Hualing and her family indeed hosted two or three tables at the Joy Soon Loy Restaurant, inviting everyone for a boisterous al, and as for the dishes, Hualing is soone who cares about face, so they were all top-notch.
Just before settling the bill, Qiulan ca to Cheng Su and said a few words, and Cheng Su pursed her lips, deciding to offer a twenty percent discount and round off the final sum.
What Qiulan ntioned wasn’t anything new; she had noticed Chen Shouwang looking bitterly at the bill, finding it quite embarrassing. He probably thought it was too expensive and felt financially strapped, which is why she inford Cheng Su.
After returning ho, Cheng Su recounted this incident to Qi Taiguo.
"At the banquet, you could see him grinning ear to ear, genuinely happy. But when it was ti to settle the bill, his expression turned sour. No doubt the pressure on him is quite significant. Tonight, I noticed even his temples had turned slightly gray." Particularly, Hualing is known to pride herself on appearances, and the dishes ordered were not inexpensive.
Qi Taiguo comnted, "After that incident, he was demoted, and his allowance has beco smaller, even more so now with a child, more expenses to cover, household costs too; if anything happened at ho, it would be another bill, naturally tough to handle."
Cheng Su was naturally aware, Hualing is just a nurse, earning a fixed salary; how much could she possibly afford to squander?
"It’s tough!" She sighed.
Poverty-stricken couples find sorrow in everything; it doesn’t seem apparent now, but when financial constraints hit hard, conflicts will increase due to money. Especially with what Chen Shouwang did before, even if Hualing seems unaffected right now, the thorn is still there; no matter how well she pretends, it can still sting once in a while.
So, will Hualing always avoid bringing this up in the future?
Cheng Su didn’t think so.
"Now, Chen Shouwang seems to be following Hualing’s every word, but just wait, as ti goes on, ha." Cheng Su smirked.
Qi Taiguo glanced over, "Why do it seem like you’re eagerly waiting to watch things turn awkward, wanting calamity to strike?"
Cheng Su’s face grew warm, glaring, "Get lost! Do you think I’m that kind of person? I’m just discussing the matter as it is!"
Qi Taiguo managed a smile that wasn’t quite a smile.
Just when he was about to speak, they heard the sound of shattering glass coming from next door, along with faint quarrelling voices.
The couple exchanged looks.
"See, see, wasn’t I right!" Cheng Su chuckled softly.
Money can make many people laugh, but it can also make many people cry.
And money serves as a ’magic mirror’ for marriage life, in this world, it’s common for couples to end up in discord due to financial disputes.
The saying "poverty-stricken couples find sorrow in everything" wasn’t uttered for no reason, but rather it’s a ti-honored truth passed down through generations.
Qi Taiguo listened attentively; the quarrel next door was brief, likely because they didn’t want to scare the child, so the voices quieted down. Thinking about Chen Shouwang’s attitude after that incident, no need to look; he’s probably lowering himself for Hualing.
He sighed, hesitating for a mont before saying, "There’s no hope for Chen Shouwang’s future. Next year, there will be old soldiers replaced by new ones in the army, and another batch will be transitioning back to civilian life, just like the initial nomination list I saw, he’s on it."
Cheng Su was taken aback, "What?"
"Actually, since there’s no chance for a promotion, he’s better off transitioning, maybe find sothing to do. Transitioning isn’t necessarily bad, like Old Zhou; hasn’t he managed to do quite well? Given an opportunity, he might finally hold his head high, right?" Qi Taiguo said.
But Cheng Su replied, "That’s all dependent on one’s character, not everyone can succeed in business!"
"That’s true, but don’t ntion this to Hualing now, as nothing’s decided!"
Cheng Su nodded, yet her brow furrowed, and only after a long pause did she let out a deep breath.
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