"It's none of your business, so don't meddle."

Bai Zhiman finally couldn't help but say something, and the relative got anxious: "Hey Zhiman, is it that you can't talk about your child? I thought you still cared about us poor relatives. I am her elder, after all. Listen to how she talks to her elders."

This person can be considered one of Bai Jiaojiao's cousins. Most of the Bai family members live in Maguan Village. Compared to Bai Zhiman, who has moved out to live alone, the other relatives are closer.

Upon hearing her say that, her sister-in-law immediately chimed in, "Brother Man, your sister-in-law was just asking a few questions, why are you all acting like you've been poisoned? It's nothing shameful, what, do you think we're here to laugh at you?"

At this moment, a man stepped forward and looked at Bai Jiaojiao, saying, "Don't you recognize me? I'm your uncle. You've been back for so long, and you haven't even recognized all of us family members. Why can't you answer your aunt's questions properly?"

The year Bai Jiaojiao first came to Shili Village, Bai Shihai took her back to Maguan Village to pay New Year's respects. However, Bai Jiaojiao was arrogant at that time and didn't even glance at them.

Bai Jiaojiao carefully examined the man: "Is he your uncle? Sister, am I remembering wrong? Did this uncle come to your wedding last time?"

Bai Shiqing comforted the child in her arms: "Uncle didn't come, wasn't it these two aunties who came? Don't you remember?"

Their third aunt and youngest aunt were right beside Bai Shiqing, not saying a word, just watching over the children.

Uncle Bai blushed immediately. Bai Shiqing was just his niece. Did he really need to travel all this way just to get her married? There was so much work to do in the fields at that time. Coming to Shili Village and back would take up two days of work!

Moreover, he had no idea that Bai Zhiman's family had managed to live such a good life. One son had joined the army, and one daughter had been admitted to university with her son-in-law. It seemed like they were on the verge of a major upheaval.

He harbored ulterior motives, and when Bai Jiaojiao gave him a meaningful look, he couldn't help but feel guilty.

Bai Zhiman knew what kind of person his elder brother was, and at his age, he couldn't be bothered to get angry with him. He glanced at Deng Min. Deng Min immediately understood and said, "Alright, Uncle, Aunt, please take your seats. Everything is ready in the kitchen, and the dishes will be served soon!"

Just then, Zheng Xu and Li Shiqing arrived with three leaders.

"Bai Jiaojiao, Shen Heng, come here. This is our town's Party Secretary, who came especially to congratulate you."

Bai Jiaojiao and Shen Heng walked over. She had barely opened her mouth when the aunt, who hadn't even settled into her seat, stood up again: "Welcome, Secretary! Welcome, leaders! How did we manage to disturb you all with your presence!"

"We're just here to take a look, so don't be shy. It's really an honor for our whole town that you two students both got into Shandong University. Come on, Xiao Chen, get your things out."

Bai Jiaojiao noticed that the person standing behind the secretary was probably the secretary. After the secretary finished speaking, he took out two small boxes from his purse.

"These are imported fountain pens. I'm here on behalf of our town to present them to you two. I hope you will continue to work hard, just like our counselor said, study diligently and make progress every day. In the future, you will become useful talents for the country."

These days, even the cheapest fountain pen costs over ten yuan, and the one pulled out of the secretary's hand must have cost at least tens or hundreds of yuan.

Bai Jiaojiao took the two pens with both hands and handed one to Shen Heng: "Thank you for your encouragement, we definitely will."

"Also, you don't need to worry about tuition fees. The town and county will help you find a solution. Once you get to school, you don't need to worry about anything; just focus on your studies."

The Party Secretary had heard that Bai Jiaojiao and Shen Heng were from the countryside, and that even if they were rich, they would definitely struggle to afford university in the city, so he wanted to reassure them.

It's perfectly reasonable for the town to subsidize such excellent college students. As long as they don't forget their roots, the benefits they'll receive in the future will certainly go beyond just their tuition fees.

Upon hearing this, Bai Jiaojiao realized that the Party Secretary truly knew what practical benefits meant: "Thank you, Secretary! You've really solved a huge problem for us! Please don't stand there and talk; please come inside."

"No, no, you guys eat, we won't cause any more trouble here."

The Party Secretary originally had no intention of sitting down to eat. And it's true, with a feast set out in the dead of winter, if you don't quickly put chopsticks in, some dishes will freeze in the bowls, which is indeed not presentable.

Bai Jiaojiao tugged at Shen Heng and went out with him to see the secretary off.

Just as they were about to make a fortune, the auntie from before started shouting again: "The government is even helping with tuition fees? You're getting a huge advantage!"

Bai Zhiman boasted, "Aren't government officials much more capable than you? Why would they do such useless things? If you're so capable, why don't we see the government give you two?"

The aunt's face immediately fell: "Zhiman, you're being so sarcastic and veiled today, it's not very interesting."

Bai Zhiman pushed the wheelchair away.

When Bai Jiaojiao and Shen Heng returned, their aunt wanted to find out what kind of fountain pen they were using: "Your cousin is starting high school this year. Since you've already been admitted to university, why use such a nice fountain pen? Why not give it to your cousin? If he does well on his exams, he can also apply to Peking University. It would be great to have a younger brother to support you."

“Once my cousin gets into Yenching University, you can take him to the Party Secretary to ask for it.”

Bai Jiaojiao put the pen in Shen Heng's pocket.

As he spoke, he went into the kitchen and told everyone to bring the dishes out.

Three clean-cut women from the village were hired to help in the kitchen. They might not be the tastiest, but they could guarantee hygiene. They were paid 50 cents a day, and there would be a feast after the guests left.

The relatives were finally silenced when they saw the plates of meat dishes being brought out of the kitchen.

Bai Shiqing muttered, "I wouldn't have the face to eat that."

At Bai Shiqing's table were her four aunts, including her eldest aunt. Her cousin's table was right next to her, and they could hear everything Bai Shiqing said clearly.

The aunt knew what kind of man she was, and she felt ashamed, but Bai Shiqing hadn't mentioned him by name. If she spoke up, wouldn't she be asking for a scolding?

But the aunt at the next table said loudly, "Since everyone is here and has given gifts, you all have to eat and drink well!"

Bai Shiqing shook her head and pouted at Bai Jiaojiao, thinking to herself that this person was truly shameless and had shamelessly cheated on her.

The Bai family's feast was a mess, but the villagers, although the feast was set up outside in the courtyard and it was a bit cold, ate in a very lively atmosphere.

Their gifts usually consist of four or eight eggs, which are enough for them to come and enjoy such a sumptuous meal. If they're quick, they can even take some home with them.