Rebirth of Bloody Romance

In a corner of the capital, there is an exquisite courtyard.

As night falls, the lights in the courtyard twinkle like stars, illuminating several faces, some happy, some sad.

The wine was fragrant, and after three rounds of drinking, Zhong Yuemin gently put down the glass in his hand and turned his gaze to Li Hongxia who was sitting next to him, with concern and inquiry in his eyes.

"Sister Li, you have been in Beijing for more than a month, right? How have you been these days? Have you adapted to life here?"

Zhong Yuemin's voice is gentle and sincere, like a spring breeze, which seems to be able to dispel the strangeness and uneasiness people feel when they first arrive.

When Li Hongxia heard this, she forced a bitter smile and a trace of loneliness that was hard to conceal flashed in her eyes.

Li Hongxia waved her hands in a nonchalant manner, but she couldn't completely hide her inner helplessness. "What are you getting used to, Yuemin? What else can I do every day besides washing clothes and cooking? After three meals a day, time flies by like running water, disappearing without a trace in the blink of an eye. For the rest of the time, I can only stay at home like an idle person, and my heart is always empty."

At this point, Li Hongxia couldn't help but sigh, and her eyes unconsciously drifted towards the bright moon outside the window, as if she was looking for some solace.

The moonlight sprinkled on the windowsill like water, making the expression on her face look even more lonely and helpless. "I just hope that the two children can settle down as soon as possible and go to school, so that I can find something to do, even if it's a part-time job. People have to have something to strive for, don't they?" She murmured softly, as if she was talking to herself, or as if she was talking to someone else.

Liu Minghua, who was sitting opposite, heard this and his face changed slightly, frowning, as if he felt that Li Hongxia's words had touched some sensitive nerves of his. He put down his bowl and chopsticks, and a trace of displeasure flashed in his eyes. "Woman, why are you always so stubborn? Don't you listen to what I say? Why do you do this? We came to the capital from the countryside with great difficulty, isn't it just to enjoy life? You are still thinking about doing those hard work. Don't forget that you still have two children to take care of, they are the ones you should care about the most."

However, Li Hongxia's words were like a mountain spring, clear and firm, without the slightest hesitation. She shook her head slightly, her eyes flashing with infinite longing for the future and unshakable determination. Her weather-beaten eyes seemed to be able to penetrate the layers of fog and see the world that belonged to her in the distance.

"If I hadn't heard you say that the schools in the city offer better education and can give our two children a bright future, I wouldn't have been willing to leave my hometown and come to this prosperous yet unfamiliar capital."

Li Hongxia's voice was filled with emotion and helplessness. "The land that our ancestors have cultivated for generations is lost just like that. I feel really bad. After coming here, I can't tell the directions. I'm running around like a headless fly all day long, and my mind is also confused."

"I stay at home every day, and apart from doing those trivial housework, I just stare at the four walls in a daze. This life is more bitter than coptis. How can you say this is a blessing? Eating a cabbage costs money, and the children have to pay for a baked sweet potato. Even drinking clean water has to be charged. I can't understand this logic."

Li Hongxia became more and more excited as she spoke, and her hands unconsciously clenched the corners of her clothes, as if she could grab onto something and not let this uneasiness and anxiety consume her.

"Back home, we had food and drink, we were self-sufficient, and we lived in harmony with our neighbors. It's nothing like here, where human relationships are as cold as water. I, Li Hongxia, may be a rough person, but I also know that people can't live just for a meal, they have to have some goals and pursuits. I don't want to become a useless person who only knows how to hang around the stove and wait for others to feed him."

At this point, Li Hongxia's eyes flashed with determination. She looked at Liu Minghua, with both expectation and challenge in her eyes. "I know you are worried about me, worried that I will neglect the children when I go out to work. But please believe me, I can find a balance between the two. Moreover, I also want to set a good example for the children, let them know that no matter how difficult life is, as long as you have dreams and determination, there is nothing that cannot be overcome."

After hearing this, Liu Minghua frowned and said impatiently, "If it's so easy to find a job in the city, who would still farm in the countryside? Aren't they all flocking here? You women, stay at home and don't let your imagination run wild. You three won't starve at home."

At this moment, Zhong Yuemin had quietly stood beside Liu Minghua. He gently patted Liu Minghua's shoulder, with a strange light flashing in his eyes.

