Siheyuan: I just came across and wanted to chase me away

Chapter 908 Drinking together

Seeing that Xiao Bao was still so impatient, Jiang Chuan didn't say anything more - after all, Xiao Bao has always had this bad temper, and he doesn't go back on his word, so no amount of persuasion would be of any use.

After leaving the Public Security Bureau, Xiao Bao began to wonder, "I didn't expect there were so many twists and turns here." This matched up perfectly with what Monkey had said before. It looked like the person Ma Zi had knocked unconscious was indeed from the Public Security Bureau. This was no small matter. He needed to think carefully about his next move, as it might lead to more trouble.

Meanwhile, Monkey, following Xiao Bao's instructions, went to the steel mill. Standing at the factory gate, watching the employees coming in and out, he felt a bit overwhelmed. The factory was crowded with people, and he was a stranger, with no one he knew. He had no idea where to begin, so he could only wait patiently outside, hoping for the right opportunity.

Just then, he saw a man in factory uniform loitering near the door, a look of impatience on his face. Although Monkey didn't recognize him, he still walked over and asked tentatively, "Excuse me, big brother, who are you..."

This person was Xu Damao. He had just had a dispute with someone at the factory and was feeling very angry. When he saw someone talking to him, he raised his eyes and asked (with an angry tone): "What do you want from me? Do you want me to show you a movie?"

When Monkey heard the words "show a movie," his eyes lit up. He instantly understood the other person's identity and said with a smile, "Oh, it's Master Xu! I know you. My name is Monkey. I met you when you came to our village to show a movie before, and I even had dinner at our house! This time, I came here to ask you for a favor. Can you come to our village to show a movie again?"

Xu Damao frowned and thought for a long time, but he couldn't remember the incident. However, he still responded vaguely: "Oh... Monkey, you are right, I have been to your house."

How could he remember it so clearly? When he went to show movies in the villages, who wouldn't invite him to their home for a meal? He'd heard this kind of polite talk so many times, so he just went along with it, not taking it too seriously.

Xu Damao looked at the monkey and asked (in a more relaxed tone): "Monkey, why did you suddenly come to the steel mill today? What's going on?"

Monkey had a fawning smile on his face. He looked at Xu Damao and waved his hand, his tone as warm as if he had met a familiar neighbor: "Are you calling me? Hi, it's me! I've been busy outside lately. The last time I saw you from afar, I didn't have time to say hello to you. Now, in the blink of an eye, I missed you."

Xu Damao knew what was going on. He hadn't been back to the village often in recent years, and many of the younger villagers had probably forgotten him. But he recognized the monkey before him—he used to squat by the projector, watching him show movies. He was very clever. He subconsciously straightened his back and said with the familiarity of a veteran, "My name is Xu Damao. From now on, just call me Brother Damao. It sounds more friendly."

Monkey was actually a little reluctant—he wasn't young anymore, so why should he call him brother? But he didn't show it on his face. He kept smiling brightly and quickly replied, "Hey, Brother Damao!" After a pause, he changed the subject and asked with deliberate curiosity, "Brother Damao, come to show movies in our village, why haven't you been here for a while? Everyone in the village, young and old, is talking about it, especially the children. They always ask, 'When will Brother Damao come to show movies?'"

Xu Damao seemed to have found his true self when he heard this. He sighed heavily, a trace of worry on his face, and waved his hand: "Don't mention it. I really can't go recently. I have so many troubles and I am exhausted."

Monkey was determined to find out about Gu Nan, but he also knew he couldn't speak too hastily, lest he reveal his true identity. His eyes rolled, and he enthusiastically said, "Brother Damao, let's put this worry aside for now. Meeting you today is fate. I'll treat you to a couple of drinks so we can have a good chat, how about that?"

Xu Damao was holding back his anger and wanted to refuse. Telling these villagers about his troubles would be pointless, and he would only be criticized behind their backs. But then he thought, what Monkey said sounded quite honest. Just as he was about to refuse, he heard Monkey say, "Brother Damao, you've shown movies to our village for so many years, through thick and thin, and we haven't treated you to a proper drink in so many years. This glass of wine is what you deserve, so please don't refuse!"

Having said that, it would be ungrateful to refuse further. Xu Damao nodded and said in a frank manner, "Then... I won't be polite."

Monkey was delighted, but kept his composure. He quickly led Xu Damao to a restaurant in town. He had already chosen the place—a small, unassuming place with authentic food, secluded and perfect for conversation. He was calculating: Once Xu Damao was drunk, he'd be able to get his secrets out. Especially Gu Nan's background—he was sure to get to the bottom of it.

Entering the restaurant, Monkey, familiar with the place, chose a private room by the window. He could see what was going on outside without worrying about being disturbed. He flipped through the menu quickly and ordered two side dishes: a plate of cold-mixed pig ears and a plate of fried peanuts, both essential dishes to go with alcohol. Xu Damao glanced at the menu and said nothing. However, the bottle of wine Monkey pulled out of his bag looked quite high-end, with intricate patterns printed on the glass. He guessed it was more expensive than the two dishes combined. He couldn't help but think to himself: Monkey is really generous.

After sitting down, Monkey took the bottle and filled Xu Damao's glass. The wine was golden and frothy. He only filled half his own glass, raised it, and said with a smile, "Brother Damao, I know it's been tough for you these past few years and you've suffered a lot. I'll toast you with this. Please feel free to drink as much as you want, but don't get drunk."

Xu Damao lifted his glass and gently clinked it against his. With a crisp "ding," he tilted his head back and drank it. The spicy liquor slid down his throat, bringing a mellow warmth as it flowed down his esophagus, soothing him. The depression in his heart seemed to dissipate a little, and even the worry on his face faded a little.

What he didn't know was that Monkey had secretly taken some hangover medicine before going out, so it would not be easy for him to get drunk even if he drank a few more glasses, let alone half a glass - this was a trick he had thought of in advance.

The monkey followed suit, drank the glass, smacked his lips, and deliberately showed an expression of admiration, giving a thumbs-up: "Brother Damao, your alcohol tolerance is really amazing! Compared to you, I am not even a little bit behind. I am really ashamed of myself."

Xu Damao felt so flattered by these words that a smug smile appeared on his face. He waved his hand and said, "Of course! Back then, everyone in this area knew that I, Xu Damao, could hold my liquor. You're still a little naive to compete with me in drinking. If I really start drinking, I guarantee you'll be so drunk that you'll forget which way the door faces!"