novellhall Chapter 130 Is he seeing someone new?
Chapter 130 Is he seeing someone new?
"Lu Ming, Xiu Xiu, you..." Lu's mother came out first and was stunned when she saw this scene.
Lu Ming hadn't expected Cai Xiuxiu to link arms with him, and in front of his parents, he pulled his arm away.
"Cai Xiuxiu, we have nothing to do with each other anymore, what are you doing?" Lu Ming asked coldly.
"What do you mean it's not a problem? Even if we're not dating, we grew up together. How can we not be friends?"
Lu Ming hadn't expected her to be so shameless.
"Sorry, I don't need friends. Get out of my house right now." After saying that, Lu Ming grabbed Cai Xiuxiu's arm and pulled her out, then closed the outer door.
"Uncle and Aunt, I'll come to see you another day." Cai Xiuxiu called out loudly from the doorway.
She would never give up; she refused to believe that Lu Ming could withstand her relentless pursuit.
Seeing Cai Xiuxiu leave, Lu's mother hurriedly asked, "What exactly happened between you and Xiuxiu? You didn't make up with her again, did you?"
The two families had already arranged the engagement, but Cai Xiuxiu regretted it and returned the betrothal gifts, saying she didn't want to marry Lu Ming from their family.
Not long after the two families broke off their engagement, she got engaged to the factory director's son, a fact known to everyone at the machinery factory.
The factory manager's son caused that incident a while ago, so his marriage to Cai Xiuxiu is probably impossible now.
The Cai family is still making a scene, wanting the factory manager's family to give them some compensation.
They had already experienced firsthand what kind of people Cai Xiuxiu's family were, and even if Lu Ming never married, they didn't want him to marry someone like Cai Xiuxiu.
"Who knows what got into her? Just ignore her."
Lu Ming had no idea what Cai Xiuxiu was trying to do.
He finally earned some money today and bought things for his family. He was in a good mood, but now Cai Xiuxiu has affected him.
"Mom and Dad, let's go home. I have something to tell you." Lu Ming took his things off his bicycle and said to his parents.
His parents were shocked to see that Lu Ming had taken so many things.
"What did you buy this time? You finally earned some money, don't spend it recklessly," Lu's mother said with some concern.
"Mom, don't worry, even if I spend it all, I can earn more. These are all for you."
As Lu Ming spoke, he happily took out all the items.
His younger siblings, who were inside the house, heard the noise and ran out as well.
"Big brother, did you buy us anything?"
"Of course, these are for you." Lu Ming took out the fried cakes and beef patties he had bought for them.
Upon seeing the delicious food, their eyes lit up immediately, and they eagerly grabbed the pancakes and started munching on them.
Of course, he didn't forget to give each of his parents a beef patty as well.
"These beef patties aren't cheap. Where did you get so much money to buy them?" Mr. Lu asked, looking at the things Lu Ming had taken out, feeling a little distressed about the money spent.
They usually can't even afford to buy meat, so where would they get the money to buy these things?
These are too extravagant for their family. They only have a small monthly allowance to support a family of five, and even with careful saving, it's not enough.
Lu Ming spent more than ten yuan on these things, and he put the rest of the money from his pocket into his mother's hand.
"Mom, keep this money. This is what I've earned these past few days. Your son will earn even more in the future, so you and Dad can enjoy a comfortable life with me."
Seeing Lu Ming take out so much money from his pocket again, Lu's mother stood there in disbelief.
Lu Ming had already bought a lot of things for his family last time, and this time he bought beef patties and nutritional supplements. They were all curious about how he made so much money.
"Lu Ming, tell me honestly, what exactly are you doing outside to make so much money?" Lu's father knew his son well, and seeing that he had bought so many things all at once, his expression became serious.
Lu's mother also spoke earnestly, "Yes, son, we are an honest family, you must not do anything improper."
Lu Ming knew they were worried about him, so he pulled them down to sit and briefly explained how he had been making money these past few days.
"Is everything you're saying true?" Mr. Lu was clearly skeptical.
Lu Ming nodded. "It's true. If you don't believe me, you can ask Comrade Wen."
