Chapter 101: An Unexpected Encounter with an Acquaintance

“Brother Shen, Director Lu has already gone back. I just came to let you know about that—nothing else really. You carry on, and when you’re done, come out for a meal. It’s about time for lunch anyway.”
The bald man stood up and glanced at Shen Guodong, his eyes crinkling into a smile.

Shen Guodong replied irritably, “Go on, eat. We’ll probably see some folks from the other factories. Might even bump into someone familiar—it’s good to say hello!”
Fengcheng was only so big; you couldn’t avoid running into each other all the time.

Even though people came from different factories, most were already acquainted.
So really, the chances were high—there was no need to explain further.
That earlier good mood had already been broken, and now sending Shen Guodong out again would only be awkward; he had no particular thoughts about it.

The group walked together toward the outside.
They came to the dining hall.

Since the Steel Factory in Shencheng was footing the bill, there was no distinction; communal meals were a feature of the era.

“I’ll skip it,” Zhou Meiniang glanced at Shen Guodong and said.

“Why?”
Shen Guodong asked, surprised.

Zhou Meiniang spoke the truth at last, “The person in charge from Fengcheng’s Third Factory this time used to hang around with Wang Weihua for a while—I know him. I think I saw him this morning when I went out. If he recognizes me, it wouldn’t be good. It wouldn’t sound nice for your reputation, either.”

“Why? You’re my woman. Am I supposed to be afraid of being recognized? If that were the case, I wouldn’t be with you.
Besides, you’re already divorced. Why care about what others think? Not being able to give you a proper status is one of my regrets in life, but I won’t hide you away every time we go out—that’s unnecessary.”

Shen Guodong spoke calmly.
To him, it was only natural.
Since he had made his choice, he should have the courage to bear the consequences.
That was the awareness a man should possess; anything else would be unthinkable. If he lacked even this, what kind of man would he be?

Zhou Meiniang was a little stunned, not expecting Shen Guodong to say such things. She was genuinely surprised.

She smiled radiantly, a charm lighting up her face.
Compared to those men who once pursued her only for her body, Shen Guodong’s character stood out in stark contrast—there was simply no comparison. Only a man like Shen Guodong was worth following; that much was clear. At this moment, Zhou Meiniang was overjoyed.

Since Shen Guodong had spoken so decisively, what was there for her to worry about? She clung to his arm and walked out with him.

Happiness glowed on Zhou Meiniang’s face, and Brother Bald was quietly impressed as he watched the scene.

Zhou Meiniang was truly lucky to meet a man like Shen Guodong. To be honest, most women in her position as a mistress were looked down upon by outsiders, and rarely did their own men show them proper respect.
That was undeniable.

The three walked together toward the dining hall.

By then, many people were already eating.
The dishes were plentiful—after all, Shencheng Steel Factory was a large enterprise, and with business guests visiting, they couldn’t afford to be stingy.
Otherwise, people would look down on them.

There were four or five dishes in total: braised pork, fish, greens, braised tofu, and a seaweed egg soup.

Such fare was usually reserved for the wealthier families; ordinary folks couldn’t dream of such luxury.
But for Shen Guodong, Brother Bald, and their circle, this was nothing special.
Given their status, enjoying food like this was a simple matter.

Just then, Zhou Meiniang’s expression changed slightly as she spotted a man.
“It’s him! Wang Chengzhi, Wang Weihua’s cousin. He works at Fengcheng Third Factory. Back when I was still married to Wang Weihua, he often told dirty jokes and hinted at wanting to be with me, but I always turned him down. The rumor that I was cheating—that was spread by Wang Chengzhi!”

Unable to have her, he slandered her.
Such conduct was all too common among worthless men.

Wang Chengzhi had a shifty, rat-like face; he didn’t look like someone who would keep out of trouble.

“Zhou Meiniang!”
Just as Wang Chengzhi finished serving his food, he spotted Zhou Meiniang among the crowd. He was surprised, not expecting to see her there.

After a moment’s thought, it became clear.
He knew Zhou Meiniang worked at Fengcheng’s First Lathe Factory. From the situation, she must be representing her factory here.

Her status had risen so high!
That surprised him, and he had never anticipated it.

A smile crept onto his face as he looked at Zhou Meiniang.

When he heard about Zhou Meiniang’s divorce from Wang Weihua, Wang Chengzhi immediately went to his cousin’s home, hoping for a chance encounter and to make his move.
But it turned out Zhou Meiniang had moved out long ago—something he hadn’t expected. Now, meeting her here, he felt a glimmer of hope.

Zhou Meiniang was breathtakingly beautiful, and he was still captivated by her.

If he could just taste her lips, he’d gladly become a ghost for the privilege.
As the saying goes: “To die beneath the peony, even as a ghost, one would be content.”

Now that Zhou Meiniang was single, and he himself was in a much better position than before, things should go smoothly.
Would Zhou Meiniang reject him again?

Wang Chengzhi was brimming with confidence—certain he could have his former cousin-in-law as his mistress. The thought of claiming such a woman filled him with delight, and he was visibly excited.

For a moment, staring at Zhou Meiniang’s exquisite face, he couldn’t restrain himself and pitched a tent under the table.

Wang Chengzhi quickly shifted his body, trying to ease the embarrassment.

“Director Wang, what’s wrong?”
A staff member from Fengcheng’s Third Factory asked hurriedly.

Wang Chengzhi glared at him, “It’s none of your business. If it’s not your concern, don’t ask. Hurry up and eat!”