CHAPTER 141: CHAPTER 112: TRIPOD (PART 1)

After completing the re-enrollment procedures, National Day placed two stacks of new books in the car. Before he could close the car door, two people swiftly squeezed into the car and quickly closed the door.

National Day was startled. In the broad daylight, who could it be? He glanced inside, saw who it was, and hurriedly looked toward the school gate, relieved to see no one noticed, and quickly got in the car and drove away.

Only after turning the corner and losing sight of the school did National Day breathe a sigh of relief. He parked by the roadside, turned to his friends Li Qinglin and Zhang Yuntao, "Why did you sneak out? If you miss me, why not come to my place? Are you going back to class or not? If not, I’m driving off."

Zhang Yuntao looked at the new books beside him and sighed, "Xiao Wu, why did you buy books again? I don’t even bother, just leaving them at home. It’s a loss, a big one."

Li Qinglin slapped his forehead, "The focus isn’t on the books. Xiao Wu is making a comeback, you fool."

Then he looked at National Day, "Xiao Wu, have you really decided to take the university entrance exams? Is everything settled at home? What about the baby at home? Have you considered it all?"

"Everything is considered. Today, we’re catching up on re-enrollment procedures. Except for term finals, we’ll take long leave to study at home. We’re a year behind you; if there are no surprises, we’ll skip grades to catch up. After the New Year, we’ll work while preparing for exams. Have you decided whether to continue studying for university or start working directly? How about the three of us go for university and see the big city?"

Li Qinglin closed his eyes and leaned on the car seat, pointing at Zhang Yuntao.

Zhang Yuntao looked at them both, "I was planning to discuss with you. Now both of you want college, what about me? Try my luck while I can. Let’s not talk about this. Xiao Wu, where did you get the car you’re driving today?"

National Day pointed at the books in the back, "First, place the books at the county restaurant. I’m helping my mother-in-law return the car to the provincial city; this car is from the provincial military district. It should’ve been returned yesterday; delayed until today. If not for the low fuel, I’d be reluctant to return it. Help me bundle those books with a bag and tie them tight."

Li Qinglin looked at him suspiciously but didn’t ask, knowing that Taozi would definitely inquire. Sure enough, Taozi was shouting, "Packing new books in a shabby bag, silly?"

National Day rolled his eyes, "With people coming and going at the restaurant, it wouldn’t take an afternoon for the whole town to know what we’re up to. Who knows what’s in the bag once zipped up?"

After he finished speaking, Li Qinglin nudged Zhang Yuntao with a gleeful expression, "Told you you’re slow. Want to go to the provincial city with Xiao Wu later? It’s good for a stroll."

Zhang Yuntao rolled his eyes at him, "I’m already in the car; of course, I’ll go along. You didn’t know that, silly?"

"Oh Taozi, you’re quick at paying back." They both started bantering.

After National Day handled the books, he drove onto the highway, drove for over two hours to the provincial military district, handed over the keys and tags, thanked them for the invitation, and pointed outside to the two of them before leaving.

Li Qinglin saw him come out, pulled Zhang Yuntao to walk out together, keeping a distance, looked at National Day, "Xiao Wu, why are these people so polite to you? Still have the chance to borrow a car?"

National Day, seeing their hopeful eyes, didn’t have the heart to disappoint them, "Borrowing a car requires an officer’s certificate; if everyone could borrow, how could the military district carry out tasks? Walk instead? Don’t be disappointed; so we can have a car in the future, let’s go back and work hard doubly."

"Right, work hard! Good luck, I’ll hitch a ride."

Li Qinglin kicked him and joked, "Taozi, I’ve figured it out; you talk big, but when you really decide, I’ll talk to your dad about threatening you to succeed."

"No threat can work. Wealth cannot corrupt, poverty cannot shift, force cannot bend."

"Ha, with a stick or a whip, and if you still don’t listen, drip candle wax on you and see what you remember then. Your dad spoils you; otherwise, let me try, and you’ll live in hell."

National Day smiled watching them play around, "Have you chosen a place to visit in the provincial city yet? Today’s decision is yours."

"I don’t have a penny; wherever you go, I’ll follow."

"You fool, did you buy gifts for a girl? Listen Taozi, those girls won’t do; your dad will kill you if you pick one. Listen to your brother; find reliable ones like those you know from childhood. That chubby girl next door is good, smiles like a flower, no worry of starving when married, and your mom likes her. Mainly, she lights up seeing you like roast pork." Li Qinglin joked.

Zhang Yuntao rushed to National Day for help, pitifully saying, "Brother Xiao Wu, please drag this lunatic away, he’s disregarding brotherly bond with murderous intentions. The girl weighs over two hundred pounds; one crush and I’m done for."

National Day glanced at him, joking, "Then find a way to crush her; crushing means Victory."

"Haha,..." Li Qinglin laughed, "Precisely, the strength difference can only be tackled with wit; having fun daily. That Matchstick Girl at school won’t do, her skin too dark and rough; can you find her at night with the lights off?"

Zhang Yuntao glared angrily, poking him, "She’s not called Matchstick Girl; it’s Black Beauty. I rejected her for the sake of future kids, can’t fancy her. These girls are determined like green flies, why follow?"

Li Qinglin huffed, "Ignore her, harden your heart. That girl’s bad, keeps giving you steamed buns while her siblings starve at home. Ignore her, she pretends to be pitiful, but that black face can’t pull it off. I’m sick of it; if you’re too kind, beware of being stuck. She’s interested in your dad being a secretary, fool."

"Why didn’t she fancy you? Usually scared of you." Zhang Yuntao asked him puzzled.

Li Qingshan angrily gestured, speechless, and turned to National Day, shrugged, rolled his eyes several times.

Finally sighed, helplessly said, "Xiao Wu, talk him through this. Otherwise, this fool will fall. You and Jiao Jiao weren’t in school, didn’t know Matchstick Girl clings to him seeing his soft heart; whenever girls approach him, she looks pitiful, as if losing her man. I glared at her several times; she avoided me. Such girls, whoever marries is unlucky. No Xishi face but still pretending like Xi Zi; sickening. Zhao Yuanyuan always lashes out at her but never wins against Matchstick Girl."