Siheyuan: I live next door to Xu Damao, my last name is Cao

Just as Shazhu was hiding in a dimly lit corner of the clothing store, surrounded by clutter, the air was filled with a stale smell.

He looked like a piece of dry firewood ignited by anger, his heart filled with rage and unwillingness. His eyes were as big as copper bells, staring at Cao Wei and others, with a raging fire of jealousy burning in his eyes.

His breathing was rapid and heavy, his chest heaving violently, and every breath seemed to be suppressing the anger that was about to explode.

Cao Wei and the three women were near the fitting room, having a lively conversation about the newly purchased clothes.

Cao Wei was holding a navy blue Mao suit in his hand, with a satisfied smile on his face. He gestured and said, "Although the material of this suit is not top-notch, the style is good. I feel much more energetic when I put it on."

Yu Li came forward, gently stroked the fabric of the clothes, and nodded in agreement: "Yes, and this color suits you very well, it makes you look steady and elegant."

Lou Xiao'e picked up a dark blue shirt, held it in front of her, and asked with a smile, "Look, how does this look on me?"

Qin Huairu smiled and replied: "Xiao'e, this shirt suits you very well. It makes you look gentle and generous when you wear it."

Their expressions and behaviors were natural and casual, and the atmosphere was harmonious, like that of old friends who had known each other for many years and were close friends. They were not at all aware of the resentful gaze in the corner.

At this moment, Yu Li seemed to suddenly recall something extremely interesting and happy. A bright smile instantly broke out on her face, and her eyes sparkled with a lively light, which was like the twinkling stars in the night sky.

She didn't shy away, and quickly approached Cao Wei with a smile, leaning forward slightly, tilting her head slightly, and gently kissed him on the cheek, then said coquettishly: "Wei Zi, you look so handsome today."

When Sha Zhu saw this scene, he was filled with resentment, but thinking that Yu Li was Cao Wei's wife, such an intimate behavior between husband and wife could barely allow him to suppress his inner anger. He gritted his teeth, clenched his fists, and his nails dug deeply into his palms, leaving crescent-shaped marks.

However, before Sha Zhu could recover from this emotion, Lou Xiao'e burst into laughter at something Cao Wei said. She laughed so hard that the dimples on her face were clearly visible, and her crisp laughter echoed in the store.

After laughing, she subconsciously reached out and gently pulled Cao Wei's arm. The touch of the arm seemed to give her a different kind of security. Her fingers slightly bent and gently grasped Cao Wei's sleeve.

Then, she tiptoed slightly, as light as a dancing butterfly, and kissed Cao Wei on the other cheek. Her look was full of sweetness and intimacy, as if there were only the two of them in the whole world.

Sha Zhu's eyes widened instantly, his eyeballs seemed to try to break free from their sockets and almost burst out of them, his pupils contracted sharply due to shock.

His lips trembled slightly uncontrollably, and a few unclear sounds came out of his throat, muttering to himself: "How is this possible..."

His mind was blank, as if swept by a sudden storm, and he could not comprehend the extraordinary scene before his eyes.

After carefully selecting the floral cloth, Qin Huairu slowly turned her head to look at Cao Wei. Her eyes were shining with a gentle light like water, and that light contained an indescribable affection, like a bottomless lake.

She walked with soft steps, each step seemed to be walking on clouds, slowly walked to Cao Wei's side, raised her hand, and moved gently as if she was treating an inestimable treasure. Her fingers trembled slightly as she gently straightened the tiny wrinkles on his collar.

After finishing, she leaned forward slightly and placed a kiss on his forehead. Her voice was as gentle as the spring breeze, and she whispered, "You really look good in this dress."

This series of actions was natural and smooth, completed in one go, as if they had already been close to each other for a long time, with a tacit understanding that no one else could interfere with.

Sha Zhu was completely stunned by the scene before him. He felt as if his brain was hit hard by a heavy hammer. Everything was chaotic and blank, and his thoughts were in complete chaos.

Instinctively, he grasped the edge of the shelf tightly with both hands. His knuckles turned white from excessive force, and the veins on the back of his hands bulged out like angry little snakes wriggling under his skin.

His body was shaking violently with anger and shock, like a leaf in a strong wind, unable to control himself. His legs were weak and he could barely stand.

"It's fine that Yu Li kissed him, but how could Lou Xiao'e and Qin Huairu do the same? Doesn't Yu Li care?"

Sha Zhu roared hysterically in his heart. He was so angry that his eyes were bloodshot. His originally honest and simple face now became hideous and terrifying because of extreme anger, as if he was possessed by a demon. The muscles on his face were twisted and full of resentment.

Qin Huairu, whom he desired so much and regarded as his goddess, was so proactive and intimate with another man. Sha Zhu could not accept it no matter what.

