After He Daqing left, Sun Zhengguo slyly led his younger siblings and Yushui to play in a side room.
He hadn't forgotten that his mother hadn't finished speaking, and if he didn't run away now, who knows what kind of trouble she might cause.
Lin Wencui, not having time to cause trouble for them, asked Sun Dajiang about his return to the room.
"Dajiang, what do you mean by He Daqing inviting you to dinner?"
"What else could it mean? It's nothing more than suppressing some people and winning over others. We can't afford to offend everyone in this courtyard!"
Sun Dajiang astutely pointed out He Daqing's true intentions.
"Don't get involved in their petty squabbles. Let's just live our own lives."
Lin Wencui said with concern.
"Oh! Don't worry! They just want an attitude, not your involvement. Just don't hold them back."
Lin Wencui felt relieved after hearing this, but then she thought of the children again. However, when she looked again, they had already disappeared. So she gave up, picked up a basin of clothes, and walked towards the pond in the middle courtyard.
Meanwhile, He Daqing had already arranged to have dinner with Yan Bugui and was preparing to go to the backyard to invite Liu Haizhong.
At the entrance of the Yan family's residence, Yan Bugui was speaking warmly with He Daqing.
"Old He, since you have other things to do, I won't keep you any longer. Don't worry, I'll be there on time at noon."
"Alright! I'll go visit Old Liu. You don't need to see me off."
Only after He Daqing had gone far away did Yan Bugui excitedly run back into the house and start bragging to his third aunt.
As for how Yan Bugui boasted...
He Daqing didn't know, and even if he did, he wouldn't care. His real purpose in inviting people to dinner was just as Sun Dajiang had said.
I'll win over a group of people so they remember my kindness. When I make my move, I won't ask for their help, but they can't hold me back. That's all.
Meanwhile, He Daqing had arrived at the backyard and happened to run into someone—the deaf old lady in the backyard.
He Daqing had mixed feelings about the deaf old lady. The two families used to have a really good relationship, and He Daqing would often bring back some food and send it over.
But ever since the incident at his home, the deaf old woman has become a completely different person. She avoids his family like the plague, demonstrating her instinct to seek advantage and avoid trouble to the fullest extent.
If it weren't for her advanced age, He Daqing would have insisted on going to her house to argue with her. Doesn't your conscience hurt?
The deaf old lady also saw He Daqing at this moment. Seeing that He Daqing did not greet her for a long time, she could no longer sit still. She stood up, tried her best to show a kind expression, and said with a smile.
"It's the Qing Dynasty! I was wondering why the magpies were chirping so early this morning! Come, sit down! It'll be perfect for keeping my old lady company."
"No, I need to talk to Lao Liu, I don't have time to chat with you."
He Daqing said expressionlessly that he no longer wanted to pretend with the deaf old lady. Acting was tiring, you know.
"It's alright. Since you're busy, we can do it another time..."
Before the deaf old lady could finish speaking, He Daqing had already walked away, leaving the bewildered old lady to complain to herself.
"What's wrong with this guy? Has he gone crazy from being in jail?!"
After complaining, he walked home dejectedly.
After leaving the deaf old lady, He Daqing went to Liu Haizhong's house and was warmly welcomed by Liu Haizhong. After explaining his purpose, Liu Haizhong happily said that he would definitely arrive on time.
He Daqing returned home after finishing all the business. Now everything was ready, and all that was left was to wait for Sha Zhu's dishes.
More than an hour later, Sha Zhu returned, carrying a basket full of vegetables. He passed through the front gate without any hindrance.
Everyone was wondering what was wrong with Yan Bugui today. He was completely unmoved by the basket of vegetables, which was very unusual.
The question wasn't answered until lunchtime.
Of course, that's a story for another time.
When Sha Zhu returned home, He Daqing saw the dishes and couldn't help but praise them, saying they were really fresh.
Without exchanging any pleasantries, the father and son began to kill the fish and cut the meat, preparing it for lunch.
At 11 a.m., He Daqing saw that it was almost time, so he busied himself in the kitchen. In less than half an hour, six dishes were ready, plus the braised pork that had been prepared in advance, making a total of seven dishes.
