MCB Chapter 4

Qu Miaomiao, who openly admitted her thoughts leaving Cong Qi momentarily stunned. She couldn’t blame her for the recent distance between them.

Cong Qi had always been acknowledged for her beauty, everyone praised her look since her childhood. While her beauty might have been a bit extravagant as she grew older, it was something she had grown up with. People knew she didn’t harbor any malicious intentions.

No one had ever said she resembled a fox spirit. Cong Qi had hardly heard anyone criticize her appearance.

Hearing Qu Miaomiao’s words now, she felt a subtle sadness but didn’t find it embarrassing. She didn’t immediately place the blame on herself.

Cong Qi, accustomed to this kind of conversation, replied confidently, “Anyone who can change their feelings just based on looks isn’t a good person to begin with. Dumping him isn’t a loss; it’s actually a stroke of luck. Besides, we have a great friendship, and if he’s eyeing his girlfriend’s best friend, it’s a grave mistake on his part!”

Qu Miaomiao lowered her gaze. She thought, “This is Cong Qi.” She was always so self-assured and dazzling, having received more love than most, and she couldn’t understand how someone in a supporting role like herself felt so cautious.

Qu Miaomiao felt a mix of envy and admiration. She knew that neither the current Cong Qi nor the Cong Qi from her previous life had done anything wrong to her. She shouldn’t hate her, but sometimes emotions couldn’t be controlled.

Qu Miaomiao sighed, “I admit you’re making a lot of sense, but when you like someone, you become involuntarily humble, not daring to gamble even a fraction. Even if the real him isn’t as good as I imagine, I just want to cover my eyes and ears, avoiding the truth. Love is blind, isn’t it?”

Cong Qi was frustrated by Qu Miaomiao’s attitude but didn’t express it openly.

Miaomiao had many good qualities, but when it came to love, her judgment was terribly lacking. When she was with Yu Lekang, she unilaterally gave her all, embodying the principle that loving him meant loving everything about him.

Yu Lekang’s selfishness, quick temper, and controlling tendencies had already shown their signs. However, Miaomiao automatically interpreted them as ‘because he loves me’ in her eyes. Even though she hadn’t recovered from being mistreated for long, she quickly fell in love again, leaving people puzzled.

Thinking about that scoundrel Yu Lekang, Cong Qi had a question she’d been wanting to ask for a long time. “Did Yu Lekang really push you into the water?”

“Afterward, I asked your mom, and she said there was no such thing. You accidentally slipped and fell into the river. However, it’s true that Yu Lekang is a scoundrel. Your mom said that he was scared after abandoning you and running away, and the next day, he followed his cousin to Guangzhou and got involved in some shady business.”

When she heard Yu Lekang’s name, Miaomiao’s expression subtly changed. There was a quick flash of disgust in her eyes, and her hand, which was empty, instinctively went to her abdomen but was soon placed back down.

“Yeah, it was my own carelessness,” Miaomiao admitted. “Let’s not talk about him. I’ve already seen what kind of person he is. I have a new boyfriend now, and you know how much men care about this sort of thing. I don’t want Yu Lekang, that scoundrel, to affect my relationship with Lu Cheng.”

Cong Qi understood her friend’s intentions. This was a request not to bring up that incident in front of her new boyfriend.

“What about this Lu Cheng? Is he reliable? Should we let Auntie Geng take a look? After all, she’s experienced more in life and have a better judgment of people.”

“I’ll talk to her when the time is right,” Miaomiao replied, shaking her head.

Cong Qi shook her head.

Dragging this on isn’t a good idea, she reminded Miaomiao, “Your boyfriend has already dropped you off at the door, and I can see that from here. Other people in the building might see it too. They’ll surely tell Aunt Geng about it. If you try to keep it a secret, it won’t stay hidden.”

Housing Complex are no place for secrets. Everyone knows what dishes each household cooks, when someone scolds their child, or when a couple has an argument. Not to mention that Yu Lekang used to wait downstairs frequently.

In the Third building of No. 4 Middle School’s Housing Complex, everyone from Wenmiao West Street to Wangjiaguai Street knew that Miaomiao was dating Yu Lekang.

Although the trend of free love has become popular since the 1990s, young girls weren’t expected to get married after just one relationship. However, Miaomiao had openly expressed deep feelings for Yu Lekang before, so everyone had already assumed that they would eventually get married. If she were to change boyfriends shortly after breaking up, her reputation would likely take a hit.

Cong Qi genuinely cared for her friend’s well-being, and even though she knew Miaomiao might not want to hear it, she offered advice.

“I think you shouldn’t bring him into your home for now. Aunt Wu and Aunt Huang are very talkative, and they’ll surely spread the news everywhere. In case this relationship doesn’t work out… you know what I mean, right?”

Miaomiao’s lips curled downward gradually as she looked at Cong Qi without saying a word.

She didn’t like to hear people speak negatively, especially when it came from Cong Qi.

