MWC – Chapter 148 Adult World

I AM DROPPING THIS NOVEL. IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTINUE THEY CAN. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE SHARE THE LINK SO I CAN BINGE READ TOO.

In front of the office desk sat two portable chairs, occupied by the campaign manager, Murong Xue, and the deputy manager, Master Gong.

Master Gong was in his sixties, with a goatee and small blinking eyes, which made him look a bit unscrupulous. Despite his appearance, he had extensive campaign experience, mostly working in the western district and for western candidates. He was astute enough to avoid the pitfalls of an “expert” and showed great respect for Murong Xue, clearly positioning himself as the second-in-command of the campaign office.

Yesterday, he had hinted that his son, a lawyer, had learned about Lawyer Lu and was willing to help with his campaign. His son worked at a law firm in a neighboring province because the competition among lawyers in Donghai was too fierce. Before being suspended, his son had decisively resigned and moved to the neighboring province, where he was doing well. However, as a father, he naturally hoped his son could return to Donghai, build a career, and eventually provide grandchildren for family gatherings.

Looking at Master Gong, Lu Ming found him quite amusing. His name, Master Gong, had a similar meaning to a term from Lu Ming’s previous life, referring to a shrewd advisor, and his appearance and mannerisms were reminiscent of those cunning advisors from old movies. 

Lu Ming was discussing with the two managers the introduction of the “Return to Family” campaign concept in the third district communities. If elected, he would strive to help community residents have more time to enjoy the warmth of family life, encouraging them not to neglect their families due to work.

This idea naturally stemmed from observing the Gao family. He promised that if elected as the third district representative, he would plan to establish community canteens in every neighborhood. These canteens would have a good environment, offer food similar to home-cooked meals, and not cost more than cooking at home, serving as a community benefit. This would save residents from the daily grind of household chores, allowing them to relax and spend more time with their families.

Murong Xue and Master Gong both nodded in agreement. Master Gong, smiling obsequiously, said, “Boss, you truly are a top-notch lawyer. You come up with ideas effortlessly. I’ve helped many candidates in both the western and eastern districts, but their brains can’t compare to yours. Moreover, your ideas genuinely benefit the people.”

Lu Ming smiled. This concept was inspired by the community canteens in Singapore and could work in the third district, which had a higher proportion of middle-class residents. However, in most communities, such a concept would be impractical.

Looking at Master Gong, Lu Ming asked, “You’ve been working as a campaign assistant since you were young, helping many representatives in their campaigns, but none of them retained you in their offices afterward. Is it because you don’t want a more relaxed job, or is there another reason?”

Master Gong stroked his goatee and sighed, “It’s a long story, not worth mentioning.” He blinked his small eyes and asked, “Boss, what does the Justice Party’s announcement this morning mean? I couldn’t quite understand it.”

Early this morning, the Justice Party issued a statement in all morning newspapers in Beiguan. Party leader Gao Depei formally resigned from all his positions within the party, transitioning to a behind-the-scenes role as an honorary lifelong party leader. Mrs. Gao Wangshi was announced as the new party leader. 

The announcement praised Mrs. Gao Wangshi’s noble character and leadership, promising she would lead the party to benefit Beiguan. Official and formal, the statement also included changes to the party’s candidates for various district representative elections, showing support for some independent candidates allied with the party. It declared full support for candidate Lu Qianxing in the third district, lavishly praising him as it did for other independent candidates.

Ordinary citizens might not notice anything unusual, but within political circles, this announcement was a bombshell. It was well known that the Justice Party had fully aligned with the Bucklow family. The other candidate in the third district, Cao Ying, had switched districts with Mrs. Bucklow, indicating Bucklow family support. Now, with a new party leader, had the Justice Party completely shifted alliances? Were they planning to form an alliance with the Depeng Party?

However, this wasn’t mentioned in the statement, leaving Master Gong puzzled.

