Chapter 1254 Joy and Sorrow During the Spring Festival

In the back seat of the Audi, Zhou Chen leaned on Wang Ying's legs drunkenly, while Wang Ying gently touched Zhou Chen's cheek with a worried look on her face.

At the dinner with her uncle just now, her uncle was very enthusiastic and kept persuading Zhou Chen to drink. The two of them drank three bottles of liquor, so that when they left, they both needed help to get into the car.

Back in the community, Zhou Chen got out of the car with the help of Wang Ying, but at the moment he walked into the apartment building, he suddenly stood up and exhaled.

Wang Ying's eyes were straightened by this scene.

"No, you're not drunk, so you were just pretending?"

"If I didn't pretend to be drunk, wouldn't your uncle be very embarrassed?"

Wang Ying was really speechless, but she was also amazed by Zhou Chen's acting skills. He pretended all the way, but she didn't see it at all, and thought he was really drunk.

"If my uncle knew you were such a heavy drinker, he probably wouldn't dare compete with you next time."

When she left just now, her uncle was drunk, but now Zhou Chen was not drunk at all except for the smell of alcohol. The difference was really big.

Zhou Chen smiled and said, "Your uncle is an elder after all, so you have to give him some face."

"You are really good at pretending. You even fooled me with your acting. But it's okay. When I was in the car, I was still thinking about how I would take care of you at night when you were so drunk. Since you were pretending, you don't have to worry about how I would take care of you."

But Zhou Chen took the opportunity to hang on her again: "Actually, I was pretending just now. I feel dizzy now. You have to take good care of me."

Wang Ying helped Zhou Chen get on the elevator with a smile.

"Just pretend as much as you can."

On the 26th of the twelfth lunar month, Zhou Chen and Wang Ying went to the street to buy couplets and blessing characters. The Spring Festival was approaching, and because Zhou Chen was going back to San Francisco, he was going to post couplets at home in advance.

As the Spring Festival approaches, the festive atmosphere is getting stronger and stronger. Stalls are set up on the side of several streets to sell Spring Festival couplets and blessing characters, etc. The bright red color makes people feel comfortable.

The Spring Festival is of great significance to the Chinese people. During the Spring Festival, no matter who you are, even a beggar, you can have a better meal today.

Zhou Chen took Wang Ying and picked and chose along the way, buying several pairs of couplets and blessing characters, as well as window decorations, etc.

Wang Ying was also happy to accompany Zhou Chen while shopping. She didn't have to worry about these things at home before, and she had never bought them, so today she came out with Zhou Chen to buy these things. She was very excited, looking and touching, and very comfortable.

"This sheep is so cute, buy this, buy this."

Seeing a cute lamb pattern, Wang Ying insisted on pulling Zhou Chen to buy it, and Zhou Chen naturally did as she wished.

On the way back, Wang Ying asked, "Just post the two houses here, won't you post the two courtyard houses you bought?"

"Forget about those. If I really want to post them, I won't be able to finish them in a whole day. Just post the two houses at home."

"Whatever you say."

After returning home, Wang Ying was eager to post them herself. As a result, she was busy for an entire afternoon. After posting them, she shook her arms, kicked her legs, and twisted her neck.

Although she was tired, she was still very proud and happy to see her masterpiece.

In the blink of an eye, it was the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month. This day was also the day Zhou Chen was leaving. Wang Ying sent him to the airport and was affectionate for a long time before she had to let Zhou Chen leave.

Zhou Chen also asked Wang Ying if she was willing to spend the New Year with him, but Wang Ying thought about it for a long time and still refused. He was not surprised by this decision. After all, Wang Ying rarely got together with her parents. Naturally, she wanted to stay with her family during the New Year instead of going to a foreign country.

During the Spring Festival, every family gathers together to eat reunion dinners. The Chinatown in San Francisco where Zhou Chen lives is also very lively.

Zhou Chen has nothing to do, so he wanders alone on the street. Many neighbors greet Zhou Chen politely after seeing him, and many even try to please him, especially many merchants, who are even more polite to Zhou Chen.

In Chinatown, Zhou Guoxing and Zhou Chen are definitely the two most famous and prestigious Chinese.

Zhou Guoxing has earned his reputation through decades of daring and fighting, while Zhou Chen relies on his reputation as a genius and a lot of money.

