Ms. Cheng's funeral was not handled by Zheng Haiping, the second steward of the Qi residence, and certainly not by Lei Jing.
To be precise, she didn't hold a funeral. She just went through the hospital procedures, got the death certificate, and sent for cremation the next morning.
So there was no funeral committee, no obituary, no mourning hall, no relatives and friends bidding farewell to the body or holding a grand banquet. She was as quiet as a fallen leaf in the autumn wind.
As for Cheng Ji, he disappeared in the funeral home.
He got rid of Lei Jing by relying on his patience, after all, even tigers take naps sometimes; he got rid of Wang Beifeng by relying on deception, because Old Wang was simple-minded and didn't know how dangerous the world is.
Lei Jing understood Qi Beisong's worries, and stayed with Cheng Ji from night to morning, never leaving his side. He only felt relieved after completing the entire cremation process and wrapping Ms. Cheng's urn in red cloth and handing it to him.
Cheng Ji said: "Brother Lei, thank you."
"No need." Lei Jing asked, "Where are you going next?"
Cheng Ji looked out the window and whispered, "I heard from them that there is a cemetery nearby, and it only takes ten minutes by car."
"Go buy a cemetery?" Lei Jing asked.
Cheng Ji shook his head: "I don't have any money, let's go and take a look."
Lei Jing said: "Okay, I'll go with you, but you have to wait for me for a few minutes."
He needed to go out for a smoke.
This guy is handsome, steady and reliable. His only shortcoming is that he is addicted to smoking. Maybe because he is not allowed to smoke at home, when he goes outside, he is like fish and shrimp entering the sea, or birds out of the cage, and he quickly smokes one cigarette after another to satisfy his craving.
Fireworks are strictly prohibited in the funeral home due to the accumulation of flammable materials such as paper, candles, and wreaths. Even outside, there is no designated smoking area, and you must go out of the gate to smoke. Lei Jing has been enduring for several hours, and he stayed up late last night. If he doesn't smoke a cigarette to relieve his fatigue, he will probably fall asleep while driving.
He was a special forces soldier and could go without sleep for dozens of hours under extreme conditions. But he was young back then, and now he is a father. He can't hold on for the sake of his wife and children. If he can't hold on and dies, who will take care of them
"Beifeng, you and Xiaocheng wait here for me to come back, and then the three of us will get in the car together." He instructed before leaving.
Wang Beifeng said, "I know."
Cheng Ji also agreed quickly: "Wait for you."
Lei Jing glared at Wang Beifeng intently. The latter was a little confused and it took him a few seconds to react.
After Lei Jing left, Cheng Ji immediately looked at Wang Beifeng. This guy had dozed off several times while waiting in line for cremation and seemed to have slept well.
Wang Beifeng asked: "What's the matter?"
Cheng Ji said, "I suddenly remembered something. How about asking Brother Lei to bring back three cups of coffee?"
Wang Beifeng said, "There's no coffee in this damn place. Let's go back to the city to drink it. The eldest daughter of the Qi family—that is, Old Qi's sister—has a shop selling cat feces or cat urine coffee in the financial district or somewhere. It is said to be the best of its kind in the whole of Hongcheng. We'll take you there later."
"No need." Cheng Ji flatly refused after hearing Qi Beisong's name, took off his backpack and said naturally, "I'm going to the bathroom, help me watch my bag."
Wang Beifeng didn't think much about it and took it with a yawn, without even considering why Cheng Ji gave him the bag but still held Ms. Cheng's urn.
As soon as Cheng Ji turned the corner, he climbed out of the window at the end of the corridor and ran away.
Ever since the dust settled on Ms. Cheng, this moment has been on his mind!
Lei Jing watched him too closely, even when he went to the toilet, he was blocked at the door of the cubicle, leaving him no chance to take advantage. It is said that Lei Lao Da is married and his child is almost two years old. I really don’t know how his wife tolerates him.
He had to leave this group of people and Qi Beisong no matter what, because he was tired and wanted to be alone for a while.
Moreover, he beat Qi Beisong again, so this relationship will be difficult to repair.
Cheng Ji left the funeral home through a small door on the side and quickly crossed the green belt.
When he came here just now, he observed the environment. There is a natural village behind this forest. The village probably specializes in funeral supplies and helping people with funeral affairs. Therefore, there are cars and goods coming and going, and people flowing continuously. It can be seen clearly from the road.
The more people there are, the easier it is to hide, and he is very good at hiding.
Cheng Ji looked at his watch and thought that Lei Jing should have finished smoking and returned by now, and realized that he had escaped
That former special forces soldier is extremely difficult to deal with. He must find transportation within fifteen minutes to have any hope of escaping!
