Chapter 003: In Dreams, I Have Remembered a Thousand Times

However, Zhang Sheng still experienced the formidable prowess of Deputy Director Cui. Despite the fact that Fatty Guo had a heart condition, Miss Cui Zhiyan fully utilized her unyielding determination, negotiating with the laid-off workers from noon until evening. They meticulously debated every detail, to the point where both parties were mentally exhausted. They ultimately agreed to leave behind all the tables and chairs, and even offered to hand over the chimney that extended to the rooftop, which allowed them to finally extricate themselves.

Zheng Xiaolu raised her head, smiled gently, and revealed her charming dimples on her cheeks: "Brother Zhang, I have made plans to go shopping with a friend. Let's chat another day when there's a chance. I'm leaving now!"

The demeanor of a mature man and the confidence of a successful man cannot be merely portrayed through height, appearance, or by striking a few cool and handsome poses

In the future, one will inevitably encounter a second girl who captivates one's heart. What if, at that time, there is a competitor with superior conditions? What does it mean that true love is priceless? If both a wealthy man and a beggar genuinely love the same girl, and if this girl prioritizes true feelings above all else, whom will she choose?

It is Zheng Xiaolu, who is wearing a light gray fleece coat. It is evident that the coat is quite old, with the edges worn and faded, yet it is very clean and well-pressed. The sweater collar wraps around her slender neck, her face is rosy and radiant, and her long eyelashes flutter charmingly. Upon seeing the girl he admires, Zhang Sheng's face turned red, and as he gazed at her smile, his heart floated lightly like the snowflakes outside.

Not to mention others, even Zheng Xiaolu herself noticed that special feeling. Her cheeks turned slightly red, and she seemed a bit uncomfortable. However, that slightly shy expression, combined with her dance and delicate beauty, made it seem only natural for the audience below to focus the spotlight on her. Therefore, apart from the small sense of unease in Zheng Xiaolu's heart, no one noticed the feelings that were quietly growing in Zhang Sheng's heart. Zhang Sheng's nervousness, which had arisen from a moment of impulse, finally began to calm down.

Recalling these past events, Zhang Sheng smiled bitterly. They truly were a match; Zheng Xiaolu had already found her happiness in life. But what about him? He still had nothing. If he had not been so humble back then, would he have had the courage to confess his feelings and pursue her?

Guo Pangzi sighed and said: "What else can I do? I am a wealthy person in body but a poor person in spirit, unable to do anything. I will go back and discuss with my wife; we cannot just sit idly by and eat away our savings. I will first help my wife with her stall, or perhaps go to the countryside to assist my father-in-law with some farming. Then I will slowly think of a way forward. What about you?"

Zhang Sheng was backstage adjusting the lights. One of the performances was a large-scale dance that the union had organized, featuring some of the young female workers from the factory who had rehearsed for a long time. It almost included all the beautiful women in the factory. They wore high boots, long tailcoats that reached their knees, and tall top hats. With their slender figures and shy smiles, the male attire they donned exuded a certain alluring charm. Even before they began to dance, the workers in the audience were already cheering loudly and whistling.

Zhang Sheng hurriedly said: "You go ahead with your tasks, we can chat when you have time"

The female workers' dormitory is not located within the factory area; it takes more than twenty minutes to ride there. Along the way, Zhang Sheng couldn't help but steal glances at Zheng Xiaolu, who was cycling beside him. She was wearing a pink down coat, which, although bulky, could not conceal her graceful and slender figure. The shimmering snow on her hood contrasted beautifully with her delicate cheeks, leaving Zhang Sheng feeling delighted and inexplicably filled with joy.

When Zhang Sheng left, Zheng Xiaolu noticed that he was not wearing gloves, so she brought him the woolen gloves she had knitted herself. Although she returned them the next day, Zhang Sheng remembered very clearly that they were a pair of black women's woolen gloves, with white plum blossoms embroidered on the back.