Especially in the past two or three years, Zhou Chen has made a lot of investments in Chinatown, and the factories he acquired have also recruited many local Chinese. Many people rely on Zhou Chen for their livelihood, which undoubtedly directly improves Zhou Chen's reputation.

Gangs can make people afraid, but it is difficult for people to respect them. However, Zhou Chen's actions can easily win people's hearts. After all, Zhou Chen is Chinese. Taking care of his fellow countrymen is much better than working under those foreigners, and the salary is not low.

When more and more families rely on Zhou Chen for their lives, it is difficult for his reputation and status not to improve.

Zhou Chen did this naturally to take care of his compatriots, but also for himself. In foreign countries, especially in the capitalist society of the United States where the weak are the prey of the strong, if you want to become bigger and stronger in the United States, money is indispensable, but you also need enough power and manpower. Domestic compatriots are obviously more trustworthy than people of other skin colors.

Walking along the way, Zhou Chen felt like an ancient second-generation ancestor shopping. He didn't spend a penny, but a lot of things were stuffed into his hands, including food, drinks, and fun.

The difference is that these things of his were all given to him voluntarily by others.

In China, during the Spring Festival, Wang Ying came to Yang Cheng's house as in previous years to wish Yang Cheng's parents a happy new year, but she did not see Yang Cheng's father, only Yang Cheng's mother.

Yang Cheng's mother invited Wang Ying to drink tea as before, and personally poured tea for Wang Ying.

"Come, Yingying, this is your special cup, Auntie remembers it, drink it."

Wang Ying took the cup with both hands: "Thank you, Auntie."

Yang Cheng's mother said with a smile: "By the way, I heard from Beibei earlier that you have a boyfriend, and it has been almost a year?"

Wang Ying replied truthfully: "Yes, it has been almost a year."

"You are sensible and steady, unlike Beibei, who only knows how to fool around every day. He has had many girlfriends, but none of them can last long."

Wang Ying smiled and did not tell the fact that Yang Cheng and Xie Qiao were in love. This time when she came to Yang Cheng's house, her mentality was completely different from previous years. Even when facing Yang Cheng's mother, she was able to remain calm.

Yang Cheng's mother also felt the change in Wang Ying and took a sip of tea gently.

"I also heard that your parents know that you are in love and have seen the child? It seems that your parents don't object."

"My mother has seen him, but my father hasn't. However, they really don't care about me and respect my wishes."

"If I had a daughter as sensible and obedient as you, I would definitely believe in you like your parents, unlike our Beibei, who is not sensible and mature at all."

Hearing Yang Cheng's mother's complaints, Wang Ying smiled and said, "I think Yang Cheng is much better than before."

"What's good about him? It's the New Year, and I don't know where he went to play. He's not seen all day. I heard Beibei say that your boyfriend is a Chinese American?"

Wang Ying was puzzled and didn't understand why Yang Cheng's mother always mentioned Zhou Chen. In her impression, Yang Cheng's mother was not a gossipy person.

"Yes, he is in Chinatown, San Francisco, and is an exchange student from Stanford University to Peking University."

Yang Cheng's mother praised: "Not bad, he must be a good child to be in the eyes of Yingying and your parents."

She felt a little regretful. In the past, Yang Cheng and Wang Ying had a good relationship, and the Wang family was also in full swing. She had considered a marriage between the two families, but the two children did not develop in this direction. To be precise, she could see that Wang Ying had a good impression of her son, but her son was obviously slow and did not feel it.

But after this meeting, she clearly felt that Wang Ying had changed. She mentioned Wang Ying's boyfriend several times just now, and Wang Ying's expression and demeanor were very similar to when she was in love with her husband.

So she knew that Wang Ying was really in love with her boyfriend, and she was still deeply in love with him, which was completely different from Yang Cheng's playful love.

But she was only a little regretful, and she quickly wiped it out and changed the subject.

"Yingying, are your parents doing well recently?"

"They are all fine. They knew I was coming and asked me to say hello to you and uncle."

"We are fine too. Thank you for your parents' concern."

Wang Ying just sat for a while and left. She used to be able to chat with Yang Cheng's mother for a while, but this time, she suddenly found that she didn't know what to talk about, so in order not to be embarrassed, she took the initiative to choose to leave.

After leaving Yang Cheng's house, she looked back and suddenly smiled with relief.

She used to be happy that Yang Cheng's mother could leave her a cup for her alone, but now, she no longer has such an idea. She even feels that she may not be able to come here many times in the future.

Getting in the car, she told the driver: "Go back."