He ran without distraction, and it took him five or six minutes to reach the village entrance. Luckily, he ran into a local bus that was picking up passengers. He took off his down jacket, wrapped the urn, and jumped on.
The conductor asked him where he was going, but he didn't know yet.
An old couple was chatting in the back seat, talking about whose son was doing business in a certain community today, and whose son was helping with the arrangements at a certain funeral home in the western suburbs. Only then did he realize that there was more than one funeral home in Hongcheng.
He quickly asked how to get to the Xijiao Funeral Home. The old lady said to take the local bus to the parking lot, then take the subway to a certain station, and then take a certain bus.
He took note of it carefully and said to the conductor, "I'm going back to the parking lot."
Due to its large size and large population, Hongcheng has three funeral homes in the suburbs in the northwest and south, all of which provide urn storage services. Even if the deceased is not cremated in this funeral home, all you need to do is buy an urn.
So Cheng Ji did not go to the nearby cemetery, nor did he return to Changkang Hospital, nor did he look for Shen Zimo. Instead, he crossed the city and went to another funeral home to temporarily store Ms. Cheng's ashes for a period of two years.
He and Ms. Cheng made an appointment to visit her every Qingming Festival, Ghost Festival and her death anniversary, and asked her to get along well with the neighbors around her. As the saying goes, a close neighbor is worse than a distant relative, and everyone should take care of each other.
This operation was too bold. Lei Jing and others searched all the places he might have gone, and even thought of jumping into the sea to commit suicide, but they didn't think of this.
There was originally a GPS locator in Cheng Ji's backpack, which was put there by Lei Jing last time. Boss Lei dared to leave temporarily because of the presence of this device. Unexpectedly, Cheng Ji hit the jackpot and actually left the bag to Wang Beifeng.
Finally, Cheng Ji came out of the Xijiao Funeral Home empty-handed and penniless. He looked at the sky and sent a message to the vice president of Changkang Hospital, saying: Aunt Zhang, do you remember what you promised me
Vice President Zhang responded with an “ok” gesture.
Half an hour later, Vice President Zhang's family hatchback stopped in front of Cheng Ji and took him out of Hongcheng city.
On the way, Vice President Zhang asked, "Do you feel relieved?"
Cheng Ji didn't say anything.
Vice President Zhang said: "It is a relief, a relief for your mother and a relief for you as well."
Cheng Ji said: "But from now on I will be alone."
Vice President Zhang was silent, then smiled: "The person I sent you to see was once like this. People should always look forward in their lives. No matter how hard it is, it will be fine as long as you can get through it."
Cheng Ji asked, "Your cousin?"
"Not really..." the fifty-year-old lady said solemnly, "We are brothers, so to speak."
"?" Cheng Ji thought, last time he said he was his cousin, how come he isn't anymore
"Aunt Zhang, I will definitely pay back the money I owe the hospital..."
Vice President Zhang waved his hand and said, "It's only over 5,000 yuan in total, and you paid a deposit of 1,000 yuan. Don't worry about it anymore. We'll talk about it later."
Cheng Ji said, "Aunt Zhang, you at least treated me to seven or eight meals of dumplings. Can I remember it? I want to treat you in the future, too."
"Keep it in mind!" Vice Dean Zhang said with a smile, "You young man don't have much of an appetite. I've treated you to meals for almost a month, but you haven't managed to make me go bankrupt. I'm surprised!"
Cheng Ji said, "No way, I've gained weight. Thank you for taking care of me."
Vice President Zhang glanced at him, turned his head and looked at the front of the car and said, "Actually, I also look at people. If you are not good, I will not care about you."
Cheng Ji said: "…Thank you."
Vice President Zhang asked again: "Do you have any plans for the future?"
Cheng Ji didn't answer.
Vice President Zhang said, "Don't worry about it now. Your mother just passed away and you are feeling bad. Just take a rest in the place I take you and spend the New Year quietly. Things will naturally fall into place. As the old saying goes, things will work out when you get to the bridge."
The place that Vice President Zhang wanted to take Cheng Ji to was called Huang Village. It was located in a valley in the coastal hilly area, about 40 kilometers away from the urban area of Hongcheng. It was surrounded by mountains and rivers and had superb scenery. However, it was not well-known due to its inconvenient transportation and tourism development only began in recent years.
Her so-called brother opened a small restaurant on the street in Huang Village, but what he sold was not wild game, but noodles.
This time she kept her promise and took Cheng Ji to learn how to pull noodles.
It was already noon when they entered Huang Village. The two drove directly to the door of a small shop with a retro signature.
