TL: Etude
"Brother Hai, that five hundred yuan you gave me last time has almost run out," Fang Aiguo said, pulling out a few tens of yuan from his pocket and handing them to Chen Jianghai. "This is all that's left, oh, right, I made a list, take a look."
Chen Jianghai smiled and pushed the money back, saying, "What are you doing? If anything, I should be the one giving you money. You've collected so much stuff for me; you should get some compensation for your troubles."
"Brother Hai, what are you doing?" Fang Aiguo's eyes widened as he pouted. "Picking up this stuff was just a matter of convenience; how can I ask you for a hardship fee! Besides, you've already given me quite a bit."
Chen Jianghai shook his head and said earnestly, "Aiguo, we need to talk about this properly. Clear accounts keep good friends!"
Fang Aiguo was going to refuse, but a single sentence from Chen Jianghai dispelled his intention.
"If you consider me a brother, then accept this money!" Chen Jianghai said with a stern face.
"Alright, Brother Hai, since you put it that way, I'll listen to you and take it," Fang Aiguo grinned broadly.
Who wouldn't be happy to earn money?
Fang Aiguo was indeed happy at the moment, but Chen Jianghai was feeling a bit gloomy.
Where should all these household appliances be stored?
"Looks like I need to find a place to use as a warehouse first."
After moving a black and white television, Chen Jianghai murmured to himself.
Hearing this, Fang Aiguo quickly said, "Brother Hai, why look for a warehouse? There's an empty room in my house, just use that!"
"Where is it?" Chen Jianghai didn't bother to stand on ceremony with Fang Aiguo and hurriedly asked.
"It's near my convenience store. In the future, when I collect old appliances, I can just put them there."
Seeing him say this, Chen Jianghai suddenly felt that this guy probably had this plan all along.
He just chose to avoid any misunderstanding, so he didn't offer until now.
Chen Jianghai certainly didn't mind; on the contrary, he was quite happy for Fang Aiguo.
Fang Aiguo had always seemed carefree and unguarded.
But now it seemed that after spending some time walking the streets, this good brother had grown a lot.
There were more important things Chen Jianghai had in mind to entrust to him in the future, so he was naturally pleased to see such growth.
"How much is the rent?" Chen Jianghai then asked.
Fang Aiguo was startled, then waved his hand nonchalantly, "Brother Hai, what rent are you talking about? Just use it, no need to worry."
"You little rascal."
Chen Jianghai pointed a finger at him, "Is that house yours? It's your parents', what does it have to do with you?"
"My parents' is mine, isn't it?" Fang Aiguo said as if it were self-evident.
"Of course not."
Chen Jianghai said seriously, "The house is currently your parents', we need their consent, especially since it's not just for a day or two."
"Let's do this; go back and ask your parents what they think is a fair monthly rent."
Fang Aiguo said reluctantly, "Brother Hai, is that really necessary?"
"Trust me, it's the right thing to do," Chen Jianghai said firmly.
Seeing Chen Jianghai insist, Fang Aiguo didn't want to argue about it any further, "Alright, I'll go back and ask, and I'll make sure to give you the best price."
"Aiguo, let your parents decide, don't say too much."
Chen Jianghai couldn't help but remind him again.
"Alright, I got it."
Fang Aiguo waved confidently, hauling away a cart full of appliances.
...
"Hai bro, Hai bro!"
Chen Jianghai had just finished dismantling the TV and sorted the useful parts when Fang Aiguo's shouts suddenly came from outside.
Back so soon? Could something have happened?
Chen Jianghai felt a stir of unease and went out to check.
"What's the matter, Aiguo?"
Upon stepping outside, he saw Fang Aiguo rushing towards him, followed by two others—it was his father, Fang Jiafu, and his mother, Huang Shuifeng, each carrying something in their hands.
Fang Jiafu was holding a small rooster and two bottles of wine, while Huang Shuifeng was carrying a bag of fruit.
Seeing Chen Jianghai, Fang Aiguo motioned with his mouth towards his parents and said somewhat sheepishly, "Hai bro, my parents insisted on coming over to see you, I couldn't stop them."
"Jianghai, this is a little token of our appreciation, you must accept it."
Fang Jiafu put down the rooster and stuffed the bottles of wine directly into Chen Jianghai's hands.
Chen Jianghai was still a bit stunned, it was he who had initially insisted on the visit, so why were they bringing him gifts now?
He quickly tried to refuse, "Uncle, Auntie, what is this about?"
Fang Jiafu followed with, "Jianghai, we came today especially to thank you."
And Huang Shuifeng quickly added, "Yes, Aiguo told us all about it, we really owe it to you for making him see sense."
Hearing Fang Aiguo's parents saying this, Chen Jianghai finally understood and laughed, "Auntie, you're joking. It's all Aiguo's own ability, I didn't do much."
"Hey, no matter what, we have to thank you for making Aiguo realize the importance of earning money. You should continue to guide our Aiguo in the future," Fang Jiafu said with deep gratitude.
After all, their son used to idle around the house, unwilling to help out in the shop and always dreaming of making big money. They had given up hope on his change, and now that he was finally willing to do something, they were naturally relieved.
Seeing that he couldn't decline their offer, Chen Jianghai finally said, "Uncle, Auntie, why don't you come in and sit down?"
"No need, we won't come in," Fang Jiafu waved his hand.
Huang Shuifeng also nodded quickly, "Right, right! We won't come in. Next time, when you're free, we'll have Aiguo invite you and Wanqiu over for a meal."
"This..."
Chen Jianghai was about to refuse when Fang Jiafu interrupted him.
"Alright, Jianghai, let's settle it this way, we'll be taking our leave now!"
After saying this, he quickly left with his wife and son.
Chen Jianghai looked at the chicken and fruit in his hands and couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.
He had planned to buy groceries, but now there was no need—the groceries had been delivered to his door.
Rolling up his sleeves, he picked up the kitchen knife, ready to prepare the meal!
...
"Eh, Jianghai, why did you buy a chicken today? Do we have guests?"
That evening, upon seeing the braised chicken on the table, Lin Wanqiu asked curiously.
In those days, such dishes were only served during festivals or when guests came.
Chen Jianghai shook his head, "No, it was given by Aiguo's parents, I couldn't refuse it."
"Fang Aiguo?"
Lin Wanqiu was momentarily stunned, then she realized, "I didn't expect that. That kid is usually so blunt, but he knows how to be courteous."
Chen Jianghai smiled and said, "Ah, he's not that thoughtful. It was his parents who came over today and insisted on giving them to me. There's also fruit and wine."
"Should we find a time to invite them over for a meal then?" Lin Wanqiu suggested.
After all, such were the niceties of society.
"Mm."
Chen Jianghai nodded in agreement.
After dinner, the two started to clean up. They were going back to her parents' house tomorrow.
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