Chapter 8: Remember What I Said

It was a pity that at the time, the court ruled that these events were too long ago to be verified and could not be admitted as evidence. By the time Cheng Shi had the money to hire a good lawyer, that scoundrel had long since vanished into hiding.

He never expected, not in his wildest dreams, that this evidence would one day be useful.

The muscles in Liu Jie’s face stiffened; he looked at Cheng Shi in disbelief. He had been extremely discreet in his past actions, and he had even used money to buy off the other party. How could Cheng Shi possibly know?

No, that wasn't right. Cheng Shi must be bluffing. Even if the kid had heard rumors, he couldn't possibly have any concrete proof.

Liu Jie feigned composure and said, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Cheng Shi said calmly, "Yesterday evening, eight to eight-thirty. The Beautiful Hotel, Room 307."

He had always possessed a photographic memory. Later, because he couldn't find Liu Jie and avenge his sister, he had pulled out these records from time to time to remind himself. This information was etched into his mind; not a single detail was wrong.

In this era, unlike the future, having a questionable moral character was enough to ruin a person’s life, let alone such detailed records.

Liu Jie quickly said, "I understand."

Cheng Shi let go of him and patted his shoulder. "Remember what I said."

Cheng Juan stared at Cheng Shi, dazed. She had never imagined that there would come a day when Cheng Shi would stand up for her. After all, just yesterday, he had been nothing but a troublemaker.

Cheng Shi stood up, took the bag from Cheng Juan’s hand, and said, "Sister, let's go home. From today until you get married, I will pick you up and drop you off at work every day."

Cheng Juan blinked, as if waking from a dream. "Okay."

On the way back, Cheng Juan hesitated to speak. Cheng Shi knew what she wanted to say and replied, "Don't worry, I really haven't been traumatized or fallen ill. I’ve just suddenly woken up. Other than family, nothing else is important. If money is gone, we can earn more. Academic credentials and status are just fleeting clouds. The gossip others spread is nothing but nonsense; there's no need to take it to heart."

Cheng Juan smiled faintly. "I’ve always known you were an incredibly smart person and that you would wake up one day, but I didn't expect it to happen so fast, so I'm a little unaccustomed to it."

Cheng Shi said, "Sister, thank you for always being so tolerant and supportive of me. I know I was a real jerk before. That won't happen again. You just need to live your own life well and stop worrying about me."

Cheng Shi returned home to find that Cheng Yongjin had chiseled a hole in the wall of the utility room and installed an exhaust fan. He had finished the work and was busy cleaning up.

Cheng Shi was surprised. "Oh, Dad. Thank you. It must be much cooler now."

Cheng Yongjin remained expressionless, even appearing somewhat impatient. "You're so much trouble. If you still feel hot, just get some ice from the popsicle factory, put it in a bucket, and set it inside."

Cheng Shi replied, "Got it."

Older fathers were always like this—scolding with their mouths while caring with their hearts. They would perform acts of indulgence while forcing a look of resentment onto their faces.

Cheng Yongjin said, "I just took a look at this machine tool; it’s still locked. You can unlock it by yourself?!" He actually wanted to ask if he needed help, but he couldn't bring himself to say it.

Cheng Shi realized suddenly: *Right, Dad is a veteran employee of the machinery plant. He has no less experience with pre-90s machinery than I do. How did I not think of such a great assistant?*

He said in a low voice, "Dad, I’ve already unlocked the machine tool. But we can't let outsiders know."

Cheng Yongjin’s eyes widened in surprise. "You must be bluffing, kid." Their generation had dreamed of unlocking CNC machine tools, hoping to replicate and improve them, for decades, yet no one had succeeded.

Cheng Shi added, "Dad, I haven't taken on any jobs yet. Once I do, you can come and help me, and you won't have to go out for odd jobs anymore."

Cheng Yongjin scoffed, "Pfft, learn how to use this machine first before you talk."

The machine tool was the factory's treasure. Only senior technicians and master craftsmen were allowed to use it independently. It wasn't just that the masters wouldn't teach Cheng Shi; even if they were willing, he had to be willing to learn. He had heard that Cheng Shi spent seven or eight out of every ten days slacking off; he probably hadn't even touched the machine.

Cheng Shi smiled and didn't explain. When he was young, being denied or questioned would make him jump up and argue fiercely. After struggling in society for so long, he knew that no amount of words was as direct, effortless, and satisfying as using results to slap someone in the face and prove oneself.

Cheng Juan walked in and said, "Dinner is ready."

Cheng Yongjin said to Cheng Shi, "Don't rush. We weren't counting on you anyway."

Cheng Shi was caught between laughter and tears: *What a real father. If you want to encourage or comfort me, just say it nicely. Do you have to twist the knife in?*

After dinner, Cheng Shi rushed to wash the dishes. Cheng Juan pushed him away. "I never see you being this diligent. Since you're busy, go do your work. I'll wash them."

Cheng Shi chuckled. "Hehe, thanks, Sister." He slipped downstairs.

Qian Xiaoying stopped him downstairs, looking a bit angry. "Cheng Shi, why did you quit your job for no reason? Hurry and go find the director to ask to be a contract worker again; I'll help you plead for mercy." She was truly shocked and afraid when she heard the news today.

Cheng Shi laughed with indignation: *And then what? Let me continue being your beast of burden?*

Having lived through one life and returned, Cheng Shi felt more and more that when he was young, he had been a fool to be a sycophant for such a selfish and shameless woman.

He said coldly, "No need. This is my business, and it has nothing to do with you." He really didn't want to waste time talking nonsense with her.

Qian Xiaoying bit her lip and softened her voice. "Cheng Shi, stop acting up. I was just talking to Engineer Zhang about work matters yesterday. Besides, you already hit him this morning; what else do you want?"

*You call that talking about work? You were wrapped around his waist, and his hand was on your backside.*

*I must have been blind and possessed by a demon when I was young, to have believed your lies time and time again.*

Cheng Shi grew impatient. "That's your business, and it has nothing to do with me."

Qian Xiaoying stepped closer, clinging to his chest, and looked up at Cheng Shi with a pitiful expression. "Shi, why have you changed all of a sudden? You weren't like this to me before."

The endearments that once felt sweet now only made Cheng Shi feel nauseated. He frowned slightly, stepped back to create distance, and said, "I was always like this. Remember, from now on, we are just former colleagues. Please have some self-respect. Stay away from me and don't bother me."

Qian Xiaoying was startled by his cold voice and took a step back, looking at him in astonishment: *How did he suddenly become so impenetrable? Her coquettish behavior had absolutely no effect.*

Cheng Shi didn't bother with her and walked around her.

Qian Xiaoying was enraged by shame and shouted at his back, "Cheng Shi, who else would want you besides me? Don't think too highly of yourself. Without you, I'll only live better!"

Cheng Shi didn't look back; it wasn't worth it.

Qian Xiaoying muttered to herself, "Cheng Shi, I don't believe you're willing to leave me. It doesn't matter if you've been laid off, as long as you obediently come back to work for me."