Rebirth of Bloody Romance

Zhong Yuemin stood at the entrance of the alley, the afterglow of the setting sun stretched his shadow very long. He was playing with his keys in his hand with a cynical smile on his face, and was planning to take Yuan Jun and Zheng Tong to Zui Xiang Lou for a meal.

Zui Xiang Lou was their old haunt. Every time they had a party, either Zhong Yuemin would treat them or he would find some excuse to eat and drink for free. In short, Yuan Jun and Zheng Tong never seemed to have a chance to pay the bill there.

"Yuemin, we two brothers are going to treat you to a meal today." Yuan Jun said with a bit of pride and playfulness, "If we go to Zui Xiang Lou, it will definitely not cost any money, which would be so boring."

Zheng Tong nodded rapidly on the side, with an expression that said "something big is happening" on his face.

"Hey! What's going on today? The sun doesn't rise from the west." Zhong Yuemin raised his eyebrows and a playful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, obviously surprised by this sudden reversal.

Zheng Tong joked, "Fuck! You're a little bit... a little bit spoiled. I finally stopped you from treating us, and you're still a little uncomfortable. Let's go! Let's have fun in a different way today."

"Fuck you! Today I'm going to eat your March salary." Zhong Yuemin replied with a smile and curse, his eyes flashing with a cunning light, and he was obviously ready to give Yuan Jun and Zheng Tong a good beating.

"Then it depends on your ability!" Yuan Jun smiled and shook his head pretentiously. He turned and walked deeper into the alley. Zheng Tong followed closely behind him. The two of them looked back as they walked, urging Zhong Yuemin to catch up.

"Oh my god! Did you two get rich or what? Why do you treat me like a stranger?" Zhong Yuemin hurried after them, his heart full of curiosity and confusion. What on earth are these two brothers up to?

After passing through the maze-like winding and criss-crossing alleys, the three finally arrived at the legendary "Donglaishun".

This restaurant looks unremarkable from the outside, with an ordinary facade and a weathered and slightly mottled sign hanging above the door lintel.

However, when the soft afterglow of the setting sun gently falls on this sign, it magically exudes a unique atmosphere of warmth and nostalgia.

"Is this the place?" Zhong Yuemin turned to look at Yuan Jun and Zheng Tong beside him with a suspicious look on his face, his eyes clearly showing some disdain and disapproval for the grade of this restaurant. He really couldn't imagine why these two guys would bring him to such a seemingly ordinary place.

"Stop talking nonsense and go away! I'll talk to you in detail later." Yuan Jun's mouth corners slightly raised, and after a mysterious smile, he couldn't wait to reach out and push open the wooden door in front of him.

Instantly, a rich aroma of food hit me like a surging tide, mixed with a hint of warm air. This warm current seemed to have magical power, and in just a moment it seemed to dispel the coldness of the winter night.

Walking into the hotel, you will be greeted by a simple yet elegant scene. On the walls are carefully hung several vivid and colorful oil paintings, which delicately depict the customs and people of old Beijing and the good times that have long gone.

Bunches of carefully crafted dried flowers are neatly placed on each dining table. Although these dried flowers are not as gorgeous as fresh flowers, they exude a unique kind of elegance and tranquil beauty.

At the same time, the air is filled with the faint scent of lavender, which makes people feel relaxed and intoxicated.

Zhong Yuemin stood still, his eyes slowly scanned the surrounding environment, and his memory gradually came back to him. Oh, this is the place, a restaurant famous for its shabu-shabu mutton. Despite its reputation, Zhong Yuemin had never been here before.

"Come, come, come, Yuemin, come and sit over here. It's so cold, it's just right to eat some mutton hotpot to warm yourself up." Yuan Jun greeted Zhong Yuemin warmly and pulled him to sit in a seat by the window.

Zheng Tong ordered dishes without stopping, and occasionally exchanged glances with Yuan Jun. The two of them seemed to have telepathic communication and exchanged knowing smiles that only they understood.

Zheng Tong shouted at the top of his voice, "Boss, give us five catties of mutton first!"

"Okay!" the boss responded readily.

Zheng Tong turned around, looked at Zhong Yuemin and asked, "Yuemin, what kind of wine would you like to drink?"

Before Zhong Yuemin could answer, Yuan Jun on the side glared at Zheng Tong with disdain and said, "Zheng Tong, this is really unnecessary. Do you even need to ask? Boss, quickly bring four bottles of Moutai over!"