Zhong Yue raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile, and said softly, "Sister Li, you are absolutely right. To be honest, after listening to your words, I really feel like they were spoken by a senior professor. Every word makes sense and directly hits the depths of people's hearts. If I hadn't heard it with my own ears, I would never believe that such a profound understanding could come from the mouth of a country sister."

Lin Shufang also agreed. "Boss Liu, you have to change your chauvinism. Sister Li has her own ideas and abilities. Why can't she do something if she wants to? Times are changing, and our thinking must keep pace with the times!"

Zhong Yuemin's eyes sparkled as he thought. After a moment, he turned to Li Hongxia with a bit of confidence and expectation in his tone.

"Sister Li, how about the Woolen Spinning Factory No. 3? How about I give them a call and you can go there." Zhong Yuemin's suggestion was like a spring breeze, bringing a glimmer of unprecedented hope to Li Hongxia.

"Is it the Woolen Textile Factory No. 3 that pays the highest salary?" A hint of surprise and yearning flashed in Li Hongxia's eyes. That legendary factory is where many people dream of working.

"Yes, that's it." Zhong Yuemin nodded affirmatively.

However, a trace of doubt arose in Li Hongmei's heart. "I heard it's very difficult to get in. Many people can't get in even with connections. Can I do it?"

At this time, Lin Shufang's laughter was like a ray of warm sunshine, penetrating every inch of the room. "Sister Li, others can't do it. But you can do it. Zhong Laoer has a lot of face."

Zhong Yuemin knew that the decision-making power of this matter was actually in Liu Minghua's hands. So he turned around and said to Liu Minghua: "Old Liu, what do you think? If you want Sister Li to work in the wool spinning factory No. 3, I can talk to their factory director and find a lighter job for Sister Li."

However, before Liu Minghua could answer, Li Hongxia waved her hands repeatedly to refuse. Her tone was firm and confident, and she said without hesitation, "I don't understand those things. No, really no!"

Li Hongxia's voice is plain and simple, revealing a kind of awe of unfamiliar things. She would rather choose a familiar path because it makes her feel more at ease. She continued: "As long as Lao Liu doesn't mind me embarrassing him, I will set up a sweet potato stall and sell roasted sweet potatoes. I see that other people's sweet potato business is very good, so if I do it, it shouldn't be too bad."

Li Hongxia's words were like a stone in a calm lake, stirring up thousands of waves and shocking everyone present. Her decision was like a bright light in the dark night, illuminating her way forward.

Although Li Hongxia's choice seems ordinary, it contains endless courage and wisdom. In her eyes, whether it is a high-rise building in a bustling city or a sweet potato stall on a country road, as long as she can support her family with her own hands, it is a career to be proud of.

After hearing what Li Hongxia said, Liu Minghua showed a gratified smile, and his eyes flashed with understanding and support for Li Hongxia.

"Who would dislike you? As long as you like it, just do it! As long as our children can be taken care of, that's enough."

Liu Minghua's voice was firm and warm, like a warm current flowing into Li Hongxia's heart. His answer was concise and clear, but it contained respect for Li Hongxia's choice and recognition of family responsibilities. This small conversation made people feel the deep affection and mutual support between the couple.

Zhong Yuemin's eyes rolled around, and a light bulb went off in his head. He suddenly proposed a new idea to Li Hongxia. "Sister Li, not many people like to eat roasted sweet potatoes. In my opinion, if we use the donkey to make a pancake stall, it will definitely make more money than selling roasted sweet potatoes!"

After hearing this, Li Hongxia frowned slightly, with obvious hesitation on her face. She said worriedly, "But... I don't know how to make pancakes."

Li Hongxia's worry was evident in her words, and she couldn't help feeling a little uneasy about the unknown challenges.

However, Zhong Yuemin answered confidently, "I can do it! It's summer vacation now, and I don't have anything to do. We can go sell pancakes together! This thing is very simple, you can learn it once you see it, but it's useless to learn it once you learn it... No, this pancake! You can learn it after a few tries."

Liu Minghua stood aside and watched everything happening in front of him. He shook his head helplessly, feeling both amused and angry at Zhong Yuemin's behavior. He couldn't help but say, "Zhong Laoer, why are you joining in the fun?"

