Chapter Eight: An Opportunity for Collaboration

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“Xiao Wei, why are you standing there like that? Hurry up and greet Old Shi!”

Seeing Wang Xiaowei frozen in place, Du Yu’s mouth twitched involuntarily. Slightly speechless, he reminded him aloud.

That kid was probably thinking about the Honghong Hair Salon again.

“Oh, oh, okay! Hello, Old Shi! My name is Wang Xiaowei, hehe…”

Wang Xiaowei quickly stepped forward, his cheerful expression making Du Yu suppress a smile.

“Sorry, Old Shi, this brother of mine is an honest man, please forgive any neglect!”

Old Shi waved his hand dismissively, “Honest people are good, they are reliable and willing to work hard!”

Du Yu nodded thoughtfully.

Before them was Old Shi’s living room. It wasn’t large, but it was very clean. The room lacked extravagant decorations; instead, books were neatly arranged on the bookshelves, and a grand painting of eight majestic steeds hung in the center.

The living room was simple yet elegant, which made Du Yu quietly admire it, while Wang Xiaowei was overwhelmed by what he saw.

No wonder Old Shi, who could afford so many blue crabs, had a family background far better than most; and as a retired cadre, despite his wealth, he remained frugal, low-key, and simple.

After greeting Old Shi’s family, the group sat at the dining table. Usually restless, Wang Xiaowei suddenly sat up straight, rubbing his hands nervously.

Indeed, Wang Xiaowei was socially anxious.

In contrast, Du Yu was as steady as a rock, listening intently as Old Shi spoke at length, occasionally interjecting his own insights, leaving Wang Xiaowei stunned.

“Bro, when did you learn all this?”

When the food was served, Du Yu and Old Shi laughed simultaneously at the sight of Wang Xiaowei burying himself in his meal.

After a hearty lunch:

“Little Du, what’s your plan moving forward?”

Old Shi leaned comfortably on the sofa, holding a cup of tea, and asked slowly.

Du Yu’s heart skipped a beat—he almost forgot to breathe. He knew his chance was coming.

“Well, Old Shi, I have some skills in harvesting seafood, and I can get some top-quality marine products. That’s my advantage.”

Du Yu controlled his excitement and spoke directly without hesitation.

Old Shi nodded slightly in approval.

“So, I want to start my own business in the city, so more and more people can enjoy high-quality seafood!”

That kid sure was a smooth talker.

After some thought, Old Shi expressed full support for Du Yu.

“Little Du, you’re a smart kid, well-equipped and full of energy. I like you! I have an old comrade whose daughter is exceptional in business. I’ll give you her number. You two should communicate more!”

Du Yu beamed, gently tapped his cup against Old Shi’s, and said seriously, “I’m straightforward too. Thank you, Old Shi!”

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“Hahaha, that’s the kind of character I like! I wish you both a happy cooperation in advance!”

Wang Xiaowei stared blankly at them, pouting as if…

He really wouldn’t be going to the Honghong Hair Salon after all.

Before leaving, Old Shi handed Du Yu an envelope. When Du Yu opened it, he found 1,300 yuan inside and was about to return the extra money to Old Shi.

“You kid, with that soft-shell blue crab you gave me, I must have taken advantage of you! Just take it!”

“No, Old Shi, we should keep things clear. That crab was a gift for you!”

After Du Yu’s repeated insistence, Old Shi relented, watching Du Yu walk away while muttering under his breath,

“This young man is remarkable!”

No one in Old Shi’s family had ever heard him praise a junior like that.

After bidding farewell at Old Shi’s house, they walked along the road. Wang Xiaowei scratched his bald head and asked Du Yu, “Brother Yu, what exactly are we going to do from now on?”

“We’re going to build our own business in the city!”

Du Yu was full of confidence.

Without further thought, Du Yu led curious Wang Xiaowei to the bustling city streets, dazzling the latter.

“Wow, Brother Yu, look at that!…”

“Brother Yu, I want to eat that!!!”

“Brother Yu…”

“Brother Yu, look, that’s Honghong…”

Before Wang Xiaowei finished, Du Yu tugged his ear and pulled him away.

“Come on, Brother Yu wouldn’t take you to places like that. If I go, it’s by myself…”

Du Yu quickly stopped his thoughts.

The two spent the afternoon wandering the streets, and before long, the sun hung crimson in the western sky.

It was time to head home.

After a bumpy ride and some walking, they arrived back at Du Yu’s house.

Seeing Wang Xiaowei panting heavily, Du Yu joked, “Little brother, you really walked all the way back, huh?”

“Walking, brother.”

“?…”

Wang Xiaowei looked puzzled; he felt Du Yu was mocking him but couldn’t find proof.

Ignoring him, Du Yu knocked on the door.

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Li Chunhong opened the door.

Before she could speak, Du Yu pulled an envelope from his pocket and placed it in her hand, motioning Wang Xiaowei inside, “Xiao Wei, you’re eating here tonight.”

“All right, Brother Yu.” Du Yu and Li Chunhong exchanged glances as Wang Xiaowei eagerly entered, Du Yu’s expression stiffening slightly.

His brother really had a unique personality.

Li Chunhong looked at the envelope in her hand, puzzled. “Son, what did you give me?”

“Mom, open it and you’ll see.”

Du Yu smiled brightly.

Not looking, she wouldn’t understand; but upon opening it, Li Chunhong was startled and hurriedly closed all the doors and windows before counting the money with trembling hands.

One, two, three… thirteen!

Thirteen red bills in total.

“Son, did you… rob a bank?”

Li Chunhong asked cautiously.

“Auntie, who robs a bank for just 1,300 yuan?” Wang Xiaowei chuckled foolishly and recounted the day’s events in detail.

Li Chunhong was very surprised.

But she didn’t press further. After all, it was good that her son was successful; she should be happy.

From a well-worn cloth bag filled with patches, Li Chunhong took out a card and softly said,

“Son, this is my bank card. Tomorrow you go withdraw the money. I support you! Go ahead boldly—if worse comes to worst, I’ll work a bit more at the thin-shell crab business!”

Du Yu nodded, accepting the card, his nose tingling with emotion.

After a simple dinner, Wang Xiaowei said goodbye and went home, while Du Yu quietly pondered tomorrow’s plans. When ready, he made a call.

“Hello, may I ask who’s calling?”

A melodious female voice came through the line.

“Hello, are you Ma Yue? I’m Du Yu.”

“You’re Du Yu? Old Shi already told me. When are you free?”

They arranged to meet tomorrow morning at a café in the city.

After hanging up, Du Yu marveled inwardly that Ma Yue had suggested meeting at a café. In 2002, ordinary people still rarely accepted coffee.

Clearly, Ma Yue was no ordinary person.