Early the next morning, Wang Yongzhu was still groggy on the kang when he heard some movement in the courtyard.
He opened his eyes and saw that Song Chongjin had already gotten up.
Outside the courtyard, there were the sounds of two people’s footsteps, and the sound of fist and flesh impacts.
He hurriedly got up, pushed open the window, and saw Song Chongjin and Yang Zongbao practicing their martial arts.
The two of them exchanged blows, their fists and feet intertwining; it was quite lively.
But seemingly afraid to disturb Wang Yongzhu, who was still asleep in the room, the two were very restrained, not making a sound, and even their sparring was restrained.
It looked intense, but in reality, they were very measured with each other.
Wang Yongzhu was well aware of Song Chongjin’s skills, though they were not up to his own level.
After all, he had the Physical Enhancement Technique and the Infinite Strength BUFF.
But Wang Yongzhu knew that Song Chongjin’s skills were indeed strong, he just didn’t expect Yang Zongbao at his age could still hold his own against Song Chongjin.
From this, one could imagine how formidable Yang Zongbao was back then.
Wang Yongzhu watched with great interest for a while, then became interested himself. He washed up, changed into short combat clothes, and walked into the courtyard.
Seeing Wang Yongzhu come out, Song Chongjin and Yang Zongbao exchanged smiles and stopped sparring.
Before Song Chongjin could say anything, Wang Yongzhu enthusiastically pounced over, "Brother Song, shall we practice together?"
The smile on Song Chongjin’s face immediately froze, "Uh, that’s not a good idea—" he tried hard to refuse.
"Sure! Sure! We haven’t practiced together in a while—" Wang Yongzhu said, warming up his hands and feet.
Song Chongjin still wanted to refuse, but Yang Zongbao patted him on the shoulder and made a threatening gesture, indicating that Song Chongjin should play along with Wang Yongzhu and warned him to hold back and not hurt Wang Yongzhu.
Song Chongjin smiled bitterly and really wanted to say, "Uncle, you’re warning the wrong person. Now, you should worry about your cheap niece’s husband’s safety. Your niece is perfectly safe."
But seeing Wang Yongzhu’s enthusiastic look, he could only brace himself, comforting himself that being punched by Yongzhu could be considered an intimate interaction, like a rough approximation of a hug.
With this thought, he half-heartedly comforted himself, demonstrating a gesture of invitation with an air of heroic sacrifice.
Yang Zongbao nodded in approval, pleased to see the boy knowing his place, assuming the posture that was defensively ready and not planning to strike back.
However, then he was dumbfounded...
He watched the entire scene, his jaw dropping, as Song Chongjin was completely dominated.
It wasn’t that Song Chongjin didn’t intend to strike back; he simply had no chance to.
He had no choice but to defend!
It was fortunate that Wang Yongzhu restrained his strength, otherwise, such a beating would leave Song Chongjin severely battered.
Looking at Song Chongjin now, all he felt was admiration!
This cheap niece’s husband was truly a man!
Daring to marry such a fierce wife, even a young Yang Zongbao would have to respect that!
Wang Yongzhu worked up a sweat, full of energy, his face flushed red like an apple, making one want to take a bite.
On the other side, Song Chongjin, looking like he had been tormented, tried to maintain a stoic face while his hand behind his back rubbed his waist continuously.
He secretly decided that his waist must be bruised, and planned to play pitiful tonight and have Yongzhu give him a massage.
The three of them, each lost in their own thoughts, fell silent for a moment.
Old Granny Zhang came out of the kitchen, took one look, and understood what had happened. Seeing Song Chongjin rubbing his waist, she glared at Wang Yongzhu, "This girl, of all places to hit, you hit Chongjin’s waist? If you injure him, you’ll be the one to regret it later!"
Immediately, she said concernedly, "Chongjin, are you alright? Do you need some medicinal wine to rub on?"
Song Chongjin quickly shook his head, wanting to refuse, but the words hadn’t left his mouth yet.
"Yongzhu, hurry and help Chongjin inside to rub some medicine on him! How can you be so rough with your own man? What if you injure him? If you want to fight, go find one of your three brothers. They grew up being beaten by their mother and can take it better!"
This is indeed the difference between a mother and a mother-in-law!
Song Chongjin did not refuse any further and obediently followed Wang Yongzhu inside.
Leaving Yang Zongbao standing in the courtyard, Old Granny Zhang didn’t stand on ceremony with him, "Brother Zongbao, I just boiled a big pot of hot water this morning. Go take a bath. Laosan’s house has a new set of clothes for you. I put them on your kang for you. Try them on and see if they fit."
Yang Zongbao also didn’t stand on ceremony with Old Granny Zhang. He took out the new clothes.
He carried a wooden bucket, filled it with water from the well in the courtyard, and went to a secluded corner where no one could see him. He took off his clothes and poured the water over himself, lathered up with soap, and rinsed off with another bucket of water. Then he grabbed a towel, casually wiped himself down, and put on his new clothes.
When he returned inside, he emerged, freshly dressed and looking quite dashing.
This sight surprised everyone.
Previously, Yang Zongbao wore dull clothes and didn’t shave. While not unkempt, he was merely tidy.
Now, with his beard shaved and his hair neatly tied, donning the new indigo clothes, his entire demeanor transformed dramatically.
Seeing this, Old Granny Zhang inexplicably shed a couple of tears.
After Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin had a moment of intimacy inside, they came out and saw the now valiant and handsome Yang Zongbao, suddenly understanding why that woman was so obsessed with him back then.
Unlike his usual unflappable demeanor, Yang Zongbao seemed slightly ill at ease under their gaze.
Looking at Old Granny Zhang, he silently questioned her if something was wrong.
Old Granny Zhang, her eyes still red, smiled and patted Yang Zongbao’s arm, laughing heartily, "This is the Yang Zongbao of the past! A person should be energetic, dressed neatly every day! That’s how you show your presence and avoid being bullied! As the saying goes, ’Without food in your belly, no one will know you, without clothes on your back, you will be scorned!’ From now on, you should live , confident and better than others! Those ungrateful swines who bit the hand that fed them will be ashamed!"
This left Yang Zongbao stunned, staring at Old Granny Zhang. His previously calm eyes grew brighter and brighter.
After a long moment, he nodded heavily, turned away, and a tear fell to the ground.
Seeing Yang Zongbao so moved, Wang Yongzhu was secretly delighted.
He hurriedly ran to Yang Zongbao’s side and began to shower him with compliments, calling him graceful, imposing, valiant—basically throwing a bunch of flattering words at Yang Zongbao.
The sweet words made Yang Zongbao smile, albeit with a touch of awkwardness, as he brushed his new clothes, a trace of nostalgia in his eyes.
Song Chongjin, feeling slightly jealous, watched the scene unfold. Yongzhu had never praised him like that! Wasn’t he handsome and dashing?
Just the other day, she said he was the most handsome guy in her heart, and now she was calling another man graceful! He knew it, women’s words are just lies!