Xie Qiao's family was also very lively during the Spring Festival. In addition to their family of three, there was also grandma and the uncle's family of three. The family gathered around a table, and the joy of the Spring Festival was very warm.

Xie Qiao usually doesn't talk much at home, but today when she heard her parents, uncle and grandmother talking about houses, she pricked up her ears and listened very carefully.

"I think it's safe to put money in the bank to earn interest, but you can't keep it forever. Houses are real estate, and housing reform has been going on for a few years. House prices will definitely rise in the future, so it's more cost-effective to withdraw money to buy a larger commercial house than to keep it in the bank."

Xie Qiao's mother Qiao Li expressed her opinion. At home, she is a person who strongly supports buying a house.

On the contrary, Xie Qiao's father Xie Zirun said hesitantly: "I don't oppose buying a house, but the house price here is not low now. Can it rise further?"

He doesn't oppose buying a house, but he doesn't particularly agree with it. The main reason is that buying a house costs a lot of money, but for Chinese people, the meaning of a house is particularly important, so he wants to buy it, but he is worried, which is a kind of contradictory psychology.

On the contrary, Xie Fenghe, Xie Qiao's uncle who has always been carefree, said carelessly: "Why buy so many houses? In my opinion, it is better to use this money to enjoy life, eat well, drink well, pursue dreams, and live a good life. That is the most important thing."

Grandma Xie gave him a direct slap: "You are useless. If you don't speak, no one will think you are dumb. I think Qiao Li is right. Buy it. Buy it if you have money."

In the eyes of the elderly, the importance of a house is self-evident.

Listening to the discussions of several adults in the family, Xie Qiao was thoughtful. At this time, her cousin reached out her hand.

"Sister, if you don't want to eat the chicken leg, give it to me."

"Eat, eat, eat, you only know how to eat, here you go, here you go."

Xie Qiao had no idea what to do about her foodie sister. Seeing that the elders were still discussing, she couldn't help but raise her hand.

"I think we can buy a house."

Suddenly, the adults who were discussing all looked at Xie Qiao in unison.

Xie Fenghe said happily: "Yes, Qiaoqiao is an adult now that she is in college. We should listen to her opinion."

Xie Zirun looked at her daughter curiously and asked, "Qiaoqiao, why did you say you can buy it?"

Facing the gazes of the elders, Xie Qiao recalled what Wang Ying had said to her not long ago.

"Actually, I don't really understand, but Zhou Chen said that it can be bought. He also said that house prices will definitely rise in the future. Buying a house at this time is more cost-effective than investing."

Qiao Li raised her eyebrows: "Zhou Chen, that's the kid from the old Zhou family in the alley. I remember that when Grandma Qin passed away last time, he went there too. The kid was completely different from when he was a child. He was tall and handsome. Yes, he looks more energetic than Xiaozhou."

Xie Zirun said: "I also have an impression of this child. He was taken away by his relatives in the United States a few years ago. Qiaoqiao, you said before that he was quite promising now, but when did he tell you about buying a house? "

"He didn't tell me, I heard it from Wang Ying. Wang Ying is my roommate. As you all know, she is still Zhou Chen's girlfriend. Oh, why am I telling you this."

Xie Qiao stopped his introduction and went straight to the topic: "Zhou Chen is really awesome. Even though he is one year older than me, he has already started a company to make investments. At the end of last year and last month, he just I bought two courtyard houses, do you know how much it cost?”

"Twenty million, a full twenty million, yes, I had the same expression as you at that time, and I was almost scared to death."

Several elders were frightened by the numbers Xie Qiao said.

"Qiaoqiao, are you right? Twenty million yuan, is it really twenty million yuan?"

"That can be fake, but it's real. You don't know how rich Zhou Chen is now. He buys clothes for Wang Ying for hundreds of thousands and hundreds of thousands, and gives a necklace for more than 800, which is scary to death. Personally, oh my, I went too far again, talking about the house, about the house.”

Xie Qiao got excited as she talked. She couldn't stop her mouth and poured out all the food.

Several elders looked at each other with doubts about Xie Qiao's words.

Xie Qiao continued: "I just want to tell you that Zhou Chen has lived abroad for so many years and is an investor. He is far more visionary and capable than us. Even he thinks this is a good time to buy a house. , everyone can spend 20 million to buy a courtyard house, so I think we shouldn’t hesitate and just buy it.”