Lu Ming frowned, having seen the announcement earlier, and felt uneasy. He waved his hand, “Ignore them. We’ll proceed at our own pace.”

“Alright!” Master Gong knew better than to ask unnecessary questions.

“Alright, it’s Sunday today. I’m taking half a day off this afternoon!” Lu Ming stretched.

“Boss, you need more rest. You’ve been working too hard for the people!” Master Gong quickly chimed in.

Murong Xue, who was about to suggest the same, had to swallow her words.

…

At Borna Amusement Park, the only amusement park in Beiguan with a giant Ferris wheel facing the Zou An Building No. 1, the place was bustling on Sunday. Children were playing and laughing, and the amusement park was lively.

Lu Ming and Jin Meijing were sitting on a bench, surrounded by lush green grass dotted with dandelions. Jin Meijing was holding a large cream ice cream, her face full of sweet smiles. She wore a pure white dress, as clean and pure as a cloud in the sky. A sweet, nostalgic tune from Lu Ming’s school days played in his mind.

“Why didn’t you ask me out last week?” Lu Ming asked with a smile.

“I heard from my sister that you were very busy, so I didn’t want to disturb you or become a burden,” Jin Meijing replied softly.

Lu Ming nodded gently, feeling a soft warmth in his heart as he looked at this innocent, sweet girl. His eyes shifted to two figures not far away, a big one and a small one, laughing and playing in front of a funhouse mirror. They were Jin Meiyan and Bess, both wearing white dresses like Jin Meijing, but with completely different auras. Bess looked like a cute little princess doll, while Jin Meiyan, with her orange-red hair, crystal sandals, and tattooed feet, looked more like a rebellious girl pretending to be innocent.

“Is this our first date? And you brought your sister along?” Lu Ming joked, then remembered he had also brought Bess along since she had wanted to visit the amusement park for a long time.

“Since you’re here, my sister agreed to play with me. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have cared and would just treat me like a little kid,” Jin Meijing sighed slightly before suddenly brightening. “Hey, since my sister and Bess both call you ‘uncle’ while I call you ‘brother Qianxing,’ does that mean I’m not a child in your eyes?”

Lu Ming coughed, “Everyone has their own way of addressing me. But if you want, Bess can call you ‘auntie’?” He laughed.

“No way…” Jin Meijing leaned against Lu Ming’s chest, her little head butting him lightly. “Are you just treating me like a child, playing with me? What kind of boyfriend are you?”

Lu Ming laughed heartily, feeling a rare sense of joy. For a moment, he almost pulled this pure, sweet girl into his arms, but then he remembered he was no longer a teenager experiencing his first love. He should focus on his responsibilities.

“Bess, let’s go! We’re going to ride the Ferris wheel!” Lu Ming called out.

Bess ran over, happily hugging Lu Ming’s neck and whispering in his ear, “Uncle, have you finished your date with sister Meijing?”

Lu Ming coughed again, feeling a bit guilty, and whispered back, “Don’t tell your mom I went on a date.”

Bess giggled, “I know.” She made a zipper motion across her lips with her finger.

…

Coming down from the Ferris wheel, Lu Ming still felt a bit dazed. He had rented a cabin for six people but reserved it for just them. Initially, everything was fine, with Meijing and Bess excitedly talking about the scenery outside. But as the Ferris wheel rose, Jin Meiyan suddenly started crying, her face turning pale, eyes tightly shut as if she was about to faint. Bess, being very brave, unbuckled her seatbelt to check on her sister, surprising even herself.

In the end, for Bess’s safety and at her and Meijing’s suggestion, Lu Ming had to pull Jin Meiyan over to their side of the cabin, with Bess sitting on his lap. Jin Meiyan clung to his arm, crying almost the entire ride, worrying Meijing so much that she lost interest in the scenery and focused on comforting her sister. Lu Ming didn’t enjoy the ride at all, his head buzzing. He was always bothered by too much noise.