Cheng Ji got off the car and saw that the entire village was filled with old-style Jiangnan houses with white walls and black tiles, scattered along a clear stream. Smoke was rising from every household. It was a rare sunny day today, and the green mountains not far away looked particularly bright in the winter sun. The whole scene was warm and remote, yet still had a sense of everyday life, which was quite suitable for filming a movie.
Vice President Zhang pushed open the door and shouted, "Old Geng!"
As soon as she called out, a group of people immediately stood up in the store.
Cheng Ji then saw the most bizarre scene since his rebirth: a dozen middle-aged and elderly men with shaved or flat heads, wearing gold chains, leather jackets, and tattoos on their faces, shouted to Vice President Zhang in unison and with great respect: "Sister Yu!"
Vice President Zhang nodded majestically and reservedly.
"Sister Yu, how are you feeling recently?" asked a certain person, who still showed off his muscular arms in the middle of winter.
"It's okay." said Vice President Zhang.
A certain person wearing sunglasses and gold teeth said, "Sister Yu, I heard from Yongzi that you personally went to pick him up on the day he was released from prison. Let me say thank you again on his behalf no matter what."
"No need." Vice President Zhang was very frugal with his words.
A burly man named C, who weighed about 250 kilograms, said, "Sister Yu, don't stay in Hongcheng all the time. I'm doing well in Fengcheng. I've conquered both the east and west sides of the city. You can come to my territory one day."
"I'll be free some other day."
A certain Ding said: "..."
Someone said:…
…
Cheng Ji said, "Sister Yu, I may have been rude to you in the past, please don't take it personally. Please give me a few days to pay you back, I will definitely pay you back!"
Sister Yu turned around and tapped him on the head.
Finally, the real brother named Lao Geng came out of the kitchen while wiping his hands on his apron and shouted, "Sister Yu!"
Vice Dean Zhang pushed Cheng Ji forward and said, "Old Geng, this is the kid I told you about. You should take him in as your apprentice!"
Lao Geng—a punk man in his fifties with a crew cut, a gold chain, tattoos on his arms, a beard, a leather jacket and boots, and sunglasses indoors—looked Cheng Ji up and down and said, "If you want to be my apprentice, you must first be a good person. What kind of person are you?"
Vice President Zhang said, "This is the child I chose. How could he be bad? He is good enough to inherit your position. Do you want him or not? If not, I will take him home and treat him as my son!"
Cheng Ji came close to her and whispered, "Sister Yu, didn't you say you would bring me here to learn how to pull noodles? Why do you feel like you want to get me to join you?"
Vice President Zhang said, "I'm just here to work as a noodle shop assistant. Didn't you see the sign outside?"
Cheng Ji really didn't notice it just now, but when he leaned over to take a look, he saw a few huge golden characters written on the plaque at the door of the store - Huangcun Loyalty and Brave Noodle House.
"… "
Cheng Ji cupped his fist towards Lao Geng.
Lao Geng chuckled and invited him to take a seat.
Cheng Ji squeezed in among a dozen bald men, bowed to each other, and kowtowed to Master Guan Gong, thus officially joining a mysterious organization in the catering industry, with the highest pursuit being to inherit and promote the spirit of loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, courage, courtesy, wisdom and trustworthiness.
Loyalty and courage mean being patriotic, dedicated, loyal to the country, daring to take responsibility, and having a strong sense of social responsibility.
Righteousness and trustworthiness mean fairness and honesty. One should be honest in conduct and sincere in doing things, and focus on shaping personal character.
Benevolence means harmony, equality, and friendliness. Everyone respects, cares for, and helps each other, and lives in harmony and friendship.
Propriety and wisdom mean democracy, freedom, the rule of law, respecting and protecting human rights, and pursuing wisdom and human liberation.
The code of conduct of "Zhongyi Renyong Noodle House" not only inherits the excellent traditional Chinese culture, but also absorbs the beneficial achievements of world civilization, embodies the distinctive spirit of the times, and has important guiding significance for promoting social and cultural construction.
After they were seated, Lao Geng poured the wine, and the others served the dishes. Vice President Zhang introduced Cheng Ji one by one: "This is Chen Chunlong, Brother Long."
Cheng nodded: "Hello, Brother Long."
"Wang Chunhu, Brother Tiger."
Cheng nodded: "Hello, Brother Hu."
"Zhao Chunjun, Brother Jun."
"Hello, Brother Jun." Cheng Ji said.
"Ma Chunxiang, Brother Xiang."
"Hello, Brother Xiang."
…
After a round, Vice President Zhang introduced Cheng Ji to everyone: "This is Xiao Cheng, he will be 20 years old after the Chinese New Year. He is handsome, smart, and has a good personality, but his luck is not very good. He is alone and has no one to rely on. He recently offended someone. He had no choice but to leave Hongcheng and come to Huang Village to start over. Please take good care of him!"