"However, Comrade Wen said that although the investigation is not strict now, we still need to keep a low profile. For the time being, we should just put away some small appliances. Otherwise, if someone reports us, it will implicate our family."
Lu Ming also told his parents everything Wenrou had instructed him to do. Although this matter was indeed somewhat dangerous, he wasn't the only one doing it now.
There are also quite a few people who smuggle goods from Guangdong Province to sell here, and they all earn much more than him.
"Is this...reliable?" Lu's mother asked, still somewhat uneasy.
"It's always better to be careful. Since Comrade Wen has said so, you should listen to her for the time being," said Mr. Lu, frowning.
Although what Lu Ming is doing is dangerous, his family is short of money, so this is the only way to proceed for now.
There are private businesses everywhere now, and some of them have already made a lot of money. It would be a lie to say that they aren't envious.
As long as you're careful, nothing should happen.
Hearing that his father had finally given his support, Lu Ming was also very moved.
"Mom and Dad, Big Brother, come and eat!" At this moment, Lu Ming's sister called out to them.
Seeing his younger siblings enjoying their meal so much made Lu Ming genuinely happy.
At that moment, he secretly vowed to himself that he would earn more money in the future so that his family could live a better life.
Following Wenrou's advice, Lu Ming didn't go to collect the old appliances these past few days.
Two days passed, and just as he was preparing to test the waters, trouble indeed broke out.
A family in the factory's residential compound was reported for running a private business. As a result, the factory decided to remove that family from their jobs, and they are now causing a disturbance at the factory.
Lu Ming was still somewhat shaken when he saw this scene.
Fortunately, he listened to Wenrou's advice and didn't go out to collect appliances these past few days, otherwise he would have been the one reported.
However, I heard that the person stole things from the factory and sold them outside, so it's no wonder he was fired.
Because of this incident, the factory is now conducting even stricter inspections.
"Lu Ming, I heard you made a lot of money recently. Are you doing some private business?" Lu Ming had just returned from outside when he ran into his nemesis, Guo Chao.
Standing next to Guo Chao was Cai Xiuxiu. Hearing this, she chimed in, "Of course! I saw it all. He bought so many things back; he must have a way of making money."
Cai Xiuxiu couldn't get any results from Lu Ming, so she called Guo Chao over.
Guo Chao and he grew up together since childhood, and Guo Chao always took advantage of his height and size to bully Lu Ming a lot.
Seeing that Cai Xiuxiu had gotten involved with him, Lu Ming's expression turned even uglier.
Although his relationship with Cai Xiuxiu is over, she was still someone he once liked. How could she possibly be interested in someone like Guo Chao?
"Brother, we grew up together. If you ever find a good way to make money, don't forget about us." Guo Chao walked over and put his hand on Lu Ming's shoulder.
Seeing this, Cai Xiuxiu chimed in, "Yes, Lu Ming, just tell us the truth. What kind of business are you in? Take us with you, and we promise we won't tell anyone."
Lu Ming looked at the two of them and suddenly remembered what Wenrou had said.
She told me to be wary of people who had a grudge against him, and wasn't that Guo Chao?
Fortunately, he didn't continue collecting appliances these past two days; otherwise, if Guo Chao had reported him, his father would have lost his job.
If they lose their jobs at the machine factory, their family's future will likely be even more difficult.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Lu Ming said coldly.
Of course, he wouldn't tell them about Wenrou's situation, let alone bring them along.
"Don't try to hide it anymore. I've already found out. You were going to that abandoned factory not far from town a few days ago. Did you hide all your stuff there?" Guo Chao said confidently, arms crossed.
Upon hearing Guo Chao's words, Lu Ming's expression changed drastically.
He never expected that even though he had done it so discreetly, he would still be discovered.
"Wouldn't we find out if we went to take a look?" Cai Xiuxiu said to Lu Ming with a smile.
That Lu Ming is really something. He has a good way to make money, yet he keeps it a secret so well.
"What do you want to do? I've already said I'm not doing any business. That's my friend's place. If you need anything, just come to me. Don't bother her."
Lu Ming didn't want to implicate Wen Rou because of his own affairs. If those two went there, they would definitely turn the place upside down.
Wenrou has helped him so much; he can't let her get away with it.
