dognovel Chapter 488 The Old Way of Slacking Off
Chapter 488 The Old Way of Slacking Off
The sun sank completely below the western horizon, and the last glimmer of magnificent sunset was quietly swallowed by the deep blue sky.
The sky wasn't completely dark yet; a faint, ink-wash-like gray-blue hue remained, and the outlines of distant islands could be vaguely seen.
Several impatient stars have already peeked out from the high heavens.
Xu Yiyi stood behind the counter, frantically tapping the abacus.
"Anyang, go and call Lao Lu here," she ordered without looking up.
"Okay! Coming right away."
Xu Anyang quickly took the empty tray and headed to the backyard.
From the end of the first hour of the lunar month to the beginning of the second hour of the lunar month, a full hour, the old man lay on the wall, dawdling.
Xu Anyang approached and discovered that the wall had already been built.
Old Lu, however, dawdled and refused to get down. He pulled out a plate of peanuts from somewhere and started chewing them one by one.
After chewing, they would spit the peanut skins into the neighbor's yard with a "pfft," or throw the peanuts over the wall.
Every now and then, the food would hit the waiter who came to bring out the dishes, and also the large water vats at the entrance, making soft thuds.
From the neighboring courtyard, one could faintly hear complaints. They were clearly annoyed by Lao Lu, but dared not say anything due to his intimidating reputation and the tense relationship between the two families who were currently competing.
Xu Anyang stood at the foot of the wall and immediately spotted Lao Lu leisurely sitting on the top of the wall, preparing to throw peanuts over there.
He shook his head helplessly and called out, "Old Lu! Sister Yi is calling you!"
Old Lu, who was on the wall, was aiming at the water tank next door. Upon hearing this, his hand trembled, and the peanut flew off course, landing somewhere unknown.
He quickly withdrew his head, the smugness on his face vanishing instantly. He pretended to start working, but his voice was a little weak: "Huh? Yi-yi called me? What's up? This wall... it's not completely finished yet, let me take another look, let me take another look..."
Xu Anyang walked closer to the wall, stepped onto a stool, and looked up at him.
Her tone was merciless: "Come on, Lao Lu, the wall you've built is almost as solid as the wall of the county jail. Hurry up and get down here, stop dawdling. The line of customers waiting to eat hot pot outside is almost all the way to the street corner. The front and back kitchens are so busy we're practically running ourselves ragged. Sister Yi is short-handed, so don't slack off here!"
Old Lu blushed at his words and chuckled awkwardly.
He nimbly slid down from the top of the wall and dusted off his hands.
He kept muttering to himself, "Who's slacking off? I'm being serious and meticulous. Take a good look at that wall..."
As he spoke, he hurriedly walked towards the front hall.
……
Just as Xu Anyang was about to place the dishes from the serving window onto the tray, there was a loud clatter.
The back door was pushed open.
Haisheng led several members of his clan in, carrying loads on their shoulders.
"Yangzi, where do we put this thing?" Haisheng asked, panting heavily.
The backyard was not as bright as the front hall, and when he first saw the sea snakes being carried by several people, he was so frightened that he trembled.
"Just... just put it on the ground for now, I'll go call Sister Yi..." With that, Xu Anyang quickly ran to the front hall.
"Sister Yi, Uncle Haisheng has brought over the cleaned sea snakes and is in the backyard."
As soon as she finished speaking, Xu Yiyi reached into the money box and took out the already filled money bag.
Turning to Old Lu, he instructed, "Quickly, light these lanterns..."
Xu Yiyi pointed to the lanterns used for lighting overhead. As soon as the sun set, the front hall became somewhat dark.
Her eyes were starting to blur from looking at the ledger.
After saying that, she took the money bag and went back to the backyard.
What came into view was a carrying pole on the ground, inside which were pieces of sea snake meat wrapped in clean leaves and coarse cloth.
It's been cleaned up.
The group of people still reeked of a strong fishy smell.
Xu Yiyi went up to take a look and saw that it had been cleaned very well, showing that it had been done with care.
Just as I was about to speak, I heard a noise from the back door.
Two uncles carrying wooden buckets swayed and walked in.
When he saw Xu Yiyi, he forced a smile, "These four buckets are all snake blood..."
With that, the wooden bucket was gently set down with a thud.
"Yi-yi, the snake meat and blood are already here. We kept the snake skin and the snake gall for ourselves," Haisheng quickly said.
She nodded, took out the money pouch she had prepared beforehand, weighed it in her hand, and handed it directly to Haisheng.
"Uncle Haisheng, thank you for your help. The extra amount is for your help with the sea snake's wages..."
The money pouch felt quite heavy. Hai Sheng squeezed it, opened it, and immediately looked surprised.
