Starting as a Train Driver to Enter the Ministry
Chapter 12 - Hearts Are Hidden Behind Ribs!

Chapter 12: Hearts Are Hidden Behind Ribs!

Boom—

A game-like panel appeared before Chen Shi, clearly displaying comparative attribute points and their uses. There was even a prize draw shop—filled with rare items from the future!

Chen Shi’s pupils contracted. He had thought the Comparative System would only give him some spatial benefits or material gains. But now, it could expand his space and enhance his abilities?

If he became a skilled worker and invested his attribute points into technical upgrades, wouldn’t that mean effortless success?

This was too good. Chen Shi made up his mind—from now on, he would completely crush Jia Dongxiu in every aspect within the courtyard.

If he kept winning these comparisons, the future would be smooth sailing.

Chen Shi’s wedding spectacle vs. Jia Dongxiu’s wedding spectacle.

Victory rewards: Comparative Attribute Points.].

Chen Shi’s eyes lit up. A second task already?

At this rate, gathering ten attribute points wouldn’t be hard.

He was especially intrigued by the prize draw. It felt like opening a mystery box—what would his first reward be?

But beating Jia Dongxiu’s wedding scale wouldn’t be easy. Old Chen, ever the miserly “broken-down household” act, would never spend money on a banquet.

Jia Dongxiu had a feast. Chen Shi had nothing. How could he possibly win this comparison?

Chen Shi sighed. Whatever. He’d figure it out.

Back in the courtyard, Chen Shi spotted the Qin family looking smug, while Old Mrs. Jia and Yi Zhonghai wore dark expressions.

Yang Ruihua sidled up to him. “Chen Shi, did you get your marriage certificate?”

Chen Shi waved it. “Of course!”

“Did you pay any betrothal gifts?”

“Why would I? That’s just selling daughters!”

“Aiyo! Then your family got the better deal—a wife for free! The Jias? Uncle Yi forked over 1.5 million, and the Jias added 500,000, just so Dongxiu and Qin Huairu could register! Two million yuan—that’s enough to feed my family for two or three years!”

Chen Shi raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Yan Bugui chimed in. “Chen Shi, Old Yi picked a lucky date for Dongxiu—tomorrow! They’re hosting a banquet in the courtyard. Are you doing one too?”

Chen Shi’s eyes gleamed. Jia Dongxiu’s banquet was tomorrow?

He checked his marriage certificate’s date—perfect timing for the comparison task.

“Uncle Yan, spread the word—my family’s also hosting tomorrow. But the exact time? I’ll announce it later.”

“Hey, that’s not smart! If you do it the same day as Dongxiu, you should at least space it out by a few days.”

Chen Shi smirked. “Uncle Yan, isn’t this better for you? Two banquets in one day means your family saves food for the month!”

Yan Bugui coughed awkwardly. “Well, you know how it is—one income, many mouths. Times are tough!”

Chen Shi waved him off. “Same here. Just tell everyone to eat at Dongxiu’s first—and save room for mine!”

He pulled Shen Youchu toward the east courtyard.

In the central courtyard, Qin Huairu and Jia Dongxiu were heading out to register.

Chen Shi smirked. “Hey, Dongxiu! You’re a step behind me—I married first!”

Jia Dongxiu scoffed. “Look at your wife, then look at mine. Good things take time! And I heard your family can’t even afford a banquet. Mine’s tomorrow!”

Chen Shi grinned. “So… can I come?”

Jia Dongxiu blinked. He’d expected Chen Shi to be furious, not asking for an invite!

Had Chen Shi given up?

Well, it made sense. Since childhood, in every comparison between them, Chen Shi never won.

Fine. Let him see the gap clearly.

“Sure, come. The factory workshop director will be there. My master invited plenty of cadres. Just remember—bring a gift!”

“Deal!”

Humming, Chen Shi walked off with Shen Youchu.

Back home, Tian Xiulan rushed over. “Did you get the certificate?”

“Yep!”

Tian Xiulan took the certificate, eyes reddening. “My boy’s all grown up, married now… Come, your dad secretly bought fried pork intestines and lamb head meat. We’ll eat inside—no smells leaking out!”

Chen Shi rolled his eyes. “Dad’s too paranoid. He bought it with his salary—what’s the problem?”

“Oh, you don’t understand! Last month, Old Liu from your dad’s unit brought home a pork knuckle from the countryside. Someone reported him—he got suspended, investigated! Even though nothing came of it, he missed the chance to secure his son’s job!”

She lowered her voice. “These days, hearts are hidden behind ribs. Some people just can’t stand others doing well. Like toads on your foot—not biting, just disgusting you. Better safe than sorry!”

“Now hurry inside. Your room’s ready. Now that you’re married, cut ties with those alley hooligans! When your dad arranges work for you, they’ll check your reputation!”

Chen Shi scoffed. “Mom, be realistic. Dad can’t get me into the railway bureau. I’ll just attend literacy classes, learn some words, then take the factory exams.”

If he hadn’t regained his past-life memories, he’d have dismissed literacy classes outright.

But now? He knew better.

The new nation was rebuilding. Factories needed workers. Knowing how to read meant job opportunities.

Soon, Tian Xiulan laid out the food. The family gathered around the kang table.

“Maihua, Yushui helped us a lot today. Go invite her to eat!”

“Fine! But brother, don’t steal my ‘bells’!”

“Bells” were lamb eyes—sliced, white outer ring, black inner ring, tiny white dot in the center. Maihua had phoenix eyes like Old Chen but wanted big, round ones.

Somehow, she’d heard “like nourishes like”—so she devoured sheep and pig eyes hoping for a change.

The moment Maihua left, Chen Shi swiped the lamb eyes for himself—then piled fried intestines onto Shen Youchu’s bowl.

After discovering Shen Youchu’s hidden treasures, he was 10,000% satisfied with his little wife.

He couldn’t wait for nightfall—time to carry her to bed and make dumplings!

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