Zhang Sheng was pondering whether the development of the bridge area was genuine and how to leverage this crucial information for wealth. Meanwhile, Guo Pangzi was contemplating whether to return to the suburbs to farm with his in-laws. However, it was a difficult decision... Sigh, it was not easy for his wife to escape the circle of farmers, and she would likely find it hard to cope with that.

Encountering the girl of his dreams by chance ignited Zhang Sheng's ambition and strengthened his determination to fight. He silently vowed to himself: "As long as I am willing to strive, I too can win! I will not remain so humble forever. This opportunity, no matter what, I must seize it!"

As Zhang Sheng returned home, there was wind on the road, and snow in the wind. However, the cold wind felt warm against his chest, and the snowflakes melted on his face, leaving a sweet sensation. After the car was parked securely in the garage, Zhang Sheng paused for a moment on the platform between the first and second floors. In a secluded corner, he gently caressed his frostbitten face with his gloved hand, feeling an exquisite tenderness.

Guo Pangzi nodded and after a moment of silence said: "I will head back first, my wife is setting up a stall at the Erlu Small Commodity Market, I will go help her out and chat with her a bit"

These two individuals lack experience in running a restaurant and have few social connections. If they are allowed to continue, they can only wait for their demise. If it leads to a fatal incident, it would be a loss that cannot be compensated. Moreover, even a rabbit will bite when cornered. In recent years, there have been numerous reports in the news about small individuals who, driven to desperation, resorted to murder or suicide. These two fellows know Ye Zhiqiu's residence. If they decide they no longer wish to live and come to stab him, who would be there to seek justice?

Zhang Sheng nodded and said, "Alright, go ahead. I will also think about my future. Let's find an opportunity to gather again"

Zheng Xiaolu and he were both employees of the Sanxing Printing Factory. After the factory became a joint venture, it was renamed Dasyuan Color Printing Factory. Zhang Sheng was laid off, while Zheng Xiaolu was retained as an employee. She is a very understanding girl, and upon seeing Zhang Sheng's awkwardness, she immediately skillfully changed the subject.

Now the opportunity has arrived, and there are still few who know about the development of Qiaoxi. If this opportunity can be seized and utilized well, one's life may change because of this unintentional discovery, leading to a completely different path.

At the beginning, it was only Zhang Sheng and Guo Panzai, a pair of idiots with no business experience, who believed in the beautiful blueprint painted by Ye Zhiqiu. They were also unable to negotiate prices, which is why they ended up renting the property at such a high price and were misled into signing a two-year contract.

Zhang Sheng's thoughts were in turmoil as he rode his bicycle home for a while, then reconsidered and turned towards the west side of the bridge. After riding for a bit, he turned back again. After this back-and-forth for some time, he finally made up his mind to first head to the suburban area west of the bridge to take a look.

Opening | Bud, in fact, both men and women experience it once; for women, it is physical, while for men, it is spiritual

As he watched the young woman walk away, a hint of loneliness appeared in Zhang Sheng's eyes

The hardships of life tell him that life consists of the essentials such as rice, oil, and salt, while romance is merely a form of diversion. Ultimately, to be loved by others, one must first love oneself and possess the qualities that make one worthy of admiration.

"What do you think they look like?" Guo, the chubby man, exclaimed with sparkling eyes, instantly casting aside his worries. His gaze was drawn to the two bouncing mounds of flesh, and he foolishly followed the beautiful woman's graceful figure, exclaiming, "On such a hot day, those women still wear bras; they must not feel the heat at all"

As Zhang Sheng rode through several streets, he suddenly spotted a familiar figure by the roadside. She was wearing a light yellow dress, walking gracefully, her slender waist swaying and her long legs moving in a rhythm. Although the weather was hot, the sight of her beauty felt like a refreshing breeze sweeping through his heart.

Zhang Sheng smiled bitterly and said: "Me? I still don't have a goal, I'll take my time to find one, there will always be a way!"