He felt that his world had completely collapsed at this moment. All his beautiful fantasies turned into bubbles, and his longing to be with Qin Huairu was shattered in an instant.

Sha Zhu couldn't bear to watch it any longer. He was now certain that Lou Xiao'e and Qin Huairu had already had an improper relationship with Cao Wei.

"This is definitely Cao Wei's fault. It must be Cao Wei who tried to coerce Qin Huairu. Otherwise, how could Sister Qin be interested in Cao Wei?"

Sha Zhu kept comforting himself in his heart and tried hard to find excuses for Qin Huairu. In his opinion, Qin Huairu would never betray him on her own initiative. It must be that Cao Wei had used some tricks.

Sha Zhu thought that he had to go back and think carefully about how to defeat Cao Wei without hurting Qin Huairu.

An idea quickly flashed through his mind. He could directly report Cao Wei for having promiscuous relationships, but as soon as this idea came to his mind, he decisively rejected it.

"No, if I report it, Qin Huairu's reputation will be ruined. How will she live in this world in the future?"

Sha Zhu was extremely conflicted. On the one hand, he was filled with anger towards Cao Wei and wished to cut him into pieces. Images of revenge on Cao Wei kept appearing in his mind. On the other hand, he was deeply worried about Qin Huairu, fearing that she would be hurt in the slightest. The thought that Qin Huairu might be implicated because of this matter made his heart feel like it was being pierced by thousands of needles.

In the end, Sha Zhu did not follow. His steps were unsteady, as if he was stepping on cotton. He turned around with one foot deep and one foot shallow, and left the clothing store in a daze.

Along the way, his eyes were empty and lifeless, and he ignored the bustling crowds and the lively street scenes around him.

On the streets, people were laughing and talking, and cars were flowing, but these had nothing to do with him. He seemed to be in a lonely world.

When he returned to the courtyard, he walked straight into his room and used all his strength to slam the door shut. The sound of the door slamming was particularly loud in the silent courtyard, as if it was a vent for his inner anger, causing several sparrows in the yard to flap their wings and fly away.

He lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind replaying the scene he had just seen, and he swore in his heart: "Cao Wei, just wait for me, I will never let you have an easy time, I must make you show your true face and take Huairu back from you."

After buying clothes, Cao Wei and his group carried large and small bags in their hands and walked towards Donglaishun, talking and laughing in the biting cold wind of Beijing in winter.

The wind blew across their cheeks like a knife, but they didn't care at all and were immersed in the joyful atmosphere.

From a distance, you can see the quaint signboard of Donglaishun swaying slightly in the wind. The words on the signboard have been through the test of time, but they still exude a unique charm, which is the taste of old Beijing.

Before getting close, the rich aroma of meat and charcoal fire wafting from the store hits your nose. The fragrance instantly arouses people's appetite and makes people feel warm and expectant, as if all the coldness is dispelled by this fragrance.

As soon as they opened the door, they were instantly surrounded by noisy voices, the waiters' enthusiastic shouts and the diners' cheerful laughter. The store was bustling and full of the strong smell of fireworks.

"Please come in, everyone!"

The waiter's face was full of smiles, and that smile was like the warm sunshine in winter. He came towards them warmly and skillfully wiped the table with the towel draped over his shoulders, not missing any corner, even wiping the gaps in the table carefully, and led them to a seat by the window.

On the table, a shiny copper hot pot was quietly placed. The surface of the hot pot was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting everyone's faces clearly, as if it were a mysterious mirror.

The charcoal fire was burning fiercely in the stove, making crackling sounds. The bottom of the clear soup in the pot had begun to roll happily, emitting crystal bubbles and gurgling sounds. The rising hot steam filled the air, blurring everyone's faces, as if covering them with a mysterious veil.

Yu Li was the first to take her seat. She skillfully prepared the sesame paste and scooped a large spoonful of rich sesame paste into the bowl. The sesame paste had a rich color and a mellow aroma that made people intoxicated.

Then she sprinkled on emerald green chives, brown-red fermented bean curd, bright red chili oil, and added a few spoonfuls of braised shrimp oil with a unique aroma. Each seasoning was added just right, and her movements were skillful and smooth, like a skilled chef.

Pick up the chopsticks and stir quickly. In an instant, the aroma is overflowing. The rich and mellow aroma attracts the attention of the surrounding diners and casts envious glances. An old man at the next table couldn't help but praise: "Girl, your seasoning is really fragrant!"

Lou Xiao'e was standing by, helping Cao Wei to carefully place the clothes he bought on a chair nearby. She also carefully sorted them out and folded them neatly to ensure that they would not be knocked off. Every piece of clothing was placed neatly by her.