Cheng Ji also said: "I will ask for your guidance in the future. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry when I escaped today and didn't bring any gifts. Please forgive me!"
All of the brothers immediately looked at him as if they were looking at their own lost youth. After all, they all managed to escape with their lives without caring about their heads or butts back then.
Chen Chunlong asked: "Xiao Cheng, what kind of underworld business did you do to offend people?"
"No." Cheng Ji didn't know why he asked that.
Chen Chunlong said: "It doesn't matter if you offend people, we have all offended people before."
Wang Chunhu asked: "Xiao Cheng, do you owe gambling debts?"
“Neither do I.”
Wang Chunhu said: "Don't be polite if you owe us money. As long as Sister Yu asks, we can help you find a solution."
Cheng Ji said: "Thank you, Brother Hu, I really don't have any."
Zhao Chunjun asked: "Xiao Cheng, did you kill anyone?"
"No!"
Zhao Chunjun said: "If you chop off a hand, you have to pay for it; if you chop off a foot, you have to pay for it; if you chop off a head, you have to pay for it. A man should have this courage."
"Brother Jun, you think too much."
Ma Chunxiang asked with a sly look in his eyes: "Xiao Cheng, did you ruin someone's daughter?"
"ah?!"
Ma Chunxiang laughed: "Just marry her after you've slept with her. That's how I got my wife. If you can't control your x, you'll have to bear the consequences!"
"I can manage it..." Cheng Ji said.
"Then why are you running away?" the others asked in unison.
"I don't know why I ran away..." Cheng Ji held his forehead with his hand.
"Did you ruin this young man?" Lao Geng asked.
"…" Cheng Ji raised his glass, "Let's drink! I toast to all the brothers and Sister Yu. I'll drink it, everyone can do as they please!"
"Drink, drink!" Everyone raised their glasses.
The bald tattooed guys are not from the noodle shop, but are here to prepare for the opening of the new store, so they come in the morning and leave after dark. It is really lively and the place is really busy.
When people left in the evening, only Lao Geng and Cheng Ji were left in the store.
Cheng Ji couldn't drink much, and after drinking a glass of white wine, he lost consciousness and fell asleep on the table, not even noticing that everyone was gone.
While cleaning, Lao Geng woke Cheng Ji up and said it was cold downstairs late at night, so he asked him to sleep upstairs.
He groggily stood up and rubbed his eyes, then lay down again when he felt a headache. Old Geng asked curiously, "Xiao Cheng, who did you offend?"
He said in a half-asleep state, "You definitely don't know... a man named Qi, whose family is quite wealthy."
"All together?" Lao Geng confirmed.
"Qi Beisong." Cheng Ji asked, "Do you know him?"
Old Geng shook his head: "I haven't heard of it, but I spent a total of thirteen years in Licheng Prison and was released two years ago. The police chief there was named Qi, and he was also the deputy mayor."
Cheng Ji said "Oh" and didn't think much about it.
After cleaning the store, Lao Geng turned on the TV while making tea. The evening news was playing. The content was nothing more than important meetings and large-scale events. Lao Geng pointed at a middle-aged boss surrounded by people and said, "Hey, this one is also named Qi."
"..." Cheng Ji raised his head from his arms and saw that the man was sitting in front of the rostrum. He had an extraordinary demeanor and was like a star surrounded by people.
"Wow, this is incredible." Old Geng sighed, "Even if my ancestors' graves smoke, I can never be as successful as him!"
"… "
"No way?" Lao Geng observed Cheng Ji's expression, "You have offended this family?"
Cheng Ji quickly denied: "No, it's a coincidence!"
There must be at least one million people with the surname Qi in the country, and at least two million!
The boss surnamed Qi was handsome and masculine, with a steady temperament. He looked no more than fifty years old due to proper maintenance. Although he did not look very much like Qi Beisong, the more Cheng Ji looked at him, the more frightened he became. Fortunately, a news segment ended at this time and the TV screen switched, so out of sight, out of mind.
"I'm not afraid of offending you. A strong dragon cannot defeat a local snake. Now that you are my younger brother, you can be considered a local snake in Huang Village!" Lao Geng said optimistically.
Cheng Ji said no, his luck was not that bad.
Old Geng added: "The police chief of Licheng is called Qi Beidai, with the character Bei for north and Dai for mountain below. He is a strong man, only thirty-six or thirty-seven years old, but quite impressive."
“…” Cheng Ji wanted to go to the nearest temple to worship.
The author has something to say: It has nothing to do with black things at all. The noodle shop is engaged in the construction of spiritual civilization.