After weighing the pros and cons, Ye Zhiqiu ultimately accepted his sister-in-law's advice and finally relented, agreeing to terminate the contract

The two individuals shook hands, each mounted their bicycles, and rode off in opposite directions

Occasionally, as she gracefully turned her hat, the light illuminated the sweet dimples on her cheeks, and Zhang Sheng felt a sweet intoxication in his heart. However, his instinctive actions became too conspicuous when the lights went completely dark. The stage was enveloped in pitch blackness, with only a single beam of light shining on that dancing sprite, transforming the group dance into Zheng Xiaolu's solo performance

In any case, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In Zhang Sheng's eyes, even Zheng Xiaolu's toes are undoubtedly crystal clear and extraordinarily exquisite

Zheng Xiaolu has always been unaware that Zhang Sheng has a secret crush on her. Zhang Sheng harbors a very special feeling for Zheng Xiaolu; she is beautiful and pure. However, there are other lovely women who are just as charming, yet none of them evoke such profound feelings in Zhang Sheng. It is a soul-stirring sensation, which could be described as love at first sight.

During the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Samsung Printing Factory, the factory prepared a grand celebration evening. The event was performed by the factory workers themselves, many of whom were quite talented, showcasing a variety of performances including Erhu, Guzheng, songs, and cross-talk, among others

You may mock the wealthy to demonstrate your superiority, but what do you, who possess nothing, have to prove that you are a capable adult? Can merely uttering the words "I love you" without shame truly bring happiness to others?

Zhang Sheng possesses considerable inner talent. He has read extensively and his skills in writing and calligraphy are comparable to those of graduates from formal universities. He also has excellent handwriting, and during his time at the workplace, he was often assigned tasks that were typically the responsibility of the office. For instance, the bulletin board in the factory area was originally Zheng Xiaolu's job, but she often asked him to assist her. Zhang Sheng felt extremely happy to be able to work alongside the girl he admired.

After dismissing the workers, the two impoverished owners calculated their accounts. After six months of operation, one lost 3,800 yuan, while each retrieved 9,000 yuan of their initial capital. The two weary individuals left the small restaurant they had struggled for half a year, walking down the street as if in a dream

The restaurant incident was successfully resolved due to Guo Panzai's "deathly admonition". The landlord's family likely discussed this matter thoroughly; this area is indeed not prosperous. Most of the surrounding restaurants are privately owned, without the pressure of rent, earning whatever they can. Even those who do rent probably pay around 1,000 yuan.

Zheng Xiaolu!" Zhang Sheng instinctively called out, and as soon as the words left his mouth, he immediately felt a twinge of regret

The girl in front turned her head and, upon seeing him, immediately broke into a sweet smile: "Brother Zhang, what a coincidence! Where are you headed?"

Inhaling the faint, delicate fragrance from Xiao Lu, gazing at her sweet smile, and listening to her melodious voice, Zhang Sheng felt dizzy in his mind. She may not be a celestial being descended from the heavens, but in Zhang Sheng's heart, she was an angel fallen to the mortal realm, unparalleled and unmatched. Thus, as long as she was by his side, even the chalk dust in his nose felt as fragrant as fresh flowers.

Regarding the development zone, Zhang Sheng did not intend to conceal it from his old friend; rather, the matter is still in its infancy. He has a gut feeling that this is a rare opportunity, but he has not yet figured out any concrete plans or how to operate and utilize it. The risks are significant, so it is naturally inconvenient to discuss it with Guo the Fat.

With one hand holding a top hat, she gracefully stepped to the rhythm, occasionally exchanging hats with others. Although they were amateurs, their dancing was quite captivating. The lights would sometimes illuminate fully and at other times switch to spotlights. The only spotlight was under Zhang Sheng's control, consistently focused on Zheng Xiaolu. Despite wearing the same outfit and sharing the same height, there was something about her that exuded a unique charm.

Her calves are elegantly curved, and as the hem of her skirt sways, the fair skin of her calves reveals just how long and graceful her thighs are, perfectly proportioned. Additionally, beneath her dress, her delicate bosom and slender waist, along with her high and firm bust, create a soft, almost undulating sensation as she walks, captivating all who gaze upon her.

