Chapter 2578 2840 This Is Life

Haicheng is an important transportation port in northern China. From its name, we can also see what the characteristics of this city are.

However, over the years, this city, like Zhang Hong, has gradually declined, and its status in China is no longer as prominent as before.

Lin Tianyao followed Zhang Hong as they walked in the city. Instead of taking a taxi, they chose to walk.

There are some dilapidated old houses on both sides of the street. Even the newly built commercial buildings lack confidence due to the sparse flow of people. Although it is daytime, the flow of people in the city is far less than that of the American cities where Lin Tianyao just came here.

What's going on here?

"After you left, the economy in our area has been in recession. It is no longer good and cannot keep up with the times. Damn it, the iron rice bowl is gone. Young and old men can't find a job. Those who have the ability can open a breeding farm." They raised foxes and raised seafood, and those who didn’t have the skills went to work in the south, so this is what happened here.”

Seemingly aware of Lin Tianyao's doubts, Zhang Hong opened his mouth to explain. At this time, his emotions had calmed down and he was not as excited as before.

"So, what about the cities further north?" Lin Tianyao asked.

"Those places are not good for 200 of the 365 days a year, so how can we talk about development? But the tourism industry there seems to be doing well, much better than here. Hey, I found it."

Zhang Hong said this, and then walked into a small alley from the street, and Lin Tianyao followed him and walked in.

Inside the box, there is a food stall. At this moment, although the stall outside has been closed, the door is still open inside. Zhang Hong and Lin Tianyao walked in, and the boss ran over eagerly.

"Boss, here are twenty skewers of grilled squid. I want them fresh from the sea. Don't fool me with those fake ones that have been coated with dye! I'll have a braised sea cucumber, a snowflake scallop, and the main dish will be braised in an iron pot. The chicken is ready. Let’s do it!”

Lin Tianyao watched Zhang Hong ordering the dishes skillfully. He couldn't help but feel a little familiar when he heard the names of the dishes that were once very familiar but now very unfamiliar came out of Zhang Hong's mouth.

After the boss wrote down these few dishes, he turned around and ran to the kitchen. Then, Zhang Hong looked at Lin Tianyao:

"What are you drinking?"

"I won't drink anymore. It hurts my stomach. I still have to talk about business. You can do whatever you want."

Since leaving the earth, Lin Tianyao has stopped drinking. It's not that he can't drink, but he just doesn't want to get drunk in a strange world.

Zhang Hong curled his lips, and then pulled out a bottle of white wine from the table behind him. It was Erguotou.

The dishes were served in a short while. Zhang Hong took a sip of white wine while eating the dishes, and his expression softened.

"It's summer here in the south, but it's winter here for us. No wonder the little bastard at home is arguing that he must go to the south to take the college entrance examination! This weather is really unbearable."

It's already early autumn, but because of its geographical location close to the north and the sea, Haicheng's climate is quite cold. Just like now, Zhang Hong has to wear a coat.

"Boss, why are you so naughty? You can't turn on the air conditioner on such a day. You want us two brothers to freeze to death!"

Lin Tianyao didn't say anything, just picked up some food with chopsticks, but Zhang Hong couldn't stand the weather anymore, so he complained to the boss.

"Happy, turn on the air conditioner. It's daytime and the sun is out! If you're afraid of the cold, drink more wine. If it doesn't work, just switch to a stove!" The boss's voice was already a little blurry when it came from the kitchen. It’s clear, but the general meaning is still very clear.

"These foreign traitors are not even willing to turn on the air conditioner after making money from us!" Zhang Hong complained, but this time his voice was not as loud.

The sky was not yet completely bright, and in the dirty little restaurant, under the dim light, what Lin Tianyao saw on the face of his former friend was the wind and frost left by the years.

He has changed. In the past, he could not be so easy to talk to. Lin Tianyao still remembered that he once sneaked out of his home and went out to drink with Zhang Hong. Because the hotel owner refused to turn on the fan, Zhang Hong turned over the table.

However, people will eventually change. Lin Tianyao remembered again the three thousand yuan he had mentioned about Su Xiaoxiao.

He drank all the boiled water in the wine glass, but felt a little drunk.

"The tomb of uncle and aunt is right next to your... in a moment. I will take you there to take a look." Zhang Hong looked at Lin Tianyao like this and didn't say anything. He just drank by himself.

"Thank you. Please don't tell others about my return." Lin Tianyao was silent for a moment and then said.

Zhang Hong looked at him, his chopsticks holding food paused in the air:

"We have known each other for more than 20 years. Since childhood, I have wiped your butt so many times. This is the first time I have heard the word thank you from you."

Zhang Hong said this while chewing a bunch of grilled squid, while Lin Tianyao listened to what he said without saying anything and fell silent.

Twenty years have passed, and there are many things I want to say, but when the words come to my mouth, I can’t speak.

"What are your plans from now on? Just live in the old house or..." After eating for a while, Zhang Hong spoke again.

"Just live in the old house for now. I bought a house in the United States. If you have time, you can come over with your children and wife to play."

Lin Tianyao said, and he noticed that when he said this, Zhang Hong's eyes dimmed.

However, he didn't say anything.

"That's good. What, are you married? What kind of work do you do in the United States?" Zhang Hong then asked.

"I'm such a devil, won't getting married harm others? It's okay if I don't talk about my work."

"Why, you are so stupid and you still don't want to tell your brother what you do? Could it be that you are still from the FBI?"

Zhang Hong said this sentence casually, but the meaning behind it was not casual. ....