My Life with Narration

Chapter 548 - 539: Lin Tingquan

As the busy Shen Yi left, Su Qing returned to his previous single state. How should I put it? It feels great, really refreshing.

At home, he’s even more carefree, running around naked without a care, doing whatever he pleases. The main thing is the freedom.

He suddenly understood the happiness of married men when their wives go back to their parents’ homes.

Now he owned the house, including the one next door, and felt even more uninhibited. That night, he invited Wang Xing over for a little get-together.

"President Shen really left?"

Wang Xing, having received his invitation, came over with some deli food and asked nervously in the living room, feeling uneasy.

Because ever since Shen Yi moved next door and started dropping by frequently, Wang Xing hadn’t visited Su Qing’s place anymore. Mainly because there was a girl over at Su Qing’s place, and he felt a bit embarrassed to come over. Of course, it was also because Shen Yi’s aura was too strong, making Wang Xing feel like a ’mistress’ being scrutinized by the rightful wife, forgetting that he was the one who came first.

And after Shen Yi truly became the rightful wife, he didn’t dare to visit any longer. At that point, it wasn’t just guilt, but a sense of boundaries.

No matter how good the friends, there should be some sense of boundaries. Sometimes in private, he wondered if he had co-rented the place with Su Qing, perhaps Shen Yi wouldn’t have been able to move in so easily.

"No need to worry, she’s gone. Why are you scared of her? She’s not going to hit you," Su Qing rolled his eyes and said.

Hearing this, Wang Xing chuckled coldly, casually put down what he was carrying, and plopped onto the sofa, saying, "Of course you’re not scared; you can even beat her up. But not me, I’m still working under her. She might not hit me, but what if she docks my pay?

The stock market’s been getting worse lately. Even with your tips, my income has been declining sharply. If this keeps up, I feel like there’s no future in the stock market, and President Shen’s job is truly my capital for revolution!"

Lately, although the stock market’s overall trend is still down, the speed has dropped significantly. The only stocks still rising have very little growth. If it weren’t for the considerable funds Wang Xing still had, he’d almost be making no money.

However, thinking about the tens of thousands of dollars he invested only to make such a small amount back made him feel like backing out recently.

It’s not for any other reason; the risk and income are not proportional. Although Su Qing hasn’t made a mistake so far, how could an outsider like Wang Xing know the real situation?

No one can always win in the stock market. So recently, Wang Xing has been thinking of stepping back and focusing on his job.

In just over a month, his situation has drastically changed. Although he didn’t pass the civil service exam, he has a nice sum of savings and even a decent second-hand car.

Now, both he and Lin Miaomiao drive to work, protected from the wind and rain, which makes him quite satisfied. If it could continue like this, it would actually be pretty good.

"Come on, how could a big boss of a company willingly trouble an employee?" Su Qing gave him a sideways glance and continued, "By the way, when does our company go on holiday for the New Year?"

Hearing this, Wang Xing sighed helplessly and said, "I have to say, Qingzi, you’re practically the lady boss of our company. How can you not know anything about it? What if President Shen gets pregnant in the future? How will you take over the company?"

"What does her company have to do with me? I can’t do it anyway. Don’t worry; she has her own people to handle things." Su Qing said nonchalantly.

With nothing more to say, Wang Xing could only shake his head and replied, "The holiday starts on the 27th of the lunar month, and we officially go back to work on the 9th, but you could extend it to the 15th if you take leave, though those days will be without pay. Also, no full attendance for this month. Plus, no entire department can go on leave; at least some people have to work, and each department manages its own quota."

Hearing this, Su Qing nodded. It was standard but still better than most companies, considering many places start work by the 8th.

The reason for such flexibility is entirely because it’s hard to get tickets after the Spring Festival, so the requirements can’t be too strict.

"Thin Dog said we’d gather after the New Year. I called Big Qiang, but couldn’t reach him. Do you know what’s up?" Su Qing asked.

Wang Xing shook his head, "Couldn’t get hold of him. Thin Dog doesn’t know either. It should be fine. We all have jobs now and aren’t together, so surely we each have our own circle. Maybe he’s just busy with other things lately."

"True," Su Qing responded, "Did you bring any cigarettes? Want one?"

"Smoking at home? Can we?"

"Come on, the girls have gone back. I’m the boss at home now!"

"Alright, alright, alright!"

