Chapter 1250 - 1123: This Meal Wasn’t for Nothing

Chapter 1250: Chapter 1123: This Meal Wasn’t for Nothing

"Bro, today you’re not eating for free."

Zhang Guoqing raised an eyebrow at Yi Jiefang’s words and smirked slightly.

"Do you know why we’re having the gathering tonight?" Yi Jiefang asked, seeing Zhang shake his head, then winked at the others present, "See, I told you he wouldn’t guess."

Wan Dayong shot him a glance and swiftly grabbed a piece of meat near his chopsticks. Ah, Xiao Wu’s smoked meat always has such flavor; no wonder the kids at his place keep thinking about their Aunt Wu’s skills.

Geng Dazhi tossed a peanut into his mouth, muttering, "You’re talking in riddles; who can understand that."

Ding Datou glanced at his buddies amusingly, pointed at the ground with his free hand towards Zhang Guoqing, and continued sipping his drink with a sigh of relief, "Nice!"

Zhang Guoqing’s eyes lit up, "Got some news?"

True pals indeed, Yi Jiefang proudly gestured with his chopsticks towards himself, "Bro, I’ve cast a wide net, of course there’s news. Found several courtyards near your old place."

Zhang Guoqing examined him suspiciously, "Beyond ten miles?" Could there be that many courtyards for sale around the old neighborhood? I’ve asked around plenty myself!

Yi Jiefang rolled his eyes, "Beyond ten miles isn’t worth it, right? Get the money ready, the five of us each get a courtyard, yours is three-entry since you have deeper pockets, just across a big street from your old place."

Zhang Guoqing didn’t refuse upon hearing this, smiling as he raised his glass to toast them. He didn’t ask where the others were located; they’d already planned to be nearby.

After finishing his drink, as he poured himself another, he curiously asked, "How’d you find them?"

"It was Da Zhi and Dato who found the way." As Yi Jiefang finished speaking, he quickly lowered his head to grab some food, "You beasts can’t slow down, can you?"

"Hahaha... You’re the one who talks so much. No food left? Drink more wine."

Now, Zhang Guoqing somewhat understood. Da Zhi’s family is in the police system, and Dato has an aunt in the housing bureau; those places get info fastest.

"Is that necessary? When have I not let you eat your fill on visits? I’ll have Aunt Chen add a few more dishes."

Wan Dayong nodded unceremoniously, "Got more smoked meat at home? Pack some for me—I’ll be out of money after buying the courtyard."

Zhang Guoqing gave him a disdainful sideways glance, "Saving up private money?"

"You don’t understand—a man with money is bold."

Yi Jiefang teased, "Bold for women?"

"Am I that kind of guy?"

The group paused chopsticks to look over, replying in unison, "Yes."

Infuriated, Wan Dayong pointed his chopsticks at them, "Alright, tomorrow I’ll let your wives know how much you’re hiding in your secret stash."

Ding Datou laughed heartily, "Big brother shouldn’t criticize; be careful not to be punished by your wife."

"No worries, Da Yong’s got iron knees now."

"Think he’d kneel on an abacus or a washboard this time?"

"You lot, unlucky pals, why do I only have pig friends and dog friends? Life is hard."

Zhang Guoqing chuckled as he watched his buddies eat and joke around, internally noting that his fellow buddies are all hen-pecked yet he seems to have forgotten he leads the pack.

"You’re all so improper."

Ding Datou tossed a peanut at Wan Dayong, "Yeah right, you’re the least proper one among us. Be grateful your wife saved you from being a lecher."

Wan Dayong swiftly caught it, teasing, "As if you’re the one living without worldly concerns. Remember how eager you were back in the day chasing your wife?"

Geng Dazhi, known for being blunt, laughed immediately afterward, "Forget? This old guy almost dragged his wife straight to bed before sealing the deal!"

Yi Jiefang, seeing them getting more outrageous, quickly cleared his throat and pointed outside, "Maintain some image; after all, we’re officials."

That remark elicited laughter from everyone.

When it’s just the close-hearted few, any conversation goes wide open; it’s easy to forget Aunt Chen bustling about outside.

Yi Jiefang shook his head in disbelief, changing the topic, "What’s your take on the recent southern border clashes?"

"Isn’t that a matter for you military folks?"

"Look at your level of awareness..." Yi Jiefang pretended to point painfully at Ding Datou, "Brother, you’ve fallen; nothing can save you."

At this, Ding Datou took a sip, immediately clasping his hands, "Bro, spare me. My dad already schooled me over this in the afternoon. Still have a headache."

"Deserved!"

Geng Dazhi glanced at Zhang Guoqing, "Busy again lately, are you preparing for battle?"

Zhang Guoqing found the question hard to definitively answer, so he vaguely replied, "We’ll have to wait for notice." With that, he raised his glass, "Let’s not discuss work tonight."

After the drinks ran dry and the company dispersed, Zhang Guoqing bid farewell to his slightly unruly friends and ascended the stairs, opening the bedroom door to see Zhou Jiao leaning in bed reading.

"Gone so soon?"

Zhang Guoqing nodded with a smile, "Tomorrow’s work, best to wrap up early. Unfortunately, the tiger wine at home was hit hard by those guys again."

"No problem, recently you’ve managed to corner them into giving back plenty."

Once friendship reaches a certain depth, Zhang Guoqing wouldn’t be stingy about sharing good stuff with his friends; why else would he bring it out to entertain them tonight?

"How much is left in the home bank book? Need to withdraw thirty thousand tomorrow."

"Just over fifty thousand, haven’t made this month’s deposit yet." Zhou Jiao gestured towards the closet, "It’s still in the usual place. There’s an extra ten thousand downstairs in the study’s secret compartment from mom; I haven’t touched it either."

Zhang Guoqing knew the source of that ten thousand.

His mother-in-law had previously mentioned she kept a stash of five thousand plus remittance coupons for use for a while, plus the five thousand cash previously saved, that totals fifteen thousand. Short by a lot, not to mention the courtyard money still needs a legitimate facade visible on bank records; otherwise, excuses are hard to find.

"Better to use the bank book." Zhang Guoqing raised an eyebrow, chuckling, "Silly wife, aren’t you curious why I need such a large sum?"

Zhou Jiao threw him a flirty glance, "As long as it’s not for backing a mistress, anything is fine."

Zhang Guoqing’s gaze flickered as he nonchalantly approached, "Really? Everything you say is allowed?"

"Of course." Zhou Jiao put her book down, rolled out of bed, and fetched his pajamas and change of clothes from the wardrobe, "All I smell is wine. Quick, go shower."

Zhang Guoqing blinked.

Did this silly girl catch his drift or not? He smiled at her meaningfully, letting her figure it out later herself.

Zhou Jiao watched him take clothes into the bathroom quizzically, shaking her head in exasperation.

—Acting all mysterious and playful, does he really think she can’t guess where that money is for?