Chapter 0010: Close Friends

After hanging up the phone, Zhuang Rui left a note for his mother, put on the wool hat knitted by his older sister, tucked a pack of Zhonghai cigarettes into his pocket, locked the door, and went out. Due to the heavy snowfall, there were many people taking taxis, and Zhuang Rui stood by the roadside for a long time without being able to hail one. He decided to leisurely walk towards the flower and bird market with an umbrella, as it wasn't very far; it would take just over ten minutes on foot to get there.

Zhuang Rui had visited this place several times before, and each time it was bustling with crowds and lively. Sometimes it was so crowded that one could hardly move. However, during this period, there had been several days of heavy snowfall, and most small vendors had not set up their stalls. Only a few people had set up stalls under shops where they had good relationships, while most people had taken refuge inside the shops to keep warm, making it much quieter than usual

Zhuang Rui had just picked up the phone and had not yet brought it to his ear when he heard a shout coming from the receiver. Without needing to ask, he knew it was definitely that guy Liu Chuan; he always shouted when making a call. Last year, when he returned home, Liu Chuan called and was answered by his mother, who later called him over and scolded him for a long time while holding his ear.

Liu Chuan's pet shop is approximately over 20 square meters. When he purchased it, it cost only around 70,000 to 80,000 yuan. Now, if he were to sell it, there would be buyers eager to pay 300,000 yuan. This has only been about four to five years, which clearly illustrates how significantly property prices have increased

Liu Chuan's mother and Zhuo's mother are colleagues. From the third grade of elementary school until their high school graduation, they were classmates. One has a strong and impulsive personality, while the other is calm and steady. No one expected that they would get along so well. The elders from both families do not treat each other as outsiders; when mistakes are made, they still face consequences. In their childhood, Zhuo Rui was often disciplined by Liu Chuan's father, yet they still addressed each other as godmother and godfather when they met, and Zhuo Rui frequently had meals at Liu Chuan's home. No one expected that they would get along so well. The elders from both families do not treat each other as outsiders; when mistakes are made, they still face consequences. In their childhood, Zhuo Rui was often disciplined by Liu Chuan's father, yet they still addressed each other as godmother and godfather when they met, and Zhuo Rui frequently had meals at Liu Chuan's home.

It is rather strange that from elementary school to high school, Liu Chuan and Zhuang Rui were almost inseparable. The time Zhuang Rui spent on play was no less than that of Liu Chuan, yet his academic performance consistently ranked among the top few in the class, never falling out of the top three. In contrast, Liu Chuan often found himself in third place, albeit counting backward. He was even forced by his family to complete high school. From the relationship between these two, the saying "Those who are close to vermilion get stained red; those who are close to ink get stained black" is not absolute.

Liu Chuan, that fellow, was bent over in front of the computer, seemingly tinkering with something. Upon hearing the sound of the glass door, he didn't even lift his head and shouted, "We are out of stock in the store. If you need anything, just let me know, and you can come pick it up after the New Year."

In recent years, the gambling of cricket fights has become popular in places like Zhonghai and Zhejiang. Liu Chuan went to rural Shandong to collect a number of crickets. A few months ago, when he went to Zhonghai to deliver goods, he stayed for a few days in the winter-cool, summer-warm rental apartment of Zhonghai Zhuangrui. According to him, it is not that he cannot afford a hotel; when he arrives at a brother's home, there is no reason to stay outside.

The few cages sparsely arranged in the pet shop were all empty. With the New Year approaching and the continuous heavy snowfall, it was likely that he had little interest in doing business. A stove was burning inside, and the temperature was around twenty-seven or twenty-eight degrees. Upon entering the shop, Zhuang Rui immediately felt the warmth returning to his somewhat stiff face.

Is there a great general? I want one...

After calling Uncle De, Zhuang Rui felt a sense of relief. It was only then that he realized his stomach was growling. Looking at the time, it was already past 2 PM. In his excitement, he had actually forgotten to have lunch.

After graduating from high school, Liu Chuan's father found him several jobs, but he couldn't hold onto any of them for long. It was either that he couldn't stand his boss or he got into fights with his colleagues. Later, when the Pengcheng Flower and Bird Market was rebuilt, Liu Chuan, who had loved raising dogs and feeding cats since childhood, encouraged his family to buy a storefront there. He became his own boss and started selling pets, dealing in everything from cats and dogs to crickets and turtles. After a few years, he managed to earn quite a bit of money. Every day, he would strut around with his phone in hand, driving a second-hand Toyota, and anyone could tell that he was just a dog breeder.