He quickly refused, "Yi Yi, this... this is too much. Sea snakes are caught from the sea and aren't worth this price. We're just dealing with them, how can we take so much money from you? Take some back!"
The two men next to him waved their hands repeatedly, feeling unworthy of the honor.
I felt that I had only put in some effort and shouldn't have received so much.
"Back on Snake Island, you saved us all. Otherwise, we would be dead by now. Last month, you also helped me salvage the sunken ship, which took a lot of effort. It wouldn't be right for me to take more of your money. Take it back... Uncle Haisheng, you can't take it..."
As he spoke, Haisheng was about to stuff the money bag back into his pocket.
Xu Yiyi insisted on giving it to her.
"Uncle Haisheng, you've saved me a lot of trouble by cleaning up the sea snakes in such a short time. This money isn't much, but it's payment for the goods, a reward, and a token of my appreciation. If you don't accept it, I won't dare trouble you again next time. Take it back and buy some things for your aunt and children, and get some rest too."
Her words were sincere and reasonable.
Haisheng pushed her several times, and seeing that Xu Yiyi's attitude was really firm, he knew that she genuinely wanted to thank them.
His eyes welled up slightly, and he sighed heavily. Finally, he tucked the money pouch into his pocket and said to Xu Yi, "You silly girl... sigh, Uncle Haisheng will shamelessly accept it. From now on, if there's anything good in the sea, you'll definitely get it first!"
Xu Yi smiled, then suddenly thought of something.
"Uncles, you've been busy for so long, I'm afraid you haven't had a chance to eat yet? Perfect timing, my restaurant is serving hot pot today, it's hot and fresh, uncles, if you don't mind, why don't you have some here and try it out?"
She pointed towards the front hall, where, despite the wall separating them, the lively voices and enticing aromas could still be faintly heard.
Upon hearing this, the group was taken aback.
They came to deliver goods, and receiving more wages than expected was already a pleasant surprise; it would be unreasonable for them to stay for a meal.
Besides, judging from the scene, the restaurant was doing a great job, and it wouldn't be appropriate for them to go in, given their smell of blood and sweat.
Haisheng quickly waved his hand: "No, no, we'll just grab something quick when we get back. We won't cause you any trouble; you're busy here."
“Don’t cause any trouble,” Xu Yiyi insisted. “There’s a stove in the backyard too. I’ll have someone set up a small pot for you. It’ll be ready soon. It’s freezing cold, and you’ve had a long day. Have something hot to warm you up. Consider it a way of letting you try out my new dish.”
She spoke gently, but those who knew her well knew that Xu Yiyi was inherently strong-willed.
The group looked at each other, their stomachs were indeed empty, and the aroma from the front hall was too enticing. Finally, they chuckled sheepishly, "Well... then we'll shamelessly mooch another meal off you! It's really... too much trouble for you."
Xu Yiyi smiled slightly and immediately called Xu Anyang over to make the arrangements together.
"Sister Yi? What can I do for you?" Xu Anyang put down the tray in her hand and walked into the clean and spacious room next door.
"Come over here and help me move the table aside."
This room is usually not used much; it's just used to store random things.
It got cold and the wind got strong.
It won't be good to eat in the yard anymore; if we squeeze in, we can fit three tables.
Then the restaurant staff can eat here.
Xu Yiyi explained, deftly moving some of the obstructing furniture to make room.
Since Uncle Haisheng and his group were staying for dinner, she and Xu Anyang set up two sturdy small square tables and brought over a few long benches.
Hai Sheng wiped his face, which was flushed from washing, walked to the door, and looked at them setting up two tables, somewhat puzzled.
The uncle spoke up, "Yiyi, there are only a few rough men like us. One table is enough. Why do we need two? Don't bother."
Xu Yiyi was wiping the table clean when she heard this. She looked up and explained, "One table might not be enough. Grandpa and Grandma are coming over from the island for dinner later, so let's set up two tables. It'll be more lively and spacious."
Haisheng suddenly realized.
"Then we'll probably have to wait a bit longer, since you, Uncle Pinghai, are still at the port."
Xu Yi nodded, instructing Fatty Wang to prepare the pot.
The table was set up, and the pot and clay stove were brought in. The charcoal fire was lit to keep the soup warm.
Xu Yiyi remembered something else and turned to ask the uncles who were curiously examining the specially made copper pot around the table:
"Hey uncles, wanna have a drink? I brewed a few jars of rice wine last month; it's quite sweet and refreshing, perfect for pairing with this pot of wine and warming you up."
The uncles, who were naturally fond of wine, all lit up when Xu Yiyi asked them this question.
Haisheng rubbed his hands a little embarrassedly: "Wine... of course we can drink a little. It's just... Yiyi, won't it be a waste for us roughnecks to drink your new wine?"