He was getting anxious, but unfortunately, he couldn't beat Guo Chao by himself, especially since Cai Xiuxiu was with him. He could only step forward to block them and try to stop them.
Upon seeing this, Guo Chao raised his foot and kicked Lu Ming hard in the stomach.
"Lu Ming, don't push your luck. Believe me or not, I'll report you for speculation and profiteering right now and kick your whole family out of the residential compound."
Guo Chao didn't take Lu Ming seriously at all. The more Lu Ming tried to stop him, the more certain Guo Chao became that there was something wrong with the abandoned factory.
"Come and hit me if you dare! Bah, you coward! I'll hit you, so what?" Guo Chao stepped forward, grabbed Lu Ming by the collar, and punched him in the face again and again.
Lu Ming was already thin and not as strong as Guo Chao. He was grabbed by the collar and had no strength to resist. He could only take the beating.
"Alright, let's go check on him quickly, stop hitting him." Cai Xiuxiu couldn't stand it anymore at this point.
After what happened with the factory manager's son, she realized how good Lu Ming was.
She still had feelings for Lu Ming, and even thought about getting back together with him.
However, Lu Ming always treated her with indifference, and she couldn't do anything about it.
He could only tell Guo Chao about Lu Ming's affairs, hoping that Guo Chao could help him make money.
"Kid, be smarter next time, understand?" Guo Chao released Lu Ming at this moment and left with Cai Xiuxiu.
Lu Ming got up from the ground, ignoring the injuries on his body and face, and hurriedly ran home.
Knowing that Guo Chao and his group must have gone to the abandoned factory, he didn't dare to delay and wanted to rush over to stop them.
He ran home, pushed his bicycle, and prepared to go out.
When Lu's mother came out at this moment and saw his injured face, she was shocked.
"Xiaoming, what happened to you? Who hit you?"
She rushed over, her face full of concern.
"It's Guo Chao, Mom. I have something to do and need to go out." Lu Ming didn't have time to explain to his mother before he got on his bicycle and left.
"Xiaoming, slow down, what's the rush?" Lu's mother called out loudly from behind him, worried.
Lu Ming was pedaling his bicycle so hard it was practically sparking, and when he finally arrived, he ran into Wenrou coming alone.
Wenrou looked surprised when she saw Lu Ming.
"What happened to you? Why do you look so injured?" she asked gently with concern.
"Don't say any more. Someone broke into the factory. I'll go check it out. Go find someone to come over," Lu Ming said anxiously to Wenrou.
He couldn't let a gentle woman come with him.
Guo Chao can't even beat himself, let alone a gentle woman.
He remembered that her gentle husband was an officer in the army, and at this time, he could only ask her husband for help.
After all, he's a member of the military. No matter how arrogant Guo Chao is, he certainly wouldn't offend someone in the military.
"Who is it? Do you know them?" Wenrou asked, puzzled.
Seeing Lu Ming's expression, even his gentle demeanor turned somewhat serious.
"I'm sorry, I've dragged you into this. Anyway, neither of us is a match for him. You should go find your husband." Lu Ming said with a guilty expression.
When Wenrou heard Lu Ming say that, she wanted to see who was trying to cause trouble.
"Let's go take a look."
After she finished speaking, she walked directly towards the factory gate.
"Wenrou, you..." Lu Ming hadn't expected Wenrou to be so bold. He had no choice but to follow her.
After the two of them went inside, they indeed saw Guo Chao rummaging around looking for something.
Seeing Lu Ming arrive, he arrogantly put his hands on his hips and said to him, "Kid, what exactly are you hiding here?"
He searched everywhere but couldn't find what Lu Ming had hidden.
Just then, a gentle voice sounded from behind Lu Ming.
"What are you looking for? Do you need me to help you find it?"
"Of course..." Guo Chao said, looking behind Lu Ming, and saw a woman walk out.
He stared at Wenrou for a moment, then asked in confusion, "Who are you?"
Cai Xiuxiu looked at Wenrou, but her expression changed. She turned to Lu Ming and asked, "Is this your new lover?"
No wonder she was wondering why Lu Ming had been coming all over here recently; she hadn't expected him to have a new girlfriend.