"General? I still want... hey, it's you, just sit there and smoke. I'll finish this game..."

Liu Chuan first vented his frustrations, then his eyes lit up as he said: "You might as well quit that job. If you keep at it, you might end up risking your life one day. Honestly, brother, come work with me! We haven't been together for years, and I feel off no matter what I do. Your mind is sharper than mine; if you join this line of work, I guarantee our shop will be the only one of its kind in Pengcheng."

If you don't go to university, I'm afraid even my father won't spare you. By the way, my mother also said you are ungrateful; you came but didn't go to see her at home. How can someone who is retired be so nagging! I couldn't stand it, which is why I came to the store

He looked up at the window; outside, the cold wind howled, and the snow fell increasingly heavier. Zhuang Rui had no desire to go out for a meal, so he simply went to the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, took out a pack of frozen dumplings, and put them in the pot. Then he peeled a few cloves of garlic and crushed them with a mortar, adding sesame oil, vinegar, and other seasonings. Once the dumplings were cooked, he ate them while they were still hot

Zhuang Rui had just finished eating and tidying up the dishes. He was about to continue organizing his grandfather's letters, hoping to find something valuable, when the phone at home rang.

Hey, are you at home? You little rascal! It's been two days since you got back, and you haven't even said a word to me. Come by my shop later; let's have a drink tonight. After that, I'll take you to the sauna for a good steam. This damn weather is freezing cold.

The flower and bird market in Pengcheng is connected to the antique market, divided into several sections including pets, birds, flowers, antiques, jade, calligraphy and painting, books, and stamps. Established merchants either rent or purchase shops, while some enthusiasts set up stalls in the aisles between the shops. Each day, they only need to pay a small management fee to the market management office.

Zhuang Rui jokingly said that the last time Liu Chuan went to Shanghai, he whispered in his ear for several days, saying that when he was collecting crickets in Shandong, he was a few days late, and a large general was taken by someone else first. At that moment, he looked more dejected than if his wife had been taken away by someone else

... ...

Upon arriving at Liu Chuan's pet shop, Zhuang Rui noticed an elderly lady standing at the entrance. She appeared to be in her fifties, dressed simply yet neatly, holding a floral cloth bag. There seemed to be a hint of sorrow on her face, but Zhuang Rui paid her no mind and directly pushed open the glass door, walking inside.

Zhuang Rui lit a cigarette, pushed Liu Chuan's hand away, and lay back on the sofa in the shop. His smoking habit was not strong; he only smoked when he was in a good mood or feeling very depressed. There were times when he could go four or five days without finishing a pack of cigarettes.

Ding ding ding ... ...

As the year-end approaches, although heavy snow is falling outside, there are quite a few pedestrians on the road, strolling and observing. Before long, they arrive at the street where the flower and bird market is located

Not so delicate, the injuries have mostly healed. You are quite comfortable, kid. If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have gone to university; it would have been great to do things together with you! You've even started using a computer; I didn't notice that! You are indeed keeping up with the trends

Liu Chuan's father transitioned from the military to work at the Pengcheng City Public Security Bureau when Liu Chuan was eight years old. Growing up in the military compound, Liu Chuan's personality closely resembles that of his father. When faced with disputes, he generally resorts to using his fists to express his reasoning, and his interest in studying is far less than his enthusiasm for the games in the arcade on the street.

Liu Chuan saw that it was Zhuang Rui, and tossed over a pack of cigarettes. Zhuang Rui leaned in to take a look and couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation. This guy was actually playing Super Mario, an old-school game, and surprisingly, he was thoroughly enjoying it.

Damn it, you haven't cleared the level again. I told you, you little brat, you come back and don't even report to me. If it weren't for me bringing it up, I wouldn't have known until now. I heard from your mother that you got shot a while ago. Are you alright? Let me see, let me see... Liu Chuan threw down the game controller in his hand and walked over to Zhuang Rui. After snatching the cigarette from Zhuang Rui's hand, he insisted on checking the wound on the back of his head.