With that, the two men shamelessly let loose at home. The feeling was indescribably refreshing. A gathering of men doesn’t need women. Those who can’t enjoy themselves without women usually have other thoughts.

Time flew by, and three days passed. With just a week left before the New Year, the streets were festooned and filled with a festive atmosphere, and fireworks could be seen now and then at night.

In the past couple of years, fireworks were banned, much to everyone’s frustration. But now they’re allowed, and folks can hardly wait, starting to set them off before the New Year even arrives.

At noon, Su Qing leisurely made his way to the police station to fulfill his duties as a consultant. Even if there wasn’t a major case, he had to show up, after all, he was on their payroll.

"Wow, Xiao Su is here, that’s a surprise!" Lin Chengcai chuckled.

"Captain Lin," Su Qing greeted, then helped himself to some water as he sat down.

"What brings you over with such a relaxed mood today?" Lin Chengcai asked with a smile.

Su Qing smiled, "Isn’t it almost the end of the year, nothing major going on, just came to see how Qiang is doing lately."

"Him? He’s fine, at least on the surface. He’s always out and about, laughing away. It’s funny how Old Zhao was so worried about him. Now he’s working extra hours to make up for the leave he took," Lin Chengcai laughed.

Hearing this, Su Qing chuckled and shook his head. Du Qiang’s recovery was surprising to everyone. Although they knew he had some pretense, they couldn’t deny that he had a strong will. Getting to this point was quite impressive.

"Didn’t you recommend he see a psychologist? Isn’t that an option we have?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Chengcai glared at him, "You’ve got some nerve to talk! Jangzi isn’t on psychological interventions anymore; he’s been reassigned. I swear, if you can help, why don’t you apply it to the right area instead of bothering others?"

"Reassigned? Can’t be. Jangzi seemed somewhat fragile!" Su Qing said, eyes wide with disbelief.

Lin Chengcai sighed, "Well, it is what it is. At least he got a reassignment. Had you talked him into quitting, I’d definitely hold you accountable."

Feeling relieved, Su Qing silently sighed. He couldn’t afford to mess up someone’s career. It seemed he should refrain from meddling in the future; not everyone could withstand his interventions.

"By the way, is your wife about to give birth?" Su Qing asked.

He initially thought of calling her "sister-in-law" but feared Lin Chengcai would flip out, especially since Li Zijun had to call her "teacher’s wife." Calling her "sister-in-law" wouldn’t be over the top.

When they first met, Su Qing found out about Lin Chengcai’s wife’s pregnancy through the narration. Now that it’s almost New Year, and going by the timeline, it should be soon.

Sure enough, hearing this, Lin Chengcai’s face bloomed like a chrysanthemum, "Very soon, very soon! Within a few days, she’s already admitted to the hospital.

I’ve already applied for leave. After I finish these last few days’ duties before the New Year, I’ll head home to take care of my wife and child. After New Year, you might not see me for a while," Lin Chengcai laughed.

Su Qing quickly gestured for him to stop, "Please, no flag-planting!"

"Flag-planting? What’s that?"

"Uh... just meaning... never mind, Captain Lin, if I may advise, take your leave tonight after work. These things should be done sooner rather than later. Look at the TV shows with characters saying, ’let’s get married when I return’ or ’I’m retiring in a month,’ and what happens to them?"

Hearing this, Lin Chengcai froze, then retorted, "Hmph, superstitious stuff, I don’t believe in it!"

"It’s not superstition. It’s the conclusion from countless painful lessons!" Su Qing said seriously.

It wasn’t a narrative prompt; rather, it was his experience as a young person.

"Get out of here! If you have nothing else, go check on Jangzi; I don’t need your business here!" Lin Chengcai raised his hand as if to swat him away, making Su Qing quickly dash off.

Once Su Qing was out of sight, Lin Chengcai thought for a moment and made a call:

"Old Zhao, I won’t be coming in starting tomorrow after work tonight. I’m taking paternity leave!

Yes, yes, she’s due any day now and is already in the hospital. I originally thought of taking leave after the New Year, but suddenly felt uneasy. What if she gives birth before the New Year? I wouldn’t want to miss my child’s birth."

Naturally, Zhao Minghui immediately approved his reasonable request, especially since there were no urgent cases at the station. In units like theirs, when wives give birth, husbands are also entitled to paternity leave, with plenty reason not to object.

Have to say, Old Lin takes advice well.

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