After get off work, Xu Damao rode his bike directly to the market and bought a fish, a few ounces of meat, and some vegetables. He was heartbroken, knowing he would have to eat dirt for the next few days.

Yan Fugui's eyes practically lit up when he saw Xu Damao bring so many vegetables home.

"Da Mao, you're eating so well even though it's not a holiday. Do you want Auntie to help you clean up? You're a grown man, you shouldn't waste such good food."

Yan Fugui spoke, but his eyes remained fixed on the dishes.

“Third Uncle, this is Third Aunt. You have a bottle of good wine, right? I remember it was a gift from one of your students’ parents during the New Year. Take it with you, how about we have a drink tonight?” Xu Damao deliberately avoided mentioning that he was going to treat everyone to dinner that night.

"I only had a sip of that wine during the New Year. Should I return the bottle?" Yan Fugui was really reluctant to part with the wine.

"Never mind then. All your other stuff is water mixed with alcohol, everyone in the compound knows that. Alright, I'll go back and cook." Xu Damao pushed his bike and headed back.

"No, that's fine. But let's make it clear, only one small cup per person, no more." Yan Fugui didn't have time to argue with Xu Damao about him mixing wine into his water, so he had to give in.

"Alright, hurry up and come over, I can cook very quickly." This time, Xu Damao really went home.

When the aroma of stir-fried dishes wafted out from Xu Damao's house, Yan Fugui came over carrying a wine bottle, being even more careful than when he was carrying his own wife, Yan Jiedi, as if he was afraid of spilling the wine.

As the two were discussing their jobs, Liu Haizhong brought over a bottle of wine.

"Hey, Uncle San, you've really brought out your best wine for the New Year today! I knew I shouldn't have brought this bottle. I've been craving your wine for so long, I didn't get to drink it during the New Year, so I'm going to have a few more cups today."

As soon as Liu Haizhong arrived, he saw the wine bottle that Yan Fugui was holding.

Just as Yan Fugui was completely bewildered, Yi Zhonghai came in with a few steamed buns. Seeing the wine, he also said he wanted to have a few more drinks.

"Da Mao, how many people are coming tonight?" At this moment, Yan Fugui knew that he wouldn't be the only one coming to eat that night, and asked Xu Da Mao tremblingly.

"And..." Xu Damao said, glancing at Yan Fugui. Yan Fugui's face was deathly pale, and the veins on his hands, gripping the wine bottle tightly, were bulging, showing how much force he was using.

"That's all. We've invited three gentlemen, so let's have a good drink." Seeing Yan Fugui's state, Xu Damao immediately told the truth, as he was genuinely worried that Yan Fugui might do something rash.

Although Xu Damao's cooking skills weren't as good as Sha Zhu's, he was generous with oil and seasonings, so the food tasted pretty good, and all the children in the yard started wandering around outside. Fortunately, since the adults had already called them, no one went straight into the house.

If the pheasant were older, it wouldn't be so quiet.

Xu Damao said he wanted to drink Yan Fugui's wine, but after each person only poured a small cup, they started drinking Liu Haizhong's and Xu Damao's own wine.

Just as the group was enjoying their drinks, the door was pushed open again. Standing outside were Jia Zhangshi and Jia Dongxu.

"Uncle, my son Dongxu heard you were eating here and was worried there wouldn't be enough food, so I specially brought you some peanuts to go with your drinks."

As she spoke, Jia Zhangshi placed a small dish of peanuts on the table and then sat down directly beside it.

"Dongxu, how can you be so rude? Your master is here, and there are two old men here too. Come over and offer them a toast!"

Upon hearing Jia Zhangshi's words, Jia Dongxu reluctantly moved over and stood to the side, looking at Yi Zhonghai.

At this time, Jia Dongxu was always the eldest brother among the children in the compound, a role model since childhood. He had a good job and a relatively happy family. It was just that he had encountered such an elderly mother.

Since Old Jia passed away, Madam Jia has become fiercely protective of her mother, willing to sacrifice her dignity and take any advantage she can. Of course, this is not the same as the situation after Jia Dongxu's death.

The Jia family had already smelled the aroma wafting from Xu Damao's house. Upon inquiring, they learned that Xu Damao had specifically invited three elderly gentlemen; there were no other guests present.

Jia Zhangshi then encouraged Jia Dongxu to go and freeload a meal, since Yi Zhonghai was there to back him up. Fortunately, Jia Dongxu still had some pride, so he managed to get some peanuts from home.

Xu Damao, as the host, lacked any sense of responsibility. He neither invited them to sit down and eat nor asked them to leave. He simply sat quietly, watching the situation unfold as if it had nothing to do with him.

Yi Zhonghai was also helpless. In the past, every time he ate at the compound, Yi Zhonghai would try to give the Jia family something in return, either by inviting them to eat with him or by bringing them some food. Over time, the Jia family seemed to have made this a routine.

"Sister-in-law, Da Mao is treating the three of us to dinner today. There's enough food here, thank you for the peanuts, we don't need them for now." Seeing that everyone was looking at him, Yi Zhonghai could only try to get rid of the Jia family.

"We have enough vegetables, just right. We'll take the peanuts back with us later. Dongxu, remember to bring the plates later."

"By the way, there's so much food today, it's such a waste since there are only a few of you eating. Dongxu and I haven't had dinner yet, so we can help you finish some."

"Xu Damao, what are you still sitting there like an idiot for? Hurry up and get us some bowls and chopsticks!" Jia Zhangshi shouted.

Xu Damao didn't speak, but Yan Fugui was the first to disagree.

"Jia Zhangshi, who invited you to dinner? Go back right now and stop causing trouble."

There were only so many dishes, and with two more people, Yan Fugui would eat less. Besides, Yan Fugui was also planning to take any leftovers home after the meal.

"Who do you think you are? If you can eat, why can't I? I at least brought some peanuts. You, Yan Fugui, didn't bring your water bottle again, did you?"

Jia Zhangshi knew Yan Fugui quite well. However, this time she guessed wrong.

"Xu Damao invited the three of us old men to dinner today to celebrate his promotion to group leader. This is a dinner for the leaders. Jia Zhangshi, this is not an ordinary courtyard gathering. You'd better go back quickly."

Dongxu, try to persuade your mother; you're not qualified yet.

Seeing that Yan Fugui couldn't withstand Jia Zhangshi's attack, Liu Haizhong began to assist him, putting on airs of leadership.

"Pah! You, Fatty Liu, a leader? You're only good at leading your three sons at best. Don't try to act high and mighty with me."

If you really upset me, I'll go to the neighborhood committee and the factory to ask you, Liu Haizhong, what kind of leader you are.

If someone like you can be a leader, then my Dongxu would have been a big boss long ago.