Daily Life in the 70s
Chapter 292: Embarrassment

Chapter 292: Chapter 292: Embarrassment

Ge Sanni felt a moment of embarrassment upon hearing that and inwardly blamed Cheng Aihua for being too direct, her smile on her face becoming forced and her tone full of surprise, "There’s such a thing? It’s all my fault. If it weren’t for me, Zhang and Student Ou wouldn’t have been dragged into this."

"Yes, yes, when the time comes, you can plead with Pei Min on their behalf," said Cheng Aihua, who was naive and had been easily coaxed into taking up the cause for someone else.

Ge Sanni was momentarily stunned and glanced at the others again. In this group, there were six people. Two of them, including Cheng Aihua, were female classmates, and the other three included Zhang, Student Ou, and another male classmate from the class.

When she finally faced their gazes, some were uncomfortable, others agreed with Cheng Aihua and seemed to want her to help plead on their behalf, and a few were not supportive, but they did not voice their opposition openly either.

Ge Sanni had her own calculations about the matter, her eyes flickering and her words vague as she deftly changed the subject, then appropriately showed signs of tiredness on her face.

Everyone tactfully suggested it was time to leave. Feng Erxi also came out with them. "Sister Er Ni, are you planning to stay here tonight to take care of Sanni?" Cheng Aihua asked.

Feng Erxi replied, "I’ll arrange things here and then head back later. After all, there’s no blanket here, and I’ll come back tomorrow."

"Sister Erxi, you’re honestly the best one in our dorm. Tan Yan and the others don’t even come to visit. After all, we’re all classmates. If she’s still in the hospital in a couple of days, take turns with me; I’ll come and keep her company," said Cheng Aihua.

Feng Erxi nodded in agreement.

She had just borrowed a classmate’s watch to check the time, and it was already past seven in the evening. She didn’t know if there was anything to buy outside. As she stepped out of the hospital’s entrance, she was met by a chilling breeze and couldn’t help shivering.

She had already inquired within the hospital. Although there was a small canteen, it was too late for them to offer anything. There were some noodle shops and restaurants outside the hospital, but looking at the spacious gate, she decided against proceeding, considering the money in her pocket. But looking further down, she didn’t see any restaurants, so she returned to one of them. They were out of steamed buns, but they still had noodles. Plain noodles cost eight cents a bowl, the cheapest available. However, buying two bowls would leave her with only four cents, not enough for the bus fare.

While she was hesitating, she spotted Yang PeiMin’s spouse. Even without his military uniform, wearing an ordinary overcoat, she recognized him immediately due to his handsome and spirited appearance; such men were rare. Watching his long stride enter the restaurant, he loudly inquired at the counter, "Waiter, do you still have chicken soup? What else could we eat?"

"There’s chicken soup, mutton soup, pork bone soup; these are all bases for our noodle soups, all authentic ingredients. Take a look, which one would you like? Do you want noodles or rice? If it’s rice, we still have some, along with stir-fried dishes."

"Alright, give me a bowl of chicken soup noodles with two poached eggs, some lean pork slices, and a bit of greens on top. Add spring onions, make sure to skim off the oil from the soup, no spice, as this is for a patient, please. As for rice, give me four servings. Whatever ready-made meat dishes you have in the store, just add a bit of those. I’ve brought two thermos containers with me; this is to take away."

The waiter promptly took the order and went straight to the kitchen.

Then, seeing Feng Erxi undecided, the waiter frowned slightly, "Have you made up your mind or not? Are you eating or not?"

Feng Erxi nodded subconsciously, "Yes, yes, give me two bowls of plain noodles, one to eat here and the other to take away."

"Did you bring a thermos container?" the waiter asked.

Feng Erxi quickly replied, "No, the thing is, comrade, I’m taking it to a patient in the hospital just ahead. How about this: I’ll take the bowl with me now, and after eating, I’ll bring it back. Just give me a greased paper bag to carry it."

The waiter looked at her simple and tidy appearance and nodded, "Alright, but I need to remind you, by the time you get it there, the noodles will be cold."

Feng Erxi thought for a moment and nodded since it was the only option available.

She took another look at Shen Yiguang and realized that he had not recognized her at all. Sitting there with an upright posture and dignified demeanor, Feng Erxi couldn’t resist speaking up, "Are you Pei Min’s spouse?"

Shen Yiguang turned his head to glance at her but did not respond.

Feng Erxi hurriedly said, "I’m Pei Min’s roommate, Feng Erxi. We also have a classmate who’s hospitalized, so I came to take care of her. I saw you once before when you brought Pei Min to school. I recognized you just now and couldn’t resist saying hello."

Shen Yiguang gave her a nod.

"When Pei Min came out of the emergency room just now, I went to see her too. She wasn’t in stable condition then. I had to go back and take care of my classmate, so I didn’t get to visit her again. I don’t know if she’s gotten any better?"

Shen Yiguang slightly furrowed his brows and curtly said, "She’s a bit better."

Feng Erxi had not expected Yang PeiMin’s spouse to be so reserved. He seemed very serious, and she wondered how the cheerful Pei Min could be with such a stern husband.

Shen Yiguang’s order was soon ready. The waiter filled his thermos containers, saying, "We have some lamb, chicken, potatoes and such, put them on top of the rice in the boxes, and here’s the one for the noodles. Take care of it."

Feng Erxi watched as he inquired about the price and then handed the waiter two yuan. The waiter gave him twenty cents in change, which he casually stuffed into his pocket and took the warm thermos containers to leave.

Feng Erxi called after him again.

Shen Yi paused, "What is it? My wife is waiting for my food."

Upon hearing this, Feng Erxi’s face flushed, and she bravely said, "Pei Min spouse, could you possibly include my noodles in your not-quite-full thermos container? I can put my noodles in a plastic bag and hang them inside, ensuring they won’t mix with yours."

Shen Yiguang replied, "I’m sorry, my thermos container is full. I specifically asked the chef to fill it with chicken soup for Pei Min, who is frail, to have later."

Feng Erxi’s face turned even redder, and she said embarrassedly, "I didn’t think it through."

Shen Yiguang nodded, didn’t say another word, and walked out.