Lin Shufang laughed and interrupted, "Zhong Laoer, if you sell pancakes, I will definitely go and patronize you. But I have to make it clear that I won't pay if they don't taste good."

Hearing this, everyone laughed and the atmosphere became relaxed and happy.

At this moment, Li Hongxia suddenly slammed the table hard, making a surprising move that startled Liu Minghua. He couldn't help but ask, "What are you doing, woman?"

Li Hongxia answered seriously, "I've decided. I'll sell pancakes with Zhong Yuemin, and we'll split the profits in half."

Her voice was firm and powerful, as if she was fully prepared. Her eyes were full of longing and determination for the future, as if she saw a bright future.

After hearing the news, Zhong Yuemin immediately agreed and put forward his own request. "Sister Li, money doesn't matter, as long as I have food."

However, Li Hongxia shook her head firmly, indicating that she could not accept such a condition. "No, the money must be paid. Let's make it a deal."

Her tone was full of seriousness and persistence, which made people feel her determination.

Finally, Zhong Yuemin readily agreed. "No problem! I'll make a cart tomorrow and we can open the store the day after tomorrow." He didn't care about the little money, he just wanted to have fun.

Then the two of them shook hands as if for real, symbolizing the formal establishment of this cooperation.

The warm atmosphere in Liu Minghua and Li Hongxia's home continued after dinner.

Lin Shufang diligently helped Li Hongxia tidy up the tables and chairs. After a long time, Zhong Yuemin and Lin Shufang were ready to say goodbye and leave.

At this time, Zhong Yuemin took out two red envelopes from his pocket and handed them to the two children with a smile as their small gifts.

However, the two children seemed a little hesitant. They looked at Liu Minghua and Li Hongxia, as if waiting for some instructions.

Li Hongxia also naturally looked at Liu Minghua. After all, when it came to interpersonal relationships, she was used to following her husband's advice.

Seeing this, Liu Minghua smiled and said to the children, "Take it. If you don't accept the red envelope from the local rich man, you'd be a fool!" There was a hint of sarcasm in his words, but it made the children put aside their worries and happily accepted the red envelopes.

Then, Lin Shufang also prepared to give the children red envelopes, but this time Li Hongxia did not ask Liu Minghua's opinion, but stepped forward to block the children from receiving them. Lin Shufang asked in confusion, "Do you think my money is too little, or what?"

Liu Minghua smiled and shook his head, explaining, "Why are you comparing yourself with Zhong Lao Er? He is just stupid and has a lot of money, so he would rather give it to someone else. It is better for ordinary people like us not to compare ourselves with him."

Zhong Yuemin, who was listening, pretended to be angry and shouted, "Fuck, Lao Liu, can we still have fun together? How can this friendship be overturned just like that?"

For a moment, the house was filled with laughter.

Li Hongxia watched Zhong Yuemin and Lin Shufang go away, frowned slightly, turned to Liu Minghua and said, "Why do I feel that their relationship is not simple?"

Liu Minghua smiled lightly upon hearing this, and replied disapprovingly, "You are such a meddlesome woman. They are just classmates and we just get along well. Don't we male and female classmates also get along well?"

However, Li Hongxia did not seem satisfied with this answer. She suddenly changed the subject and asked in a slightly teasing tone, "Do you have such a good female classmate?" There was a hint of jealousy and curiosity in this sentence, which made Liu Minghua stunned.

Liu Minghua suddenly felt nervous, as if Li Hongxia had seen through his thoughts. He shuddered and seemed to sober up instantly.

Liu Minghua looked at the children playing nearby, fearing that his answer would affect their mood, so he quickly said, "What are you talking about? The children are right in front of you! Don't talk nonsense."

Li Hongxia continued to ask, with curiosity glittering in her eyes. "What is Zhong Yuemin's background? Why does he seem so powerful?"

Liu Minghua was silent for a while after hearing this, as if he was recalling every detail of his time with Zhong Yuemin. "I'm not sure, and Zhong Yuemin never said anything. But he is a very special person, and he takes everything lightly. In his eyes, being a teacher, a factory manager, or selling pancakes doesn't seem to make any difference, it's just a way of life."

Li Hongxia nodded. "I just checked the red envelopes given to the children. It's quite a lot, almost as much as your monthly salary."

"normal."