A tattooed, rebellious girl being afraid of heights—was that even possible?

Although it seems that there is no specific link between acrophobia and one’s personality.

Besides, in this era, there are no camera phones. If someone took a close-up photo, it would look like I was taking advantage of three little girls on the Ferris wheel. From a distance, seeing three beautifully dressed little girls in white dresses all crowded around me, crying and shouting, would make me look like the most perverted man. Jin Meijing and her sister could pass for sixteen or seventeen, but Bess is clearly a pure eight or nine-year-old girl.

…

In the amusement park, gingerbread-style snack houses are scattered about, filling the air with a sweet candy fragrance. The decor includes various wallpapers, small tables, and chairs, all very pretty. Lu Ming and the three girls sat at a table inside, enjoying cold drinks.

“Uncle, I’m sorry…” Jin Meiyan, with red eyes, held a napkin, wanting to wipe Lu Ming’s arm but not daring to.

Her tears had smudged Lu Ming’s shirt sleeve, and although it was mostly cleaned, faint marks were still visible.

“Forget it!” Lu Ming looked at the pitiful eyes of the three girls, realizing they noticed his displeasure.

Actually, he wasn’t really upset, just a bit overwhelmed.

“Did you have fun today?”

Jin Meijing and Bess immediately nodded.

Jin Meiyan followed suit, nodding. Lu Ming looked at her and said, “Well, you had fun too!”

Jin Meiyan was startled and quickly said, “No, I didn’t…” But then realized this answer was also wrong, making her even more flustered.

Lu Ming laughed helplessly, “Alright, alright! As long as you had fun. After finishing the drinks, let’s go shopping. I’ll buy each of you a gift.”

Suddenly, he felt that dealing with women, regardless of age, was easiest when they were in a mall, just waiting to pay. This amusement park was really exhausting.

Bess cheered, “Great, I want a Tuckers doll!” It was a new toy model from New World Toys, very popular among children.

Soon, the girls were happily chatting away.

Watching the three girls, Lu Ming sipped his drink. Although he didn’t want to admit it, seeing their happy faces, despite the chatter being somewhat annoying, he had to say this trip to the amusement park was worth it. He felt much better, as the irritability of recent days seemed to dissipate. The tender voices of these young girls chatting were actually quite soothing to his ears.

…

On the third floor of the New Era Shopping Mall, the eastern area is for girls’ and children’s clothing and toys.

Sitting on a long bench at the entrance to this area, Lu Ming looked at the “contract” in his hand and couldn’t help but laugh.

Jin Meijing had handed it to him when no one was around.

It said that today’s date was to let him play the role of a big spender to satisfy the feeling of dating Cinderella, but in future dates, she would choose the locations and spend her own money.

That little girl, she thinks I can’t spend her into poverty.

Thinking about it, Lu Ming laughed. By the time she graduates, all the money she saved to broaden her horizons in college would have been spent on dates with him, the little freeloader. It was amusing to imagine.

She’d need to apply for a student loan to see the world even after winning a full scholarship.

Just as he found it funny, Jin Meiyan hurriedly came out, looking a bit panicked.

“What’s wrong?” Lu Ming asked, puzzled. “Where are Meijing and Bess?”

“Oh, I wasn’t with them…”

Lu Ming understood. Jin Meiyan was shopping for different things than the other two girls.

“Uncle, I saw Gouya. I think he saw me too…” Jin Meiyan said softly.

“Who’s Gouya?” Lu Ming asked, then remembered that Gouya was the boss behind the loans Jin Meiyan took. Initially, Jin Meiyan borrowed money from girls she knew from pool halls, but they were actually working for Gouya.

He had planned to deal with these loan sharks, but had been too busy and had forgotten about them.

“If he saw you, so be it…” Before Lu Ming could finish, the thick plastic curtain in the clothing area parted. These thick plastic curtains maintained the air-conditioned coolness inside.

