Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Miserable Scenery of the Prince’s Residence

Shen Guodong was almost bursting with laughter.

"Two hundred yuan isn't really much to me, haha! Wang Fujing, aren't you ashamed? For just a few bucks, you've been haggling here for months. In those months, I've probably earned enough for dozens of bicycles." He shook his head, looking smug and infuriating. "Too petty! You lack vision!"

As soon as he said this, Wang Fujing's anger flared. What right did this guy have to act so arrogant in front of him? He was really clueless—after all, Wang Fujing had already bought a bicycle, and Shen Guodong had nothing, yet he was mocking those who'd made a purchase.

"Boss, let me tell you, this guy is so poor he can barely keep his pot covered. Don't believe a word he says. How could someone like him afford your bicycle? He'll probably want to buy on credit again. If he tries, don't agree—don't say I didn't warn you," Wang Fujing said.

Hearing this, the shop owner immediately replied, "Our shop operates on thin margins. No credit sales, hope you understand."

Clearly, the shop owner believed Wang Fujing, thinking Shen Guodong was penniless and planning to ask for credit, which was out of the question. The shop owner's attitude made that clear.

Shen Guodong shrugged, a touch of disdain in his voice. "Boss, do I really look like someone who'd need credit for two hundred yuan? Don't lump me in with certain people—just a few bucks' difference and they spend months bargaining. I can't bear that kind of shame! After all, a bicycle isn't some luxury item, don't you all agree?"

When he said this, Wang Fujing's face turned sour. The jab was obvious, as clear as reciting an ID number. He clenched his teeth, glaring at Shen Guodong.

Just then, someone walked in. "Guodong, buying a bicycle?"

"Director Xu!" Shen Guodong quickly greeted him. "Yes, the distance from home to the factory is a bit far. Having a bike would be convenient, and I could drop my wife at work sometimes."

"That's thoughtful of you. Last time, you solved such a big issue at the factory. The shop owner here is a friend of mine—I came by for tea today. If you like that bike, I'll pay for it! Consider it a token of thanks for your contribution to the factory," Xu Shihui said.

He owed Shen Guodong for saving him. If not for Guodong, he might not even be in his current position. Besides, two hundred yuan was nothing to him—his monthly salary was several times that, so buying a bike was entirely reasonable.

"Director Xu, I can't accept this. What I did was my duty. Work and personal matters should be kept separate. If the factory rewards me, I won't say a word, but this is a personal gift from you—I can't take it! Besides, the factory already rewarded me with a thousand yuan, I can afford this bike myself," Shen Guodong protested, his face changing.

The shop owner stepped forward, "Old Xu, he's from your factory? Looks like the Dragon King's temple flooded—we're family and didn't recognize each other!"

"Old Zhu, how much for the bike? I'll pay you later. If you dare take money from Shen Guodong, I'll hold you responsible," Director Xu said sternly to the shop owner.

The shop owner smiled wryly and immediately agreed, handing a new bike to Shen Guodong, regardless of his protests.

"Director Xu, I really can't accept this," Shen Guodong said with a bitter smile, surprised by the turn of events. What else could he say?

"Don't worry about it. I need to discuss something with Old Zhu. Just take the bike and go," Xu Shihui said briskly. Shen Guodong could only nod and comply, knowing he'd never forget the favor and would repay it when he could.

Meanwhile, Wang Fujing stood to the side, his face as dark as coal, feeling utterly miserable. Shen Guodong had made a great contribution to the factory? How was that possible—and he'd been rewarded with a thousand yuan!

If not, why would Director Xu give him such a valuable bike? The sense of superiority Wang Fujing had felt earlier was now shattered, leaving him wanting to disappear altogether. Jealousy gnawed at him, nearly driving him mad.

He had scrimped and saved for nearly half a year to buy his bike; his family had nothing left, just waiting for the next payday. Now Shen Guodong had not only received a thousand yuan from the factory, but also a bike from Director Xu. Suddenly, his own bike didn't seem so special.

"Wang Fujing, I'm off now—take your time," Shen Guodong said with a broad grin, the pride in his voice unmistakable. Even though Wang Fujing wished he could strangle Shen Guodong, he was powerless; his face was ashen, as if he'd just swallowed pig liver.

Shen Guodong rode away leisurely. Although he hadn't ridden in a while, he was still skilled, unlike Wang Fujing, who could only push his bike, gnashing his teeth and wishing he could bite Shen Guodong. No matter what, this guy always seemed to be better than him—he couldn't take it anymore!

It was Shen Guodong's first time owning a bicycle, yet he rode it with effortless grace. If Wang Fujing had such talent, he would surely show off as well.

Shen Guodong rode up to his own doorstep in style, just as Liu Yueyu was about to head out.

He parked his bike with a flourish, spinning the rear wheel. "Yueyu."

"Whose bike is that? Why borrow a bike out of the blue?" Liu Yueyu asked.

"It's ours!" Shen Guodong laughed heartily. "Where are you going? I'll take you!"

"I'm going grocery shopping," Liu Yueyu replied, surprised. "Why did you suddenly decide to buy a bike?"

Shen Guodong explained, "I thought it'd make things easier. It's still early, so I'll go with you to buy groceries. When we get back, I'll teach you how to ride. Then it'll be convenient for you to visit your family whenever you want."

Liu Yueyu nodded, her eyes shining with anticipation. It was clear she was looking forward to it.