Although Cong Qi wasn’t aware of how she and Lu Cheng should have been an ideal couple, Miaomiao knew it very well. She had witnessed just how loving and caring Lu Cheng was towards Cong Qi.

When facing the subject, Miaomiao couldn’t help but feel uncertain. Therefore, any neutral statement from Cong Qi seemed to take on different meanings in her ears. Miaomiao didn’t like to overthink things, but she couldn’t control it either.

She couldn’t afford to break off her friendship with Cong Qi without reason.

She was afraid.

Afraid that if she and Cong Qi fell out, Cong Qi would have no reservations about pursuing Lu Cheng.

As long as they remained good friends, Cong Qi wouldn’t pay any extra attention to Lu Cheng.

Miaomiao believed that as long as she didn’t invite Cong Qi to their dates like she used to, there wouldn’t be any chance for Cong Qi to get to know Lu Cheng.

Miaomiao was torn between suspecting Cong Qi of trying to steal Lu Cheng and being absolutely sure that Cong Qi wouldn’t show any interest in someone she didn’t introduce herself.

Thinking about this, Miaomiao quickly adjusted her way of interacting with Cong Qi.

“I know you’re looking out for me, but I have confidence in him. We share similar interests, and he can always follow along with whatever I say. I’m hoping this relationship can go further. As for what Auntie Huang and the others want to say, let them say it. I’m living my own life, pursuing a relationship I like. It’s neither illegal nor criminal. Why should I hide my boyfriend just because of them?” Miaomiao spoke firmly.

Cong Qi was initially surprised but then smiled, “Miaomiao, you should have thought this way earlier.”

Did living in the dormitory have such a significant impact on a person’s character?

The old Miaomiao would have probably hung her head and been indecisive, following whoever had a louder voice. She wouldn’t have said something like “I won’t let others dictate how I live my life.”

Miaomiao smiled. “I won’t chat anymore. I’m going home to get some rest.”

Cong Qi waved and said, “Sure. Let’s hang out when you have time.”

Miaomiao replied, “…Okay.”

Qu Miaomiao walked into the building, her feet stepped onto the stairs, and the fake smile on her face suddenly faded.

While downstairs, Cong Qi could see that Qu Miaomiao’s personality had changed a lot after she fell into the water, but how could she have imagined that Qu Miaomiao today was the same Qu Miaomiao more than twenty years later.

On the contrary, she feel that as she becomes more and more independent, she is much better than the reserved person she used to be.

Cong Qi hummed a song and continued to water the remaining chrysanthemum pots that she hadn’t finished watering.

Then she returned to her room to change her clothes.

Cong Qi wasn’t good at studying, but she seemed to have a natural talent for dressing up.

Using the same makeup products as everyone else, she could make herself look better; with a few stitches on an ordinary piece of clothing, she could turn it into something special.

The styles Cong Qi made were also popular among some girls in the residential building of the same age.

They would bring their old clothes to Cong Qi’s house for her to alter, and she was always willing to help.

However, nobody in the building had the audacity to take advantage of her kindness, and once they realized she didn’t charge any money, they would feel too embarrassed to come back.

Some even suggested that Cong Qi should charge a fee for her alterations, but she refused. Altering clothes and doing handiwork were just hobbies for her, and she considered herself to be only moderately skilled, so she didn’t want to take anyone’s money.

Despite her passion for fashion, Cong Qi didn’t spend much money on it.

The pharmaceutical factory where she works provide decent salary and benefits. When she joined the factory in 1994, Cong Qi earned 170 yuan per month and was able to save 100 yuan. The second year, it increased to 240 yuan and she saved even more. This year, the pharmaceutical factory’s performance is still good, Cong Qi can get 280 yuan and save 200 yuan every month.

She usually eat in the factory and live at home, which doesn’t cost much money.

The eye-catching new clothes on her body are either old clothes remade with patterns, or they are made by ripping out fabrics, she spent only about 20 yuan a month.

Family members understand their own affairs best.

Xu Huiying and her husband had realized early on that their daughter couldn’t rely on education alone to change her fate, especially since she might not earn a lot in the future. They frequently emphasized the importance of saving money, often citing examples of struggling aunts around them.

It’s worth noting that reaching middle age without any disposable income, leading to daily arguments and even fights over trivial expenses like onions and garlic, was indeed a shocking and memorable sight.

Cong Qi couldn’t imagine herself growing old and living such a stressful life.

Her sense of crisis immediately hit its peak, then Xu Huiying teach her step by step to achieve financial independence.

In less than three years she saved nearly 5000 yuan.

It’s just that the family of three doesn’t like to show off her saving.

In the eyes of those unaware, she still appears to be a spendthrift. After all, how can a girl like to dress up without spending money?

Xu Huiying initially wanted to clarify.

Her daughter’s appearance is already eye-catching enough. If she were to add the title of “spendthrift”, she might not be able to find a husband.