Seeing that he was no longer needed, He Daqing took off his apron and said to Sha Zhu.
"Zhu Zi, the person is almost here. I'll go check on them. There's one last dish left, which you suggested, so you'll have to make it."
"Alright! Just you wait and see!"
After Sha Zhu finished speaking, he went up to the stove, while He Daqing went to the main room.
A short while later, Liu Dachuan arrived on his bicycle, carrying a bottle of Moutai.
Upon seeing Liu Dachuan arrive, He Daqing immediately came to greet him.
"Oh! Old Liu is here, please come in quickly."
"Old He, congratulations! The family is finally reunited, which will reduce the pressure on Zhu Zi in the future."
After Liu Dachuan finished speaking, he handed over the wine he had brought.
"Old Liu, you've gone to too much trouble. This is too expensive. We have wine at home, so I can't accept it."
Upon seeing the Moutai liquor that Liu Dachuan brought, He Daqing refused.
"Take it or leave! If you don't, I'm leaving."
Liu Dachuan said, feigning anger.
"Alright, alright! I'll accept it, okay? Please come inside."
After accepting the wine, the two went inside, but before they could even sit down, someone else came in from outside.
This time, it was Sun Dajiang who came back, bringing He Yushui with him. Of course, Sun Dajiang didn't come empty-handed; he brought a bottle of Fenjiu liquor.
Once inside, the group consisted of old acquaintances, and they chatted without needing introductions.
Before long, Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui arrived with bottles of liquor. Of course, whether Yan Bugui's Erwotou (a type of Chinese liquor) had been diluted with water or not, no one knew.
Once everyone had arrived, He Daqing arranged for everyone to sit down at the table.
"Where's Zhu Zi? I haven't seen him since I arrived?"
Liu Dachuan asked curiously.
"She's cooking in the kitchen. She said she's making boiled fish."
Hearing He Daqing say this, Liu Dachuan looked puzzled.
"Boiled fish? I've never heard of that dish before."
"You don't know, I thought you taught me, I've never heard of it before."
After listening to their conversation, what suddenly occurred to Sun Dajiang?
"Is this the dish my son made a while ago? I think it's called boiled fish?"
"I was wondering why this smelled so familiar. It's the dish that Zheng Guo makes. Looks like we're in for a treat today."
Yan Bugui said excitedly from the side.
After they said that, everyone except Sun Dajiang was waiting for the dish.
Sha Zhu didn't keep everyone waiting long. With the last spoonful of hot oil poured on, the aroma of the dish was fully released.
"Boiled fish, please!"
"Yes, yes, yes! That's the taste, it smells so good."
Yan Bugui sniffed and said with a look of utter delight.
"Master, Second Uncle, Third Uncle, Uncle Jiang, what are you waiting for? Let's start eating!"
"Yes, yes! Everyone, no need to be so polite. Sha Zhu, pour some wine for the elders."
"Okay!"
With Sha Zhu's arrival, the banquet officially began. He Daqing first gave a speech of thanks and downed the first glass of wine before everyone started eating.
"Hmm! This boiled fish is pretty good. Is it an imitation of boiled sliced pork? Zhu Zi, how did you come up with that idea?"
Liu Dachuan truly lives up to his reputation as a master of Sichuan cuisine; he only took one bite and immediately identified the source of the dish.
"Hehehe! Master, I don't have that skill. This dish was taught to me by Uncle Dajiang's son."
"Wow! Impressive! Section Chief Sun's son is truly learned and talented, he can do everything. He's going to steal our cook's job!"
"Hahaha……."
The cheerful laughter made the atmosphere in the room even more lively. Everyone toasted each other, chatted and laughed, and enjoyed the delicious dishes.
Before they knew it, the three bottles of wine on the table were empty. Seeing this, He Daqing brought out two more bottles. The group was in high spirits and accepted the offer without hesitation, and they started drinking again.
He Yushui had already finished eating, and seeing the adults drinking again, she quickly retreated to her room.
Once He Yushui left, the group relaxed and started having a blast. The noisy drinking games at the He family's house could be heard throughout the entire courtyard.
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