Siheyuan: Spring and Autumn

As soon as he finished speaking, a graceful figure appeared at the door.

Chen Xueru was seen with her hair tied in a bun and wearing a red silk cheongsam with flowers, which set off her curvy figure. She looked fashionable, youthful and beautiful. The beauty and temperament she exuded were absolutely the best in Beijing.

Qin Zheng raised the corner of his mouth. This beauty was truly blessed by God. She was naturally charming, beautiful, and full of charisma!

A woman is proud of the man who pleases her!

Chen Xueru also saw Qin Zheng sitting in the tavern. He was looking at her with eyes full of admiration. She felt shy but happy at the same time!

Qin Zheng stood up and said in a gentle voice: "Xue Ru, we meet again."

"Brother Qin Zheng, nice to see you again. How long have you been here?"

"It just arrived, too. It's for you."

As he spoke, Qin Zheng handed her the gift in his hand.

"Oh, it's chocolate, thank you, Brother Qin Zheng."

Chen Xueru naturally knows and has eaten chocolate, which is very rare in China and currently can only be imported.

Niu Ye laughed and said, "Boss Chen, so you and Qin Zheng know each other?"

Chen Xueru's beautiful eyes moved as she said in a crisp voice, "Master Niu, you are really not a good person. You just like to talk about me behind my back. Fortunately, Brother Qin Zheng and I know each other."

"Haha, I am in the wrong about this matter, and I apologize to you. What Qin Zheng just said is exactly what I thought."

"Oh, what did he say?" Chen Xueru asked.

"He said that of all things in the world, only beauty and wine should not be let down. He was a little disappointed with the watered-down wine in the tavern, so I said that the beauty who was coming soon would definitely not let him down again."

"Hmph, you're good at talking. But Brother Qin Zheng is right, Boss He, your watered-down wine is really unpalatable, and you're really dishonest."

Chen Xueru complained directly, not giving Boss He any face at all.

Boss He said with a bitter face: "You are right. I apologize to you all. Wine is hard to come by now. How many ounces do you want today?"

Although he said so, he is a rather cunning person and he will definitely not change.

The profit of the tavern depends on water. It costs 7 cents per ounce and you can sell it for 1 cent, making a net profit of 3 cents.

There are several wineries near the capital, but no one wants to go to those that are far away, and those that are nearby only sell wine mixed with water. There is nothing we can do!

"Two ounces of wine, a plate of peanuts, and a side dish."

"Okay. Take it."

Chen Xueru didn't answer. She picked up what she wanted and sat down next to Qin Zheng.

He Yongqiang suddenly said with a cold face: "I managed to get this wine back with great difficulty. I see you guys drank a lot."

Niu Ye slammed his glass on the table and said loudly, "You are too bad at talking. We just like the atmosphere of the tavern and have developed a habit. Otherwise, no one would like to drink your watered-down wine."

Qin Zheng said: "Uncle Niu is right. People come here because they like the atmosphere of the pub. A few good friends get together to have a drink and chat in their free time. It not only kills time but also broadens their horizons. It's all about comfort."

"Well said, it's rare to have a true friend in life. Cheers."

The pubs in Beijing have a unique culture.

No matter what one's social status is, one can go to the tavern and spend money. Those with more money can have wine and food, while those with less money can drink cheap wine. When there are many people, they can share a table, or simply squat by the door or the wall, drink, chat, talk, laugh, and curse. There may be some small conflicts from time to time, but it does not affect the friendship between neighbors. It is full of human touch.

"Indeed, if you really want to drink, there is plenty of good wine at home. Brother Qin Zheng, I toast to you."

Qin Zheng and Chen Xueru raised their glasses together, drank, and smiled at each other.

Niu Ye asked, "Xue Ru, I've never heard that you knew Qin Zheng before?"

Chen Xueru said: "Brother Qin Zheng is my lifesaver, and we have only known each other for half a month."

"Oh? What's going on?" Uncle Niu asked in surprise with his eyes wide open.

Chen Xueru said in hatred: "The second kid from the Hou family actually found two alley thugs to kidnap me..."

The words were not fully spoken, but the meaning was fully understood.

"Snapped!"

Master Niu slammed his palm on the table and said sternly: "This second brat of the Hou family only knows how to eat, drink and have fun every day. He is a real playboy. How dare he use such a despicable method."

In fact, when it comes to being a playboy, Master Niu is no less than him. He walks around the streets with a bird cage every day, unrestrained and uninhibited. However, Master Niu is a man of integrity and would never do something like the second kid from the Hou family.

Chen Xueru said: "Let's not talk about him anymore. It just makes people upset."

Just as he finished speaking, someone else came in from outside: "Hey, everyone is here."

Qin Zheng turned his head and saw a thin middle-aged man walking into the tavern. Judging from his appearance, this man is probably Pian Ye'er, a storyteller who goes from door to door performing foreign films. His life is not good, and the people he serves are all children who are still wet behind the ears. Depending on the length of time, he charges one hundred or two hundred coins per person. In a day, he can only earn enough money for drinks and barely support his family.

Sure enough, Boss He greeted him, "Here comes Pian'er Ye."

"Haha, here they come. Old Man He, two taels of wine and a plate of shredded tofu." Pian Ye said with a smile.

After greeting everyone in the store, Qin Zheng got to know Pian Ye. This old man really was the image of a Beijing hutong commoner. He sat down at Niu Ye's table, resting his arms on the table, leaning lazily on the edge of the table, pouring a glass of wine from the jug and drinking it, smacking his lips, looking very enjoyable.

"Have you heard? The second kid from the Hou family got beaten up." Pianerye said lazily.

He Yongqiang asked in surprise: "How did you know?"

Uncle Niu curled his lips and said, "Pian'er Ye walks around the streets every day, so he has the most up-to-date information."

In just a short while, He Yongqiang was scolded by Niu Ye several times, which made Qin Zheng laugh secretly.

Chen Xueru asked: "Pianerye, who beat you?"

"I heard they were two hooligans. Xueru, you should have seen these two hooligans."

Now, Qin Zheng was impressed by Pianerye's well-informedness.

"Pianerye, you even know this?"

Chen Xueru asked in surprise. Neither the Chen nor the Hou families had publicized what happened half a month ago.

"That's right. I also know that it was the young man Qin Zheng next to you who saved you." Pianerye said as he raised his glass to Qin Zheng.

Qin Zheng drank the wine and said loudly: "Pian'er Ye, just call me Qin Zheng. Was the second son of the Hou family beaten by the thugs he hired?"

Pianerye raised his thumb and said, "That's right. The two were detained for a week and wanted money when they came out, but Hou Ming said the job was not done well and refused to give it. So they were beaten up and finally gave the money."

Chen Xueru slammed her wine glass on the table and said in hatred, "Haha, he is not a man. The Hou family is a well-known wealthy family in Beijing, but he only has eyes for those little things. He deserves to be beaten."

In just a few words, Chen Xueru revealed her character, which was really bold and strong.