Zheng Xiaolu's smile is very sweet, sweet enough to make Zhang Sheng's heart flutter. When she smiles, her eyes resemble crescent moons, and on her cheeks are a pair of shallow dimples, as if all the honey in the world has been poured into them, along with her voice. It is absolutely a four-plus rating

In fact, although the wiring in the female workers' dormitory is somewhat outdated, it is not too serious. Zhang Sheng conducted a thorough inspection, replaced the fuses with thicker ones, and repaired a problem where a wire had been improperly pulled out. The issue was resolved in less than an hour.

In this world, the only things that are difficult to extricate oneself from, apart from teeth, are probably love. Among the various aspects of love, the most unforgettable is first love. For a man, it is the first awakening of the deeply touching essence of the soul, akin to the feeling of a bud blooming; it happens only once and will never occur again.

However, as for unrequited love, Zhang Sheng would never think of possessing it. The disparity in their identities is too great; she is so beautiful, while he is just a lackluster electrician with little prospect. His only privilege is to enjoy the joy of his unrequited love.

Do you remember last winter, when snow was falling outside? Zhang Sheng was idly chatting with Guo Pangzi in the electrical class, waiting for the end of the workday. At that moment, a pleasant girl's voice came from the doorway: "Is Brother Zhang there? Brother Zhang, the wiring in our dormitory building is aging, and during winter, people often use electric heaters. When the circuit trips, it plunges everything into darkness, which is quite frightening. Could you take a look when you have some time?"

The two individuals conversed for a while about the changes in the factory. Zheng Xiaolu glanced down at her watch; her hair was styled in a ponytail. As she lowered her head, a portion of her graceful neck was revealed, smooth and fair, giving an exceptionally delicate impression. Zhang Sheng couldn't help but steal a lingering glance.

Under the overpass ahead, a beautiful woman with long legs and a slim waist gracefully walked by, wearing shorts and a light top in the sweltering summer heat. Her pale yellow top was somewhat transparent, revealing the color of her white bra underneath. The bra was thin, proudly accentuating her curves, and as she moved her long legs, they swayed delicately, exuding a rich texture

Under the scorching sun, Zhang Sheng walked listlessly. He wanted to go home first, yet he also wished to take a stroll in the west of the bridge, a place he had hardly ever visited. He wanted to understand the situation there before contemplating where his opportunities might lie

Zhang Sheng's soul was offered to Zheng Xiaolu, but unfortunately, she was completely unaware. Zhang Sheng's unrequited love amounted to little more than watching her from a distance and thinking about her. This kind of love without interaction is akin to self-indulgence

From that day on, a pair of perfectly matched lovers appeared together, and Zhang Shenglian's secret crush was shattered.

Later, the financial director Mai Xiaoqi began to pursue Zheng Xiaolu. At just thirty years old, Director Mai was handsome and accomplished. Although he had been divorced, this did not diminish his charm in the slightest. He was a mature and easygoing man, and in his presence, Zhang Sheng was merely a boy.

Zhang Sheng got off the bicycle and stammered, "Oh, I... I don't... have anything in particular, just wandering around."

It was he who first proposed opening a restaurant, but that was merely an impulsive idea, without any thorough investigation. He hastily invested the settlement funds, and although it was previously agreed that he would bear the risks himself, he still felt guilty towards Guo Panzai. This time the risks were even greater, and he dared not casually involve his friends.

He is already 24 years old and has never been with a woman; even a dog should be taken out to mate by now. How could he not have any thoughts about it

He quickly stood up, approached, and said: "Oh, no problem, let's go and take a look!"

Zhang Sheng slapped him and said, "If she doesn't wear it, you'll get hot! So, have you thought about what to do next?" While speaking, his eyes were fixated on the girl's fair, exposed thighs and the tightly fitting red hot pants that accentuated her perky beauty.

If Zhang Sheng's brain is a disk, then Zheng Xiaolu is one of the most special sections within it. Whatever pertains to Zheng Xiaolu, even the most minute details, are clearly remembered by Zhang Sheng.