Hearing this, Zhong Yuemin could no longer hold back his curiosity and frowned, shouting, "Fuck! You two bastards, why are you so generous today? Mutton and Maotai, what's the plan? Did you get rich or something?"

Yuan Jun and Zheng Tong smiled at each other, their eyes full of pride and gratitude. Yuan Jun coughed and spoke slowly. "Yuemin, the house you asked Zheng Tong and I to buy has increased in value. We have made so much money, and thinking about how much you have always paid for us, I must let you have a taste of being treated this time."

Zhong Yuemin was stunned for a moment when he heard this, then he smiled, but then he pretended to be bored and said, "That's it? I thought it was a big deal. I waited for nothing."

Seeing this, Yuan Jun pretended to be angry and glared at Zhong Yuemin. "Fuck, what's that look in your eyes? Why are you looking at me like an idiot? My buddy has made a lot of money, why aren't you excited?"

Zheng Tong couldn't help but interrupt, "Yuemin, the house that Yuanjun and I bought has doubled in value now! Looking at your expression, why are you still complaining about it?"

Zhong Yuemin looked at the two people who were eager to express their gratitude and shook his head gently. "You two must rarely go shopping in person, right? Don't you find that the prices are rising sharply now?"

Zheng Tong nodded after hearing this, his expression somewhat solemn. "I have heard Jiang Biyun mention that prices are indeed rising too fast now. The prices of many things have doubled compared to before."

Yuan Jun was indeed a carefree person, who rarely paid attention to the daily necessities of life, let alone understanding any economic phenomena. At this moment, he sat at the table, looking at Zhong Yuemin blankly, trying to understand this sudden economic topic.

"Yuemin, can you tell me why the price of this thing has increased?" Yuan Jun pointed at the mutton on the table, his eyes full of confusion.

Zhong Yuemin picked up a piece of mutton, put it in his mouth and chewed it carefully, then took a sip of wine, and then slowly spoke. "Last year, in 85, was the first inflation after the founding of New China. The CPI reached %. It would be strange if prices did not rise! Do you two understand what I mean?"

Yuan Jun and Zheng Tong looked at each other, shook their heads, and asked at the same time, "Yuemin, what is inflation?"

"Yuemin, what is CPI?"

Zhong Yuemin rubbed his nose helplessly. He knew that these two people knew almost nothing about economics, so it would take some effort to explain it clearly. "To put it simply, money is worthless. Things that used to cost one dollar now cost more. This is inflation. The CPI is the Consumer Price Index, which is an indicator used to reflect the changes in the price level of consumer goods and services purchased by households. A rise in the CPI means a general rise in prices, which is what we often call inflation."

Yuan Jun listened for a long time, but still seemed a little confused, but he didn't want to continue to dwell on this issue. "Yuemin, you are talking too profoundly, I feel dizzy. Anyway, we brothers have made money, let's drink!"

Zheng Tong also echoed. "Yes, yes, yes, let's drink! Who cares about inflation? We have hands and feet, how can we starve?"

The three of them clinked their glasses and drank the wine in one gulp. After three rounds of wine and five dishes, their topic gradually turned from economics to trivial matters and interesting things in life. Laughter and cheers came one after another, and the whole box was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

In the end, all three of them were drunk and walked out of "Donglaishun" supporting each other.

It was late at night and the street lights were dim. Their shadows were elongated under the light, appearing particularly warm.

"Yuemin, today is such a great day!" Yuan Jun said staggeringly.

"Yeah, we haven't gotten together like this for a long time."

"We need to get together more often in the future. No matter whether there is inflation or not, our friendship will not change!" Zheng Tong said firmly.

The three of them smiled at each other and each went on their way home.

Zhong Yuemin came to Xinjiekou again, thinking of Song Xiangjun and the two children. He was carrying large and small bags of diapers and milk powder, which he carefully selected, hoping to do his part for the children.

When Zhong Yuemin knocked on the door, he felt nervous and excited. After a while, Zhou Jingyi's voice came from the room. "Who is it?"

Zhong Yuemin took a deep breath and replied, "Auntie, it's me, Zhong Yuemin."

The door creaked open and Zhou Jingyi appeared at the door. Seeing what Zhong Yuemin was holding, she said in surprise, "Xiao Zhong, it's you who's here! And you brought so many things with you."