Then, she picked up the teapot on the table, her movements as graceful as those of an ancient lady, gently lifted the handle of the teapot, and poured everyone a cup of steaming scented tea. The aroma of the tea rose in the air, adding a bit of leisure and comfort to the lively atmosphere.

Qin Huairu took plates of tender lamb rolls from the waiter. The lamb was sliced ​​as thin as a cicada's wing, with the texture clearly visible. Under the light, it glowed with an attractive luster, as if it were a piece of exquisite work of art.

She smiled and said, "We have to have a good meal today. I haven't had the hot pot at Donglaishun for a long time. It's really tempting."

As he spoke, he picked up a piece of mutton with chopsticks and gently put it into the boiling pot. The mutton quickly changed color in the boiling water, from pink to grayish white, like a magic trick.

She skillfully scooped it up quickly, dipped it in the sesame sauce, and evenly coated the mutton with the sauce. She put it in her mouth, squinted her eyes in satisfaction, and a happy smile spread across her face: "Mm, it still tastes this way, authentic!"

Cao Wei also picked up a piece of mutton and started to cook it. While cooking, he smiled and said to everyone: "It's really pleasant to be able to come out with you today, buy the clothes I like, and eat this hot pot."

His words caused the three women to nod their heads, their faces filled with happy smiles. Those smiles were like flowers blooming in spring, bright and beautiful.

Yu Li playfully picked up a piece of mutton covered with sesame sauce, handed it to Cao Wei's mouth, and said with a sweet smile: "Wei Zi, open your mouth and taste my cooking."

Cao Wei smiled and ate it, and gave a thumbs up and praised: "The ingredients prepared by my wife are so delicious!"

Lou Xiao'e looked at them and smiled softly, her smile was like the spring breeze, gentle and warm. She also picked up a piece of mutton, dipped it in the sauce and handed it to Cao Wei: "Try my seasoning too and see if there is any improvement."

Cao Wei took it, tasted it carefully, and nodded in praise: "Xiao'e's is also delicious, each with its own flavor."

As he was speaking, some sesame paste accidentally got on the corner of Cao Wei's mouth, which looked particularly abrupt.

Yu Li was quick to pick up the handkerchief on the table. The handkerchief was embroidered with delicate patterns. She had embroidered it herself. She gently helped him wipe the corner of his mouth. Her movements were gentle and intimate, and her eyes were full of love: "Look at you, you're like a child."

Lou Xiao'e joked, "You two are so sweet that people envy you."

Qin Huairu looked at them with tenderness in her eyes, and that gentle look seemed to be able to embrace everything in the world.

She added some mutton to everyone and said, "Eat more, everyone. You're welcome."

After saying that, she picked up a piece of vermicelli with chopsticks and put it into the pot. Watching the ingredients in the pot tumbling and the vermicelli dancing in the soup, a satisfied smile appeared on her face. That smile contained her love for life and cherishment for the person in front of her.

At this time, the waiter brought a plate of fresh cabbage and a plate of smooth frozen tofu.

The cabbage leaves are green and tender, exuding a fresh scent, as if carrying the vitality of the fields; the frozen tofu is honeycomb-shaped, as if hiding countless delicacies, waiting for people to discover.

Qin Huairu greeted everyone enthusiastically: "Come, try the fresh cabbage and frozen tofu, they are indispensable for hot pot."

As he spoke, he put the cabbage and frozen tofu into the pot one by one. The cabbage slowly softened in the pot, absorbing the delicious soup, while the frozen tofu swelled up, becoming even more tempting.

If Shazhu saw this warm and sweet scene, he would probably be furious.

However, at this moment, Sha Zhu was alone in the courtyard, his heart full of anger and unwillingness.

He lay in bed, tossing and turning, and the sheets were wrinkled like a tangled mess.

My mind was filled with intimate scenes of Cao Wei and the three women, and I couldn't fall asleep at all.

He thought about how he had been sincere and devoted all his heart to Qin Huairu, but got such a result in return, while Cao Wei easily won Qin Huairu's heart. The more he thought about it, the more aggrieved he felt, and the anger in his heart grew stronger and stronger, as if it was going to set the whole room on fire.

Sha Zhu paced back and forth in the room. Each step he took was heavy and powerful, as if he wanted to step a hole in the floor. The ground was shaking slightly under his footsteps.

His brows were furrowed, and the wrinkles on his forehead were like ravines, as he thought about how to deal with Cao Wei.

The cold wind whistled outside the window, making the window creak. The sound seemed to be an echo of his inner anger, roaring with his anger.

Various plans to deal with Cao Wei kept emerging in his mind, but he rejected them again and again. He knew that he had to act with caution in this matter, otherwise not only would he fail to retaliate against Cao Wei, but he might also hurt Qin Huairu.

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