After a heated argument in the car, the group finally decided to go to the International Hotel today.

As soon as the car arrived in front of the International Hotel, several people exclaimed, "As expected of the International Hotel, it's so luxurious!"

"Yes, it's quite luxurious!"

"style!"

Ai Guo exclaimed even more dramatically, "This is the most luxurious place I've ever been to in my life!" After getting out of the car, he added even more dramatically, "Mo Xue, come help me up!"

"What are you doing!" An Moxue didn't know what tricks he was up to again, but she still walked up to him.

"I was so intimidated by the scene that I only dared to go in because of your imposing presence."

"Okay!" An Moxue and the others were amused by his antics and laughed all the way to the front door.

Before even entering, they all put away their playful smiles and went inside with serious expressions.

As soon as we entered, a waiter came to greet us, and the group found a corner seat by the window.

"Wow, this table is all made of mahogany, a big round table, and the red velvet cloth on it must be!" Ai Dang exclaimed.

"Keep your voice down. It's embarrassing if others hear you shouting like that," Guo Zhijia reminded Ai Dang, and Chu Dongmei nodded in agreement.

The group of people were all unusually reserved, even their patriotic remarks were less frequent. Only An Moxue remained calm, and Wen Tao did not notice any nervousness.

When the waiter came over, An Moxue first ordered two pots of tea, one barley tea and one Biluochun tea. After she finished ordering, she handed the menu over and said to them, "Two dishes per person, one meat and one vegetable. Order whatever you like. Don't be shy, and don't worry about the prices."

Then I asked the waiter, "What are your signature dishes?"

"Yes, for vegetarian dishes there are 'Blooming Prosperity,' 'Ten Miles of Farewell,' 'Purple Qi Coming from the East,' and 'Welcoming Pine.' For meat dishes there is 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall,' but that needs to be reserved in advance. Other options include honey-glazed roast suckling pig, braised pork knuckle, and Dongpo pork."

"Then let's have 'Blooming Flowers and Wealth,' honey-glazed roast suckling pig, braised pork knuckle, and Dongpo pork." After ordering, An Moxue looked at the others. Ai Dang always followed An Moxue around, eating and drinking for free. Ai Guo didn't know how to be polite with An Moxue and ordered without hesitation, two dishes for each person. When it was Wen Tao's turn, he saw that the others had ordered so much and said helplessly, "That's about enough. Your sister-in-law and I will only order one dish, let your sister-in-law order. We can't waste food."

“Okay.” An Moxue readily agreed.

Under immense pressure, Liu Xiaobei ordered a dish called Squirrel Fish. After ordering, she smiled shyly and said, "A former classmate of mine always said this dish was delicious, and today I'm finally getting to eat it thanks to Mo Xue."

After ordering, An Moxue whispered something to the waiter, who then grinned and left.

A short while later, a bill was brought out, and An Moxue paid the money, which came to a total of 185.5 yuan.

When the group saw the bill, they all felt a pang of pain in their wallets.

Aiguo went even further, exclaiming, "My God, this meal cost an average worker half a year's wages! If my old man finds out, he'll beat me with a belt!" Then he turned to An Moxue, "Moxue, if my old man finds out, you'll have to take me in!"

An Moxue's lips twitched as she looked at his smug expression, then she said helplessly, "Fine! The key is that you have to be able to escape Uncle Ai's clutches if you get caught."

None of them were ashamed to look at his stupid appearance, and they all forgot about how much money the meal had cost, instead starting to chat about everyday things.

Ai Dang asked, "Mo Xue, is the house you're living in now yours?"

"No, it's a friend's place. They're just staying temporarily. But I recently bought a house with a yard not far from that street, and it's being renovated. Once it's finished, I'll invite you to the housewarming party! I've already prepared the gifts."

Ai Dang then asked, "Who are those two elderly people, husband and wife?"

"In the village where I was sent to work, there was a couple. The man was a hero of the War of Resistance against Japan, and the woman was an excellent cook. I managed to persuade her to cook for me. They helped me a lot when I was in the countryside, and I consider them family. When you visit in the future, you should also show them some respect. That old man was a renowned scout back in the day."

Guo Zhijia asked, "Did their children agree?"

“They are both married and have jobs. They live in the village as an elderly couple. And once you get to know them, you’ll realize how open-minded they are, more so than many young people these days.”

“Yes.” Chu Dongmei continued, “I spent the Spring Festival at Mo Xue’s place one year! I had dealings with those two old people, and they are indeed very nice people.”

At this moment, Wentao also said, "Moxue, since the two elderly people were willing to leave their hometown for you, you must get along very well. However, I still have to say that since they were willing to do this for you, no matter what their reasons were, you should take good care of them and live up to their kindness."

"Yes, I will."

As they talked, the vegetarian dishes were served one after another. The group ate and drank, enjoying their reunion after a long separation. They had ordered Fenjiu liquor, which was mellow and fragrant.

Ai Dang raised his glass, "Mo Xue, cheers to me being able to stay by your side and eat and drink for free again!"

"You've made something of yourself." Even so, they all raised their glasses. "A toast to our friendship, a toast to our reunion!"

"cheers!"

After a few drinks, the group relaxed and started talking more freely.

Envious glances frequently came from the next table because the atmosphere there was just too good. It was clearly a gathering of friends, and everyone at the table was good-looking. Even Ai Guo, whom An Moxue and the others disliked, was a tall, handsome young man with big eyes and a high nose, despite being a bit dark-skinned. He looked like a charming and smooth-talking guy.

At this moment, Guo Zhijia was talking about the interesting things that happened in the rural area she had been sent to: "Can you believe it? There really are people raising Gu poison there. But after living there for so many years, I only just learned that not all Gu poison is harmful. There are two types: one for healing and one for controlling people. But very few people can raise such powerful ones. The locals are very wary of us outsiders. I only learned a little bit by accident, but just thinking about it is creepy. However, there really is that so-called 'love-obsessed Gu.' It is said that the person who is cursed by it will die of heartache. In the village where I was, there was a holy maiden who could refine this kind of Gu."

Ai Dang asked, "Then why didn't you mention it in the letter?"

"I wouldn't dare. The villagers are very secretive about things related to Gu poison. There are some people there who are really good at using poison. If something goes wrong with the mail, the mailman will be in danger." Guo Zhijia shuddered when he thought about what he had experienced over the years. Fortunately, he had listened to some of An Moxue's advice back then.

An Moxue asked, "Then the medicinal herbs must be very good and plentiful?"