Chapter 560 Extra Chapter—Old Master Chi.
In the courtyard, two barbecue grills were already set up, and various kinds of washed and skewered meat and vegetables were neatly arranged on the table next to them.
The fruit was washed and cut into pieces, the drinks were chilled, and the tables and chairs were all set up properly.
When the preparations were basically complete, Chi Yanzhou's phone started buzzing in his pocket.
He took it out, glanced at the words "Grandpa" on the screen, turned around and walked to the lush bamboo grove in the corner of the yard: "Grandpa?"
The voice of Old Master Chi came through the receiver: "All the preparations that can be made have been arranged."
The equipment to be moved, the deployment points to be set up, and some contingency plans were all reviewed according to the 'worst-case' contingency plan.
Even if there's another massive flood, we don't need to worry...
Chi Yanzhou's gaze pierced through the gaps in the bamboo leaves and landed back on Lu Nange in the center of the courtyard.
“Nan Nan said nothing would happen this time, so nothing will happen. Grandpa, I believe her.”
"You brat..." Old Master Chi chuckled and scolded on the other end of the line, his tone softening.
"How could I not trust my dear girl? That girl is very perceptive; she wouldn't have said that unless she was absolutely certain."
He paused slightly, and when he spoke again, his voice carried a hint of the depth and caution befitting someone in a position of power.
"But sitting in the position of grandfather means bearing the responsibility for more than just our family. Some things cannot be based on just a word 'belief'."
Making multiple, even three or four, preparations will give you peace of mind.
Even if... I mean, even if there's the slightest deviation, we won't be caught off guard.
Listening to the subtle sound of the breeze rustling through the leaves, Chi Yanzhou replied in a deep voice after a moment, "You have considered everything very thoroughly."
Grandpa Chi: "Of course, I've eaten more rice than you've eaten salt."
By the way, Nan Nan's uncle, that kid Sang Xu, has gotten in touch with me. His whole family was urgently evacuated back to Beijing last night.
If things don't go as planned and that happens again, our families will be waiting for you to come and join us in Beijing.
"I've had the plane and fuel prepared in advance. The location is safe and won't be flooded, so the pick-up route will be clear when you return."
"Understood," Chi Yanzhou replied, his gaze still fixed on the figure in the courtyard. "Thank you for your trouble, Grandpa."
"Who are you? Get off my grandson! You're being weird and creepy!" the old man suddenly raised his voice.
Chi Yanzhou gave a helpless twitch of his lips: "...Grandpa."
"Alright, alright, stop with that, it's annoying."
Look at the sky outside, it's clear and calm... I reckon the sun will rise again from the east tomorrow.
You guys can eat and drink as you please... We've made thorough preparations this time, so even if it comes to that, we still have time.
The satellite phone and related equipment will be delivered to you shortly.
The call ended...
As the sun began to set, the horizon was bathed in a layer of orange-red glow, like a fine silk ribbon unfurled.
There was no sweltering heat carrying a fishy smell, nor any sign of an impending downpour; everything was just like the most ordinary summer evening.
In the courtyard, two barbecue grills were burning brightly with charcoal.
On the iron rack, skewers of meat, chicken wings, corn, mushrooms... all kinds of skewers are neatly arranged, sizzling under the high temperature.
The tempting oil dripped down, creating a soft sizzling sound and wisps of smoke on the charcoal fire.
The rich aroma of cumin, chili powder, and barbecue sauce mingled together, drifting on the evening breeze, forcefully piercing the nose and whetting the appetite.
He Zhuo held up a handful of freshly roasted pork belly and shouted in a loud voice, "Come on, come on! The first batch of the best is out! Don't miss it!"
"Godfather, Godmother, why don't you try our cooking first? It's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and smells amazing!"
Lu Jin and Sang Niannian had just accepted the gift with smiles when He Zhuo couldn't resist taking a big bite. As a result, he grimaced and stood there breathing out hot air.
Shi Xu, who was standing next to him, couldn't bear to watch. She casually shoved a glass of chilled plum juice into his hand and said disdainfully, "No one's going to take it from you... Look at how pathetic you are."
He Zhuo: "Xu, if you care about me, just care about me. Why do you have to be like Gu Qi, with that sharp tongue?"
Shi Xu remained expressionless, glanced at him, and slowly said, "Oh, I'll just use my sharp tongue to 'protect' my 'soft heart'."
He Zhuo was taken aback for a moment, then gave a thumbs up: "...You're ruthless!"
Chi Yanzhou and Lu Xici each guarded a barbecue grill.
Lu Xici slowly brushed honey and sauce onto a row of chicken wings with a small brush, flipping them over from time to time with practiced ease.
He raised his head, looked at the clear, cloudless sky where the setting sun was slowly sinking, and then glanced at the distance.
Lu Jin and Sang Niannian were holding skewers of grilled meat and beer glasses, their faces flushed with a slight buzz, chatting and laughing heartily.
His throat tightened, and his voice was only audible to Chi Yanzhou beside him.
“Brother Yan, Nan Nan said... in my past life, my parents died today.”
He paused, his voice carrying a heavy sense of relief and joy at having regained what he had lost: "It's so good to be able to do it all over again..."
Chi Yanzhou paused slightly as he turned the beef ribs, not immediately responding, but glancing around the yard and nodding very lightly.
The charcoal crackled, the aroma grew stronger, the sunset faded, and the stars began to appear.
Apart from Lu Beiye, who was too young, and Wen Ying, who was already sleeping soundly in her mother's arms, everyone else had drunk some alcohol.
Even Lu Nange made an exception and drank two small glasses of fruit wine, her cheeks turning a faint pink.
However, everyone was very sensible, only taking it lightly and stopping short of joking around, their eyes still clear despite the laughter.
Everyone was on edge, clearly aware of the significance of this night.
Only Sang Niannian and Luo Xinghe, who was participating in such a lively event for the first time and was now relaxed, were truly tipsy.
Shikazu was also slightly tipsy, but still somewhat sober.
Seeing that her parents' eyes were starting to look a little unfocused, Lu Nange put down her cup and said, "Brother, shall we take Mom and Dad upstairs to rest?"
Shikazu waved his hand, his voice soft from the alcohol, but he tried his best to maintain the image of a father.
"No need...no need to trouble you. I'll take your mom upstairs. You young people can continue having fun..."
He was about to head to Fusang Nian Nian when he stumbled.
Lu Xici quickly grabbed his arm and said irritably, "Dad, stand firm, don't bump into Mom."
He turned his head and said, "Nan Nan, you help Mom, I'll take care of Dad."
Supported by her son, Lu Jin mumbled, "I'm fine..."
But seeing that his daughter and Gu Wan had already taken his wife's arms on either side, he obediently let his son support her, while giving her some instructions.
"Girl, hold your mom steady, take it easy, don't let her bump into anything... your mom..."
Lu Nange nodded and said, "Dad, don't worry."
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