But it was Cong Zhiyuan who advised her to stop.

Cong Zhiyuan’s reason is very blunt. His daughter has loved being pretty since she was a child. Before getting married, she can spend her money however she wants. It is up to her to decide whether to spend the money or save it.

If she pretend to be frugal and simple just to attract a potential spouse, is it possible that she can pretend to be frugal for the rest of her life?

Furthermore, if getting married leads to a worse life than remaining single, where all her interests must be suppressed, then why even bother getting married?

It’s probably a case of having a muddled mind!

Cong Qi is their only daughter. The family doesn’t need her food, so why bother to get her married?

Upon some reflection, Xu Huiying thought her husband made a valid point, so she decided to let it go.

As a result, when Miaomiao was already dating several people, Cong Qi is still single.

Cong Qi, while single, is still very happy.

Just as she had neatly tucked in the cuffs of her sleeves, the pager’s beep sounded.

She picked it up and saw that her high school classmate was inviting her to a gathering at a karaoke disco.

The person who calls her is Jiang Ping, and they used to play well.

If playing well with Qu Miaomiao is just a matter of friendship, then playing well with Jiang Ping is because of the mutual sympathy of underachiever.

After graduation, Jiang Ping went to Guangzhou to work.

At this time, Guangzhou and Shenzhen were developing rapidly, with factory construction sites everywhere, and they were considered the first choice for workers.

The last time the two met was during the Chinese New Year.

Jiang Ping was dressed very fashionably at that time. She wore rivet boots, a snug sequined sweater, a rose-red down jacket on top, and a head of wavy burgundy hair. At a glance, everyone who saw her knew she had just returned from elsewhere.

Cong Qi heard that over there, people can easily find a job in a factory and earn a monthly salary of 500 to 600, which has left many people green with envy.

They were eager to send their own sons and daughters to work immediately.

Even Aunt Geng lamented several times, planning to let Miaomiao go to the south after graduation and work hard there for a few years before returning to Rongcheng. She also teased Cong Qi about whether to go so that Miaomiao and her could take care of each other.

Cong Qi laughed.

She thinks aunties are quite naive sometimes.

In fact, it’s not that easy.

Jiang Ping confided privately to herself that the factory work was particularly exhausting.

She had to work at least thirteen to fourteen hours a day, and not only were the hours long, but the pay was also based on piecework.

A novice like her works hard for earn 300 to 400 a month, while an experienced worker can only get about 500.

Apart from the slightly higher wages compared to state-owned factories, there were no benefits or perks.

Everyone had the perception that making money was faster in the south, and they eagerly asked her how much she had earned, whether she was planning to buy household appliances or a new house for her family. Her parents, wanting to save face, had already boasted about her success, so she had no choice but to go along with the lie.

Going back to Rongcheng at this time, could it be that something has happened at home?

But Cong Qi quickly dismissed this idea.

If something had happened, Jiang Ping wouldn’t have been in the mood to go to the disco to partying.

She changed into a white tank top paired with light blue denim shorts, and wore white canvas shoes. Her well-proportioned figure was immediately on full display as she casually strolled towards the Love River Karaoke Hall, riding her orange bicycle.

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Love River Karaoke Hall.

“Our class flower won’t come, will she?”

“I called, she’s coming.”

Jiang Ping forked up an apple and ate it while teasingly looked towards the man in a suit in the corner. “Yuan He, you’ve hidden it well. During our school days, none of us could have guessed you had feelings for Cong Qi.”

“I didn’t have the confidence to confess before because I hadn’t achieved anything.”

“Do you have it now?”

“It seems like you’ve become successful; maybe you can take us along on your path to wealth.”

“Yeah, yeah, call us if something good happens.”

Yuan He smiled and opened a can of beer, saying, “I wouldn’t say I’ve become wealthy, but I feel like I can now manage to support my family.”

Though his words were humble, there was a sense of complacency in his expression.

The crowd continued with more teasing and began offering him suggestions.

With everyone chiming in, various, bizarre ways of confessing one’s feelings were suggested, and people were laughing heartily throughout the process.

As they were talking, Cong Qi came in with the guidance of a waiter.

The dim lighting cast a soft glow on her face, as if a soft light filter had been added.

She had a tall and slender figure, perfectly proportioned, with a tight-fitting tank top that revealed a slender waist. Her denim shorts accentuated her long and shapely legs. She exuded a stunning and radiant beauty that was beyond words.

Everyone collectively gasped, stunned into silence.

Wow, it’s been a while, and the beautiful Miss Cong has become even more gorgeous.

Then, someone whistled, followed by four or five more whistles.

Cong Qi looked around the room, the dozen men and women present were all her classmates, and there were no strangers.

She then naturally lifted her head and pushed out her chest in an enchanting S-shape.

She then cheekily winked at Jiang Ping and said, “Hey, how’s my entrance? Did I dazzle you with my beauty?”