"Wine is made for people to drink, so why distinguish between fine and coarse wine?" Xu Yi smiled and turned to Xu Anyang, who was waiting at the door, and said, "Anyang, go to the wine cellar and bring over that jar of rice wine with the red paper label."
She remembered that the wine was exceptionally clear and sweet, perfect for pairing with the lively and fragrant hot pot.
Seeing how generous and straightforward she was, the uncles completely let go of their initial reservations and showed genuine smiles on their faces.
Xu Yiyi is a girl who is impeccable in her dealings with people and in her work.
A short while later, Xu Anyang came over carrying a wine jar.
The table was already piled high with dishes, and they were already eating.
He put down the wine jar and came out.
……
"Sister Yi, that kid Xu Yizhi keeps loitering around the door."
I just got the big teapot back.
As I passed the counter, I happened to see Xu Yiyi holding Wu Yuan, gently teasing the child's chubby chin with her fingers, making the little guy giggle.
A rare, gentle smile appeared on her face.
Xu Anyang paused, then leaned closer to Xu Yiyi and said, "This kid keeps peeking in, like he wants to come in but doesn't dare, acting all sneaky."
Xu Yiyi stopped teasing Wu Yuan, the gentleness on her face instantly fading, and she returned to her usual calm.
She looked up, her gaze drifting towards the doorway: "Oh? He's still wandering around town?"
“Hmm,” Xu Anyang nodded, “It looks like…they’re tempted by the smell of our hot pot, but they’re afraid of being kicked out.”
A few days ago, Xu Ming spent a lot of money to get Xu Yizhi into the school run by Zhao Xiucai on East Street in the town.
Rulan was his precious daughter, and he would personally deliver her to the school gate every morning. At noon, fearing that the school's food might not suit his taste, he would often bring her a food box to deliver her lunch. In the evening, he would pick her up without fail.
But now, it has been quite some time since the end of the school term.
It was already dark. Logically speaking, Xu Yizhi should have been taken home by Rulan long ago, and he shouldn't still be wandering around the town at this hour.
They would not allow him to loiter around in front of the Wufu Restaurant.
Thinking this, Xu Yiyi looked outside again.
Xu Yizhi stood by the signboard at the door, looking on longingly.
She frowned slightly, just about to say something.
Xu Anyang immediately lifted the curtain and came over, "Sister Yi, Grandpa and Grandma have arrived."
As soon as she finished speaking, Xu Yiyi disregarded Xu Yizhi and carried Wu Yuan to the back.
Unbeknownst to them, Xu Yizhi, who was about to walk in, hesitated and went back in because of Xu Yiyi's departure.
"Great-grandfather and great-grandmother... Uncle and Aunt... Sister Honglian..."
Xu Yi greeted them one by one, smiling as she led them into the house.
At that moment, Haisheng and the others were eating heartily, and a layer of sweat appeared on their backs.
Upon seeing them, he quickly stood up to greet them.
"Sit down and keep eating, there aren't that many rules."
As he spoke, Uncle walked to another empty table, propping up his chopsticks.
Grandma sat down by the fire to warm her hands before turning to Wu Yuan, lovingly stretching out her hands and gently patting them, softly calling out, "Wu Yuan, come here, let Grandma give you a hug."
Wu Yuan was playing with a strand of Xu Yiyi's hair when he heard his great-aunt's voice. He turned his little head and looked at her curiously with his big, dark eyes.
Once she recognized her great-grandmother, she let go of her older sister's hair, stretched out her little arms toward her great-grandmother, and eagerly reached forward, making babbling sounds, clearly wanting to be held by her great-grandmother.
Seeing this, Xu Yi carefully handed over Wu Yuan.
Grandma happily took the warm, soft Wu Yuan into her arms, rubbed her cheek against his tender face, and sighed contentedly, "Oh, my Wu Yuan, I've missed you so much!"
Wu Yuan skillfully found a comfortable position in his great-aunt's arms and giggled.
The great-uncle was sitting on the side, and he curled his lip in disgust when he saw this scene.
This little brat already knows how to treat others differently.
After Xu Yiyi told them to sit down, she walked out with Xu Anyang.
"Go ahead and see if Xu Yizhi is still there. If he is, bring him in," she said in a deep voice.
Upon hearing this, Xu Anyang's face showed obvious surprise: "Sister Yi, you brought him in? He was..."
He recalled Xu Yizhi's previous bullying of Sanchuan Sihai and the arrogant manner that brat usually acted, and felt a surge of anger rising within him.
Sister Yi has always been protective of her own and never shows any mercy to those who bully her younger siblings. Why would she take the initiative to let him in now?