Zhong Yuemin smiled and replied, "Auntie, the diapers that Teacher Song asked me to buy have arrived, so I dropped them off on the way."

Zhou Jingyi said gratefully, "Really? Sorry to bother you, Xiao Zhong. Come in and sit down."

Zhong Yuemin shook his head. "No, Auntie. I have something else to do, so I won't go in. Please tell Teacher Song that I have delivered the things."

At this moment, Song Shijie's voice came from the room. "Lao Zhou, who's here?"

Zhou Jingyi turned around and called out, "Xiao Zhong, come over to deliver something."

Zhong Yuemin heard the voice and quickly greeted him. "Hello, uncle!"

Song Shijie came out of the house and saw what Zhong Yuemin was holding. He showed a grateful look. "Xiao Zhong, you are always so polite. Come in and sit for a while. Have a cup of tea before you leave."

Zhong Yuemin couldn't refuse, so he had to follow him into the house. He sat on the sofa, looking a little awkward. Zhou Jingyi poured him a cup of tea, while Song Shijie chatted with him.

Zhong Yuemin tried to make the atmosphere more relaxed, but he was always worried about Song Xiangjun and the children. He wanted to know how they were doing, but he didn't dare to ask directly.

At this moment, Song Xiangjun came out of the room. When she saw Zhong Yuemin, a look of surprise appeared on her face.

When Zhong Yuemin saw her, he felt excited, but he didn't dare to show it too obviously.

The two looked at each other, and seemed to tacitly feel the subtle emotion in each other's hearts, but then they both lowered their heads silently, burying this emotion deep in their hearts.

Zhong Yuemin calmed himself down and said, "Teacher Song, the diapers you asked me to buy have arrived, as well as the milk powder. They are all here."

Zhou Jingyi then asked Zhong Yuemin, "Xiao Zhong, are you free today?"

Zhong Yuemin's heart moved, guessing that Zhou Jingyi might have something to ask him. He quickly replied, "Yes! Auntie, do you need any help? Just tell me, I will do my best."

Zhou Jingyi showed a hint of hesitation, but she still spoke. "It's like this. Your uncle and I have something to go out for, so we may be back late. Can you help me take care of Xiangjun and the kids here? I promise I'll be back soon."

When Zhong Yuemin heard this, he was immediately delighted. It was like someone sent him a pillow when he was sleepy! He nodded and agreed quickly. "Okay, Auntie, go ahead! I will take good care of Teacher Song and the children."

Zhou Jingyi smiled with satisfaction after hearing what Zhong Yuemin said. "Thank you so much, Xiao Zhong."

After saying that, Zhou Jingyi and Song Shijie quickly packed up and went out.

Zhong Yuemin stayed in the house and began to take care of Song Xiangjun and the children with great joy. He worked very carefully, fearing that he would wake up the children who were resting.

Song Xiangjun looked at Zhong Yuemin's busy figure, and the corners of her mouth could not help but rise, and she said with a hint of ridicule, "Zhong Yuemin, you are quite good at making excuses. When did I ask you to help buy diapers? How come I didn't know it myself?"

Zhong Yuemin chuckled, his eyes flashing with cunning light. "Hehe...did you forget? You came into my dream last night and told me."

When Song Xiangjun heard this, she immediately rolled her eyes at him in annoyance, but she couldn't help but smile. "Go to hell! You're such a talker."

The two smiled at each other, and the atmosphere became relaxed and happy. Zhong Yuemin asked with concern, "How are you recovering? Are you okay?"

Song Xiangjun shook her head gently, her face filled with happiness. "I'm recovering well, nothing's wrong."

Zhong Yuemin sat down next to Song Xiangjun and asked softly, "Are Xiao Siqi and Xiao Sihai asleep?"

Song Xiangjun nodded, her face full of maternal love. "Yes, they are all asleep. They just finished drinking milk and fell asleep as soon as they got to the bed."

Zhong Yuemin tiptoed to the door of the children's room and looked inside through the crack in the door. He saw little Siqi and little Sihai lying quietly on their beds, breathing evenly and calmly, sleeping very sweetly. He was inexplicably moved. These two little guys were so adorable.

Zhong Yuemin closed the door gently and returned to the living room. Song Xiangjun was looking at him with a smile, her eyes full of tenderness. The two smiled at each other, without saying anything, their feelings were clear.