frightfiction Chapter 290 Becomes Taboo
Chapter 290 Becomes Taboo
During the winter break, Zhuang Tunan and Wu Shanshan came back together.
As the only two college students in the alley, both studying in Shanghai, it's perfectly normal for them to look out for each other. At least, in the eyes of all the residents in the alley, it's only natural.
Don't look at their envious, red eyes.
Zhang Amei finally seemed to understand things a bit and began to show goodwill towards Wu Shanshan. But when it comes to feelings, you can't just get what you want.
Wu Shanshan remained lukewarm towards Zhang Amei. Although she wouldn't openly argue with her, she also didn't show any affection for her. However, she was quite polite to Xiaomin. From childhood to adulthood, although Xiaomin had never helped Wu Shanshan, she had never deliberately bullied her either.
Putting aside her less-than-stellar academic performance, Xiaomin is quite clear-headed, especially after graduating from vocational high school, which has given her a clearer understanding of the world.
Zhuang Tunan was very satisfied with Zhuang Xiaoting's studies. "Xiaoting, your grades are even better than mine when I was in school! Especially in math, this test was quite difficult, I definitely couldn't have gotten such a high score."
Zhuang Chaoying smiled with relief, "Xiaoting is indeed very serious, just like you were back then. You two are really worry-free, both good kids."
Happiness is always relative. Wu Xiaojun, who lives in Wu Jian's family in the front yard, is already in junior high school, but his studies are really hard to describe. However, he has played video games to perfection.
Apart from courtyard number 37, only Wu Shanshan is considered a good student in the alley; the others are just average.
Zhuang Xiaoting glanced shyly at Lin Dongzhe, but didn't say anything.
With nothing to do, Zhuang Tunan prepared to pick up the books on the table and browse through them casually.
She had just picked it up when Lin Dongzhe snatched it away, saying, "This was originally mine; I left it here and forgot to take it back."
"Lin Dongzhe, you've become stingy. You can't just take a look and not lose it." Zhuang Tunan also liked to joke and didn't care that Lin Dongzhe had taken the book from his hand.
Zhuang Xiaoting originally wanted to snatch it too, but Lin Dongzhe beat her to it, so she didn't make a move.
After sitting for a while, Lin Dongzhe tucked the book into his pocket and said, "Xiaoting, there was a problem I couldn't solve yesterday, and I still haven't been able to do it today. Can you help me take a look?"
"Okay, sure!" Zhuang Xiaoting readily agreed.
Back in Lin Dongzhe's room, Lin Dongzhe returned the book to Zhuang Xiaoting.
Zhuang Xiaoting carefully put it away. "How did you know I... had this book?"
On the book cover, the words "menarche" are prominently displayed.
"I knew it all along. I saw you secretly sealing the book cover," Lin Dongzhe teased with a smile. "I also know that you usually only dare to sneak a peek around 8:30."
Zhuang Xiaoting couldn't sit still any longer. She punched Lin Dongzhe in the chest and ran away, "Hmph!"
On New Year's Eve, the two families watched TV at the Lin family's house as usual.
Huang Ling brought over a plate of preserved plums, while Zhuang Chaoying brought over lard cakes and white jade square cakes.
Zhuang Xiaoting loves to eat preserved plums, which are sweet and sour.
Lin Dongzhe picked up a preserved plum and said, “Two years ago, I went to my hometown with my dad and saw a small workshop that produced preserved plums. The weather was so hot that day, like a steamer. The workers took off their shirts and rolled the preserved plums on their bodies to absorb the sweat and add salt to the plums.”
Zhuang Xiaoting put down the preserved plum in her hand and stared wide-eyed at Lin Dongzhe!
Huang Ling and Song Ying also put down their snacks; they couldn't eat not only preserved plums, but also pastries.
Lin Dongzhe chuckled.
Song Ying quietly tugged at Lin Wufeng, "Is what Dongzhe said true?"
Lin Wufeng was a little embarrassed. "It's normal for small workshops not to pay attention to hygiene. But the New Year's goods that Teacher Zhuang and I bought together were all produced in large state-owned factories. They are all time-honored brands in Suzhou, so they are absolutely hygienic."
Lin Wufeng felt ashamed for his hometown when such a shady workshop appeared.
Zhuang Xiaoting was angry because Lin Dongzhe had only mentioned that disgusting workshop to disgust her after she had eaten a lot of preserved plums.
Lin Dongzhe picked up a preserved plum, pretended to rub it on his body, then put it in his mouth, acting as if he had died from poisoning. Finally, he stuck out his tongue and made a face.
Zhuang Xiaoting couldn't help but laugh.
Zhuang Tunan felt something was off. His gaze lingered between Lin Dongzhe and Zhuang Xiaoting.
It was late, and the Zhuang family left the Lin family's house to rest.
After the three Zhuang siblings finished washing up, Zhuang Chaoying and Huang Ling went to wash up as well.
Zhuang Tunan deliberately started the conversation, "Pengfei, are there any kids in your class dating early?"
The inner and outer rooms were separated only by a ventilation wall. The two did not deliberately lower their voices when they spoke, and Zhuang Tunan knew that Zhuang Xiaoting could definitely hear them.
Xiang Pengfei was still confused about the situation. "Boss, I didn't have a puppy love."
Zhuang Tunan knew, of course, that he wasn't in a relationship. Glancing at the self-deluded Xiang Pengfei, Zhuang Tunan continued, "It's right that you're not in a relationship. Even in college, you still can't date. The school will investigate this matter strictly. If you get caught, you'll be publicly criticized, your scholarship will be revoked, and it might even affect your job placement."
Xiang Pengfei thought Zhuang Tunan was warning him, so he immediately assured Zhuang Tunan, "Don't worry, boss, I will never have a relationship too early."
Zhuang Tunan was speechless at his little cousin's behavior. Just then, Zhuang Chaoying and Huang Ling returned from washing up. "Alright! It's getting late, go to sleep."
However, Zhuang Tunan's message had already been conveyed, and Zhuang Xiaoting lay in bed deep in thought.
During the Spring Festival, No. 37 Courtyard became the liveliest courtyard in the alley.
Lin Gong was promoted to deputy factory director. In the past, people in the alley were envious and jealous, but they didn't really understand it. Now, they can feel the change more directly.
From the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, guests came in droves, bringing large and small packages with them.
Lin Wufeng came from a time of struggle and was very averse to, even fearful of, such things. He refused to accept them from anyone and returned them untouched.
Lin Dongzhe disliked the noisy environment at home, so he gave a signal at the Wu family's door and led Wu Shanshan to the grove.
Although the grove appeared desolate, it was not completely bare; many kinds of leaves still clung to the branches.
Wu Shanshan took Lin Dongzhe's hand and told him about her experiences in Shanghai.
"Dongzhe, what will happen to Xiaojun if he doesn't study hard?"
Lin Dongzhe reassured her, "Don't worry, I will definitely keep my promise. Even if Xiaojun is uneducated, he will still be able to live a life free from financial worries."
Voldemort's weakness is his younger brother; by exploiting this, he can take advantage of him.
"However, we still need to keep a close eye on him and make sure he doesn't go astray with those people. Once he goes astray, I won't be able to save him."
Wu Shanshan understood Lin Dongzhe's meaning and nodded in agreement, "I will ask my dad to keep an eye on him."
Lin Dongzhe didn't refute Wu Shanshan, but thought to himself, 'If your dad has any authority at all, it's because he borrows it from someone else. It would be strange if he could control Wu Xiaojun!'