Chapter 57: Chapter 57: And You Have the Nerve to Say That
Tang Xiaoquan understood that there was no need to continue the conversation. He sensibly patted Hu Xiaodong on the shoulder, knowing that he needed time to work through his inner turmoil, and then quietly left to rest.
Time ticked away, and soon the once spacious rooftop was filled with the sounds of snoring.
Everyone slept soundly. Even Tang Xiaoquan, who was usually very alert, slept like a log after the morning’s desperate escape, completely motionless.
When everyone finally woke from their stupor, the sky outside was already ablaze with the dazzling colors of the sunset.
"Yawn~" Wang Qiang stretched lazily as he emerged from the tent. A few hours of sleep had rejuvenated him, leaving him feeling full of energy.
"Yawn," he yawned again, instinctively turning his head, and as his neck swiveled, his eyebrows furrowed.
Who could have caused Wang Qiang to react like this? Without a doubt, it was Lu Rui, with whom he’d had a run-in that morning.
Having been cooped up in his tent for over half a day, Lu Rui decided to step out for some fresh air as the day turned to night.
Who would have thought that he would run into Wang Qiang, whom he didn’t particularly like, as soon as he stepped out?
Great, seeing his enemy only fueled Lu Rui’s rage; he, being a neighborhood bully, wasted no time meeting Wang Qiang’s gaze and immediately cursed, "Fuck you! What are you looking at, you freeloader?"
"Freeloader?" Wang Qiang was momentarily stunned for a couple of seconds, not expecting such a nasty remark, but he wasn’t someone to back down.
Immediately retaliating, he shouted back, "Damn it, who are you calling a freeloader? If you’ve got the guts, say it again!"
"Say it again? Sure thing! Listen up, I’m calling you that! How about that?" Lu Rui taunted, rolling up his sleeves to reveal his muscular arms, his upturned nose full of arrogance.
This infuriated Wang Qiang to the point of seeing red.
Just as he was about to swing into action against that bastard, a voice called from the tent behind him: "Hey, Qiang, come here and help me!"
Confused, Wang Qiang’s heart skipped a beat, and the anger that had just flared up was half-quenched.
But even so, he didn’t forget to point at Lu Rui, signaling, "You’re lucky today; we’ll settle this later!"
"What’s up? What’s up?" Concerned about Tang Xiaoquan in the tent, Wang Qiang ignored Lu Rui, flung open the tent, and rushed inside.
However...
Inside, Tang Xiaoquan lay at ease, lounging comfortably on the ground without a hint of needing help. This frustrated Wang Qiang as he pushed Tang’s swinging right leg and complained:
"Hey, what are you messing around for? Didn’t you call me in to help?"
With an unconcerned look, Tang Xiaoquan rolled his eyes at Wang Qiang and nonchalantly retorted, "Do you really have to ask? Why are you picking a fight with Lu Rui again when there’s nothing to gain?"
Hearing this, Wang Qiang couldn’t keep his temper, his voice rising: "Bullshit, he’s the one that started it! Am I just supposed to stand there and take his crap?"
"Sigh!" Shaking his head in exasperation, Tang Xiaoquan adopted a condescending look: "If a dog bites you, do you really have to bite back?"
Speechless, totally speechless, Wang Qiang’s eyebrows threatened to stand up, but Tang Xiaoquan quickly continued: "We’re on their turf now; you’ve seen they lack medicine and food, yet they share generously. Given this, do you think it’s right to get into it with Lu Rui?"
"But... that guy, he’s too—"
"Too much, right? Yes, Lu Rui’s words may be harsh, but, Qiang, you need to understand we’re newcomers. Even if you understand, any punishment should be handled internally by them, jumping in like that just creates more conflict between us!"
"I..." Wang Qiang was left speechless, but as he pondered, he realized something didn’t add up and suddenly looked up as realization dawned: "Dammit, stop with your nonsense! I ask you, if you know they’re short on meds and food, then why this morning did I..."
"Shh~" Suddenly leaping to cover Wang Qiang’s mouth, Tang Xiaoquan whispered: "Keep it down. I have my reasons for not letting you say anything."
"Bullshit reasons~" Wang Qiang swatted at his arm, rubbed his lips in annoyance: "You just don’t want to share! You even said they treat us well. Why keep things hidden then?"
"I..." Now it was Tang Xiaoquan who was at a loss for words. He sighed in frustration before explaining: "You’re so clueless! I’m not letting you speak because the four packs of instant noodles are for our survival, and without understanding Tiger’s actual illness, even meds won’t help!"
"Nonsense! Human life is paramount. Regardless of Tiger’s condition, withholding meds and food is just wrong!"
Seeing Wang Qiang’s indignant posture, Tang Xiaoquan knew his brother’s stubbornness was acting up again.
But he wasn’t bothered by this because he had thought things through clearly. Since they’d be going with Hu Xiaodong to Xianghe Noodle House tomorrow for supplies, they’d inevitably need to use their backpacks.
So it was better to share the ramen and meds now than to have them discovered later, appearing magnanimous in the process.
"Heh," Tang Xiaoquan chuckled, which made Wang Qiang uncomfortable, causing him to snap, "What’s so funny? Did you hear what I said?"
Ignoring Wang Qiang’s scolding, Tang Xiaoquan turned around, handing over the prepared instant noodles, meds, and bottled water: "Alright, you win. Take it all, but remember, be smart about it. Say you just found it, and don’t foolishly give the whole story!"
Staring at the supplies in his hands, Wang Qiang was incredulous, but seeing the smile in Tang Xiaoquan’s eyes, he relaxed and turned to leave the tent.