A man with buckteeth, wearing black clothes and exposing his chest and belly, came out, holding a seductive woman in a cheongsam.

He saw Jin Meiyan but didn’t make any move. He looked at Lu Ming briefly, then continued walking, holding his partner.

“Gouya, are you Gouya?” Lu Ming suddenly spoke.

The bucktoothed man turned, grinned, “Sir, if you want to hit me, go ahead! I know I can’t offend you, so do as you wish!”

Lu Ming chuckled. This guy was quite straightforward and understood people’s minds.

He probably thought Jin Meiyan’s current benefactor was someone he couldn’t mess with. Thus, seeing her, he didn’t intend to bother her, pretending not to recognize her.

And he assumed that Jin Meiyan’s current sponsor might beat him up to please her, which he could understand about big bosses. So he waited to be beaten.

Lu Ming gestured, and immediately, a burly man came over, lifting Gouya like a chicken and taking him into a storeroom.

The seductive woman turned pale with fright but didn’t dare to speak.

A few minutes later, the burly man emerged, followed by Gouya, who was limping, his face unrecognizable, blood dripping from his mouth. He spat out blood, revealing two teeth.

Lu Ming looked at him, “You think you’re clever. Maybe others would let you off, perhaps even thank you for matchmaking. Right?”

“But I’m different. I’m a scoundrel. You mess with my woman, I’ll dig you up by the roots! Today’s beating is a warning. Leave Beiguan immediately. If I see you again, it won’t be this light. I’ll break a leg! And tell the other loan sharks to behave. Anyone forcing women into prostitution or selling children will be sent to the mines. I don’t care who backs you. Understand?”

Gouya spat blood and said flatly, “Sir, can I leave now?”

“Still cocky?”

The burly man stepped forward, dragging Gouya back into the storeroom.

“Sir, please don’t hit him anymore, you’ll kill him!” The woman in the cheongsam rushed to the storeroom, then ran back, kneeling and pleading, trying to grab Lu Ming’s leg.

Another burly man stepped up, lifting her and kicking her away.

After a while, the first burly man dragged Gouya out again, throwing him on the ground. He couldn’t get up.

“Do you understand now?” Lu Ming raised his voice.

“Sir, I understand. I’ll tell them,” Gouya struggled to say.

“Good, now get lost.” Lu Ming waved his hand.

The woman, relieved, hurried over to support Gouya. The two staggered away.

Watching them go, Lu Ming sighed lightly. But some people can’t be controlled without enough ruthlessness. Jail time is like a vacation to them. They come out even more arrogant. Society is such that the law can’t always make them afraid.

After all, these people cause significant harm but aren’t committing crimes that warrant the death penalty.

They can be far more brutal to the good people.

Lost in thought, Lu Ming turned and saw Jin Meiyan trembling, her face pale as a sheet. He had forgotten she was still there. If it were Bess, he would have sent her away to avoid seeing this.

“Uh, sit down and rest.” Lu Ming patted the bench.

Jin Meiyan’s legs were shaky. She barely managed to sit, still holding onto the bench for support, sneaking glances at Lu Ming and quickly looking down.

“The real adult world is scary, right? You’re still in a child’s world.” Lu Ming laughed.

Jin Meiyan kept her head down, silent.

After a while, she said softly, “Uncle, did you tell Gouya that I was your woman?”

“When did I say that?” Lu Ming frowned. “What are you thinking at your age?”

“Oh, I-I must have misheard!” Jin Meiyan’s face turned pale again.

The nearby burly man scratched his head but didn’t dare to remind his boss that he had indeed said that.

Scolding Jin Meiyan, Lu Ming remembered that he did say it, out of habit, attributing many disputes and actions to messy reasons.

Coughing, he stood up, “Let’s go. See what Meijing and Bess are buying.”

Jin Meiyan quickly stood, obediently following Lu Ming to the children’s clothing area.