Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups Chapter 1165 - 566
Previously on Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups...
At twilight, the rural area feels remarkably peaceful, free from the city's chaotic energy.
Distant dog barks echo sporadically, joined by birds heading back to their roosts.
With cars pulling up in succession, the once serene Yunlin Cottage burst into activity.
In the courtyard, two big barbecue setups were already in place, charcoal newly ignited and puffing out thin trails of dark smoke.
Xiao Shuai had his sleeves pushed up to his elbows, crouching near the grill and vigorously waving a hand fan.
After getting Fang Cheng's call, he was the initial arrival at this spot.
It was obvious he'd invested considerable effort into joining this group outing.
He'd gone out of his way to slick back his hair with gloss, donning a crisp dark blue suit and shoes buffed to a brilliant gleam.
Among folks in relaxed or sloppy bandages, he stood out awkwardly, resembling an estate salesman fresh from the office.
Yet he showed no hint of self-consciousness, proving extra enthusiastic by eagerly assuming the lead cook position.
Despite choking on the fumes, he flashed a wide smile at Fang Cheng approaching to assist:
"Chairman, I got this small task covered, why don't you relax!"
Meanwhile, Xu Hao had quickly bonded with Fatty Hu, Fei Ying, and some other tough fellows.
The young man, exuding a carefree attitude, clutched two cold beers, animatedly sharing his so-called "epic" stories from the shady world, saliva spraying.
Fatty Hu hung on every word, erupting in guffaws that rang like clanging weights, obviously relishing the street-smart energy.
The ladies clustered by the extended table, readying the foodstuffs.
Lin Chuqiao, Jiang Yun, and Xiao Ya hustled with selecting veggies, slicing meats, arranging plates, and threading skewers.
Bean felt uneasy in the rowdy setting.
Like a scared tiny quail, she huddled close behind Jiang Yun, peeking out with her wide eyes at the unfamiliar faces nearby.
Right then, a engine's growl sounded from beyond.
A vibrant red open-top sports car glided to a stop right at the yard's entry.
Bai Ling leaped from the vehicle, apparently catching a lift.
With her hair pulled into a tall ponytail and dressed in athletic gear, she looked like a joyful small bird, babbling non-stop the moment she crossed the threshold.
She offered hellos to Fang Cheng and the Professor first, then her gaze brightened as she headed straight to Jiang Yun.
"Wow, finally a fresh face!"
Without any hesitation, she examined Jiang Yun and the shy Bean hiding behind with keen interest:
"Sister, your complexion is really pale! And this kid, she's adorable, though a tad skinny."
"No need to fret, I'll get you tons of treats going forward to fatten you up nicely!"
Moments later, the sports car's driver side swung open, and a robust youth emerged.
Draped in exclusive fashion wear, sporting a star-studded Patek Philippe watch, he slipped off his shades upon exiting, displaying a striking but roguish countenance.
This was Lin Chuqiao's relative, Pan Wendi.
"Whoa! Is this the Illuminati's latest hideout? Quite hidden away!"
Pan Wendi surveyed the area, his eyes settling on Lin Chuqiao, and he lavished over-the-top praise:
"Cousin, do I address you as Minister these days?"
"It's merely a short-term station."
Lin Chuqiao gave him an eye roll.
Fang Cheng advanced grinning and said hello:
"You got here okay?"
"Naturally!"
Pan Wendi fist-bumped Fang Cheng, his attention shifting to the grill and sparking with thrill:
"I ditched two social meets for this cookout, even blew off a rendezvous with a sizzling new actress. So, unlimited eats tonight?"
Without acting like a guest, he merged right into the guys' circle after that remark.
"Dude, those biceps are solid! Army vet or pro brawler?"
Despite being a wealthy heir, Pan Wendi avoided arrogance.
As a born talker, he soon meshed seamlessly with Xu Hao, Fatty Hu, Fei Ying, and the rest.
Not much later, a mud-caked old pickup rolled in, halting by the gate.
The truck barely paused before the door flew wide, Li Dingjian hopping out from behind the wheel.
Clad in a dull gray coat, he toted a hamper brimming with ripe produce.
Trailing him came two fellows, each gripping a bottle of rice brew.
They were Big Hammer and Monkey, tasked with watching the pipe structure.
Li Dingjian had swung by Old Factory Street earlier to pick them up.
"Uncle."
Fang Cheng rushed up to grab the hefty container.
"Ah Cheng."
Li Dingjian clapped Fang Cheng on the back, looking him over carefully.
Not spotting any wounds, his expression softened into a grin:
"Picked up some garden-fresh veggies on the trip, just harvested, way better than market stuff."
"Chairman!"
Big Hammer and Monkey chimed in with greetings too.
Fang Cheng gave them a nod, responding kindly:
"Appreciate the effort, come on in."
Now that all were assembled, Yunlin Cottage buzzed with full energy.
Through shared moments, the group warmed up to one another step by step.
Everyone acted like parts of a single household, instinctively diving into tasks.
Xu Kuan spoke little, yet he proved skilled with tools, silently arranging party gear and tidying the area methodically.
Around the basin, Jiang Yun and Xiao Ya rinsed produce, water splashes blending with their light, murmured conversations now and then.
Xiao Shuai hustled the most.
In his suit, he darted amid the throng, minding the fire, then dashing to grab spices from inside.
A thin sheen of perspiration beaded on his brow, left untouched.
Twilight deepened, and rows of warm yellow lantern lights hung across the yard.
Bathed in the soft glow, the coals glowed fiercely orange.
Sprinkles of cumin and fat hit the fire, crackling and sending savory scents drifting widely on the night air.