Chapter 102: A 180-Degree Turnaround

TL: Etude

Throughout the afternoon, Chen Jianghai kept Zhao Rongxin busy with a bunch of miscellaneous tasks, leaving him no moment of idleness. However, Zhao Rongxin didn’t complain at all; instead, he worked diligently and conscientiously.

Unable to hold back, Zhao Yuxi put down her book and approached Chen Jianghai. “What’s up, Yuxi?” Chen Jianghai glanced at her and asked.

“Brother Jianghai, are you really teaching Rongxin brother?” Zhao Yuxi asked earnestly.

Hearing Zhao Yuxi’s words, Zhao Rongxin quickly interjected, “Yuxi, what are you talking about? Go back to your studies.”

Zhao Yuxi hesitated, looking at Chen Jianghai, then muttered softly, “Brother Rongxin, you came here to learn from Brother Jianghai, right? But all these chores you’re doing have nothing to do with repairing electronics!”

Chen Jianghai put down his tools and looked up at Zhao Yuxi, smiling. This little girl was quite good at standing up for others.

“Brother Jianghai, why are you laughing? Am I wrong?” Zhao Yuxi pouted.

Chen Jianghai teasingly pointed out, “The person involved isn’t saying anything, and yet you’re making a fuss. It’s like the eunuch is more anxious than the emperor!”

“Yuxi, this isn’t your concern. Go study,” Zhao Changgui also came in, frowning.

“But brother, you were the one who brought Brother Rongxin here. Shouldn’t you be responsible for him?” Zhao Yuxi retorted.

“Little girl, you’re mistaken. He’s now my apprentice and must listen to me,” Chen Jianghai said before Zhao Changgui could reply.

Zhao Yuxi persisted, “Brother Jianghai, as a master, shouldn’t you teach him skills instead of having him do these odd jobs? It’s like a teacher teaching us.”

After all, her cousin had taken good care of her in the past, so she felt obligated to speak up for him.

Chen Jianghai laughed, “You’re quite concerned about others, but learning a skill here means following my rules.”

Zhao Rongxin quickly interjected, “Brother Hai, Yuxi is young and doesn’t understand. Please don’t take it to heart. I can do these tasks, no problem.”

Zhao Yuxi wanted to argue more, but Zhao Changgui pulled her away.

Zhao Rongxin cautiously asked, “Brother Hai, should I continue with the work?”

“Yes, work hard, and I won’t let you down,” Chen Jianghai nodded.

Zhao Rongxin immediately agreed, “I understand, Brother Hai.”

Jokingly, he thought, where else could he find such favorable conditions? A hundred during probation, and then two hundred a month? Moreover, Chen Jianghai’s skills were not limited to repairs but also included assembling TVs. A true master!

Outside, Zhao Yuxi muttered, “Brother, why did you pull me away? I was just speaking the truth!”

“Chen brother has his own way of doing things. Don’t interfere. If Rongxin is here as an apprentice, he should do whatever the master asks,” Zhao Changgui said coolly.

“I know, but…” Zhao Yuxi tried to argue but was cut off by Zhao Changgui.

“No buts. Just focus on your studies. If you keep meddling, don’t come here anymore.”

After saying this, Zhao Changgui sat at the door, ignoring his sister.

Zhao Yuxi stomped her foot, “Fine, fine, consider me meddling,” and huffed into the warehouse.

Seeing Chen Jianghai and Zhao Rongxin, she huffed loudly and then sat down to continue reading.

Chen Jianghai, as if he hadn’t heard her, continued assembling TVs. Zhao Rongxin glanced at Zhao Yuxi, deciding to find a chance to talk to her later. He had plenty of work to do at the moment.

After being busy for most of the day, the warehouse was much tidier. Zhao Rongxin had organized all the parts and electronics that Chen Jianghai hadn’t had time to sort out.

Looking at the tidy and organized warehouse, Chen Jianghai nodded in approval. Zhao Changgui’s cousin, Zhao Rongxin, worked efficiently and patiently. If he maintained this attitude, he could certainly handle responsibilities independently in the future.

“Little Zhao, from tomorrow, you’ll work the same hours as Changgui, from nine until I close the shop. Any problems with that?” Chen Jianghai instructed.

For Zhao Rongxin, Chen Jianghai had different expectations. To learn a skill from him, one’s character was the foremost requirement. Only after passing this test would Chen Jianghai begin teaching him the actual skills of electronic repair.

Zhao Rongxin quickly replied, “Master, no problem.”

“Alright, that’s it for today. You can go home now,” Chen Jianghai said, standing up.

“Master, see you tomorrow,” Zhao Rongxin respectfully bowed and, after greeting Zhao Yuxi and Zhao Changgui, left happily.

Chen Jianghai then said to Zhao Changgui, “Changgui, you’ll handle closing up.”

“Okay,” Zhao Changgui replied succinctly.

Zhao Yuxi looked at Chen Jianghai, biting her lip, as if she had more to say but hesitated.

…

When Chen Jianghai arrived home, Lin Wanqiu hadn’t returned yet, and his mother-in-law, Xue Chunli, was busy in the kitchen.

“Mom, why are you cooking?” Chen Jianghai expressed his surprise.

Xue Chunli chuckled, “Jianghai, you and Wanqiu are both busy, and I’m just idling around. Isn’t it perfect for me to help with cooking?”

Chen Jianghai was still getting used to the 180-degree change in his mother-in-law’s attitude. Why had she become so polite?

At that moment, Lin Jianguo walked in, carrying a basket of vegetables. Xue Chunli couldn’t help but complain, “What took you so long? Got addicted to watching TV?”

“Heh, just got caught up,” Lin Jianguo replied, hurriedly taking the vegetables to the kitchen.

Chen Jianghai chuckled to himself and then offered, “Mom, you should rest. Let me do it?”

“No need, no need!” Xue Chunli waved her hands, “It’s almost ready. Just go relax, and we’ll eat once Wanqiu is back.”

Since his mother-in-law insisted, Chen Jianghai didn’t press further.

Soon, Lin Wanqiu returned, looking a bit tired. Chen Jianghai quickly stood up, concerned, “Wanqiu, you must be tired. Rest for a while.”

“I’m not tired,” Lin Wanqiu waved her hand, excitement on her face, “I’ve finished everything you asked me to do. Now we’re just waiting for the new store to open.”

Chen Jianghai handed her a glass of water, “That was quick, you’ve worked hard, wife.”

“Just flattery!” Lin Wanqiu laughed, accepting the water.

“Jianguo, come help serve the dishes!” Xue Chunli’s voice called from the kitchen.

“Coming!” Lin Jianguo, who had been watching TV by the door, hurried back to the kitchen.

Seeing Lin Jianguo’s rushed figure, the couple in the living room exchanged a smile, their hearts filled with sweetness.

…

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