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs all understood the rules of the trade. They knew the kings and queens of the market, the big shots on every street, and the consequences of challenging them.
Xiao Cheng observed Bai Lu's confident demeanor, his complex expression gradually fading. "Did you suddenly decide to cooperate today, or was it a preexisting idea?"
"Definitely a preexisting idea," Bai Lu responded.
Xiao Cheng raised an eyebrow, "Your vision is not small."
If you asked what it felt like to be praised by a big shot, Bai Lu, with a mischievous look, silently conveyed, "You get it, I get it, we all get it."
Xiao Cheng cleared his throat, "Why didn't you mention it before?"
"Because you were busy opening the store, and I didn't want to bother you." Bai Lu had considered cooperating with Xiao Cheng when she decided to sell the candied chestnut recipe—no other option crossed her mind.
In the 90s, female entrepreneurship was not as common as in the 21st century. In this era, a woman doing business, especially a solo venture, would face more challenges and troubles than men. With time spent on solving problems, there would be no room for a good life.
With a smooth path available, there was no need to strain alone. Cooperation with Xiao Cheng was the best choice.
Xiao Cheng expressed his satisfaction with Bai Lu realizing he was reliable. "I have time."
Selecting a few reliable brothers wouldn't take much time, Bai Lu understood. "Then it's settled."
Xiao Cheng agreed, "Mm."
Bai Lu extended her hand, "Manager Xiao, a pleasant collaboration."
Xiao Cheng looked at the small hand before him, slowly reaching out and gripping it gently. "Pleasant collaboration."
Bai Lu, looking at his hand, suddenly remembered something, "Is your back wound healed? Do you still feel pain? Do you need another application of medicinal liquor?"
Considering the recovery speed she witnessed last night, it should be almost healed. Applying or not wouldn't matter.
Xiao Cheng, no stranger to injuries, knew that the small wound on his back should have healed by now. "Not sure."
Bai Lu, unconsciously moving towards his collar, quickly retracted her hand.
She was facing a big shot, not a child.
Her subconscious actions were too natural!
Bai Lu deeply reflected on her mistake and spoke sincerely, "Take off your top. Let me check the wound. If it's healed, there's no need for more medicinal liquor."
Xiao Cheng, realizing the contrast between the sober and drunk treatments, calmly began unbuttoning.
The room fell into a quiet state, with only the sound of buttons being undone, not too gently.
Under the bright light, Bai Lu saw the nearly healed traces on Xiao Cheng's back and sighed in relief.
"It's healed. No need for more application."
Xiao Cheng, looking at the roses blooming under the moonlight outside the window, spoke in a natural tone, "I still feel pain."
Bai Lu wasn't sure if he had injured the bone. She lightly pressed the faint scar. "Does it hurt?"
Xiao Cheng, refusing to lose face, admitted, "Hurts."
Bai Lu changed her position and pressed the area around the scar, asking, "What about here?"
"Pain."
"What about here?"
"Pain."
"And here?"
"Pain."
Bai Lu stood behind Xiao Cheng, unable to see his facial expressions. She pressed several positions around the scar, and he consistently claimed to feel pain. Unconsciously, she moved to a farther position.
"What about here?"
Xiao Cheng's nerves had been following the soft fingertips on his back, not misled by subconscious actions.
"Can't feel anything."
Bai Lu, sensing the displeasure of being treated like a fool, silently withdrew her hand from his shoulder.
Opening a small bottle, she poured medicinal liquor into her palm and began massaging his back. "Maybe you injured the bone. It takes a hundred days to heal tendons and bones. Tonight, let's apply it again. Tomorrow, I'll buy some bones and make soup for you to nourish."
Her tone was calm, like discussing daily affairs. Her slender figure was reflected on the open window, blurry yet clear.
It resembled a considerate wife caring for her husband.
Xiao Cheng, looking at the vivid roses, softly said, "Okay."
The gentle massage dispersed the pain, whether replaced by pleasure or the gentle touch of small, boneless hands.
In the backyard, the small river welcomed a big frog, croaking to inform its nearby friends of the new guest. The crickets in the vegetable garden chirped, perhaps to welcome or warn the potential threat of a new neighbor.
The little fish, in their territory with a new neighbor, continued their carefree play. Bubbles rose joyfully, kissing the moonlight.
Outside the window, everything was peaceful and auspicious. Inside, in the tranquility, the atmosphere silently drew closer.
After applying the medicinal liquor, Bai Lu watched Xiao Cheng put on his clothes and escorted him to the door, bidding him goodnight.
Xiao Cheng had heard White Dew say goodnight many times but had only heard her say goodnight. He didn't know what it meant.
He thought it probably meant saying goodbye at night, so he naturally responded, "Goodnight."
—May 29, 1997, clear, Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu installed their first television at home.
After discussing with Wu Xiuyun and Yu Fugui, they decided on a 21-inch new television.
The next morning, when coming to Bai Lu's house to get chestnuts, Yu Fugui arranged to go to the city with Xiao Cheng to buy the TV.
After Bai Lu mentioned the candied chestnut teaching plan, Wu Xiuyun was thrilled. On the spot, she expressed her desire to learn.
The hard-earned opportunity had come. Even though their budget was not too generous with the new TV, saving a bit would allow them to come up with three thousand. This deal was guaranteed to bring in profits.
Wu Xiuyun postponed setting up her stall, went home first to get money to sign up for the candied chestnut teaching. After signing up, she realized that she and Yu Fugui were family—two potential customers.
After some hesitation, Wu Xiuyun couldn't help but ask for a favor from Bai Lu, "Bai Lu, since Fugui and I are family... can you count us as one person for the tuition?"
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