The doors of both shops were wide open, allowing a clear view of their interior layout.
The interior has been basically emptied out. You can see the counters, cabinets, and shelves, all made of good quality wood with a heavy feel.
It's a bit larger than medium-sized, and on the outside wall hangs a sign that says it's for sale, along with the owner's address.
Qiao Lian'er thought it was pretty good.
Upon entering the fragrant private room and seeing the sumptuous meal laid out on the table, everyone's eyes lit up.
Braised prawns in oil, braised abalone, steamed sea bass, braised lamb knuckles, roasted lamb, spicy rabbit, beef stew with potatoes, and stir-fried corn kernels.
Throughout history, regulations have prohibited the killing of oxen for plowing, so beef is rarely served. However, it is permissible to kill and eat oxen that are too old to work. Every ox that Jiuweilou brings in has been officially registered.
Everyone sat down and started eating. Boss Qiao ordered another small jar of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor) and filled the jars for the three brothers and Ling Laosan.
The Ling family members felt a little uncomfortable, having never eaten such a sumptuous meal before, as they felt the Qiao family had gone to too much trouble.
"Brothers, forget about all that and just drink with us." Boss Qiao noticed the Ling family's unease and laughed heartily.
Seeing the relaxed and harmonious atmosphere among the Qiao family, the Ling family also relaxed.
"Yin girl, eat more. Look how thin you are."
Feng put some food on Lingyin's plate.
"Auntie, I can do it myself." Lingyin felt a warm glow in her heart.
Seeing that it was almost time, Qiao Yunni asked Ling Yin about her birthday.
“She’s one year and two months younger than my eldest son,” Mrs. Feng said with a smile.
Knowing what the adults meant, Lingyin's face flushed slightly.
Then they started talking about their families.
When the family divided their property, Ling Laosan's family received four mu of land, and then applied to open up another six mu. After the rice harvest each year, they would pay the grain tax and sell half of it, keeping the other half for their own food.
Ling Laosan was a carpenter who did woodworking for others or made some furniture to sell in order to supplement his family's income.
Well, they're just ordinary villagers, neither poor nor rich.
However, the addition of kimchi as a source of income has greatly improved their situation.
“Our family earns a little money here and a little money there. We don’t have a main job, but we can make sure we have meat to eat every meal,” said Qiao Laosan.
It wasn't about showing off, but rather telling the Ling family that if they married Ling Yin into the Qiao family, they would have plenty of meat and fish every day.
This table is proof of that.
“Your family is really capable and resourceful,” Qiu said. “Most families would dream of having such a thing.”
If this marriage goes through, Yin'er will have a lifetime of happiness. Moreover, the Qiao family does little physical labor; their work is all skill-based, so it won't tire her daughter out.
When they were a little drunk, Qiao Laoda patted Ling Laosan on the shoulder and said, "Laosan, I think your Yin'er and my Dayong are about the same age and they both think the other is good. They get along well and are of marriageable age. Why don't we arrange this marriage in advance? Once our house is built, we'll pick a date and marry your Yin'er into our family."
The Ling family was just waiting for the Qiao family to bring it up, which was exactly what they were thinking, so of course they had no objections.
“My son Dayong is still not fully awake. Let’s settle this privately between our two families first. Once Dayong can walk again and we’re sure there are no problems, we can announce it publicly. What do you think?” Boss Qiao continued.
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