Xie Zirun and Qiao Li looked at each other. They felt that their daughter would not lie. They had already had intentions, and they made a decision immediately.

"Then buy it."

Xie Qiao and his family were discussing buying a house, but the atmosphere at He Xiaozhou's house on the other side was depressing. Although it was the Chinese New Year, the family was not happy because his mother had to spend the Chinese New Year in the hospital.

That's all. The most painful thing is that in order to treat their mother's illness, their family has no money and has borrowed a lot of money. If they want to continue treatment, the only way now is to sell the family house. .

He Xiaozhou did not hesitate, but his father He Chengyong was a little hesitant. He was not doing it for himself, but for his son.

As a middle-aged man, he understands the importance of owning a house. If he owns a house, He Xiaozhou can save many years of struggle. But if he sells the last house, let’s not talk about whether he can cure his wife in the future. It must be very difficult for my son.

But because of his son's persistence and seeing his wife who wanted to live, He Chengyong still couldn't bear it, endured the sadness, and agreed to sell the house.

But He Chengyong knew very well that even if he sold the house and had money, at most it would delay his wife's life. There was no possibility of cure for advanced gastric cancer.

On the campus of Beiqing University, He Xiaozhou and Xiao Qianxi were hanging out hand in hand. In order to save money, Xiao Qianxi did not go home during the Spring Festival. Instead, he found a part-time job at the school.

During the Spring Festival, the school was very quiet, with only a few people staying in the school like Xiao Qianxi.

Looking at her frowning boyfriend, Xiao Qianxi felt very heartbroken, but she really couldn't help him now.

"Xiaozhou, have you really discussed with your uncle that you want to sell your house? Do you still remember what I told you at the end of the term? According to Zhou Chen, house prices will continue to rise in the future. If you sell your house now, you will want to buy it later. It will be even harder.”

He Xiaozhou was silent: "Of course I understand, but I can't give up on my mother. I must save her, even if it means selling the house."

"Xiaozhou, I can understand how you feel. I am the same as you. I want my aunt to be well. But we can also think of other ways, such as asking Zhou Chen for help. He is very rich and he also values ​​​​love. As long as If we ask him, he will definitely agree. If it doesn't work, I can ask Wang Ying."

He Xiaozhou stopped and looked at his girlfriend beside him, seeing the anxiety and worry on her face. Of course he knew that Xiao Qianxi was doing it for his own good. Otherwise, with Xiao Qianxi's character, it would be absolutely impossible for him to lower his head and ask for help. , to borrow money from others.

"I know that if I ask, Zhou Chen will definitely lend me money, but I can't borrow his money to repay other people's money. Our family is not at a dead end now. If we sell the house, we will have money to give to my mother. You can also pay off the money you owe to relatives and friends by getting medical treatment. You can definitely understand what I mean.”

Xiao Qianxi choked up and said: "I understand, but..."

After arriving in the capital and meeting the people here, she realized how naive her previous thoughts were. No matter how hard she tried, it was really difficult to succeed.

Zhou Chen could easily spend more than 9 million or 10 million to buy a courtyard house and leave it there, neither living in it nor using it, but she and He Xiaozhou together, even if they worked hard all their lives, probably couldn't earn so much money and couldn't afford such a house.

She always knew that the world was unfair, and she always wanted to find a balance through her own efforts, but as she grew older and gained more experience, she found that it was really difficult to cross the class.

Feeling Xiao Qianxi's sadness, He Xiaozhou hugged her in his arms.

"Qianxi, don't be afraid. I will work harder in the future. I will buy a house with my own hands. I promised you that I would give you a home here. This is my promise. I will definitely fulfill it. Believe me."

Xiao Qianxi also hugged He Xiaozhou tightly: "I always believe in you, but I feel sorry for you. You are too hard and too tired."

He Xiaozhou showed a sunny smile: "I never feel hard, whether it is for my mother or for you."

"Xiaozhou."

The atmosphere in Qin Chuan's family is not very good. Several major events happened in their family this year. First, Grandma Qin passed away, and then it was revealed that Qin Chuan and Qin Qian ran back to the country. Qin Qian even married Tan Hui without telling her family. After being discovered, she eloped.

Now during the Spring Festival, there are only three people in the family. Although they try hard to be happier, they are still not as happy as before.

The most uncomfortable one is Qin Chuan, because his parents' unhappiness will eventually vent on him, so that during the New Year, he dare not stay at home for long, and he drives his second-hand little Alto out to play when he has time.