Chapter 205 Birthday Banquet
Lin's father, mother, elder brother, and sister-in-law were also invited.
This was Gu Yiye's first birthday since returning to the Ren family, and Old Master Ren organized a very grand celebration.
The courtyard had been cleaned and tidyed up long ago. In the 1970s, it was not a time to be ostentatious, so there was not much decoration. However, it was obvious that the area next to the swing set that Gu Yiye had built last time was now full of flowers.
As everyone entered the living room, the coffee table was filled with fresh fruits, all in season, most of which came from Lin Shanshan's space.
There are also sunflower seeds, peanuts, eight-treasure porridge; beer, beverages, and spring water.
The eight-treasure porridge was cooked in advance by Aunt Xiang, and the spiritual spring water was put into a mineral water bottle by Lin Shanshan.
[Science Time: Mineral water existed in China as early as 1930, beer was introduced to China in 1890, and soft drinks appeared in the 1970s.]
Perhaps because the vegetables were watered with the spiritual spring water, and because the old man ate at home quite often, he looked even more energetic today.
"In-laws, please have a seat and try some oranges. Shanshan brought them from school."
Lin's parents had witnessed the old general's enthusiasm before, so they simply thanked him politely and took their seats.
Brother Lin and Wen Yu, who were visiting for the first time, stood there flattered. It was rare to see the old general with three gold stars on his epaulets smiling so warmly.
Lin Shanshan held Wen Yu's hand and said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, Grandpa is a very nice person, please make yourself at home."
Wen Yu nodded, finally snapping out of her shock, and sat down with Brother Lin.
Lin Shanshan led Li Duomei and Gu Xiang, mother and daughter, to Grandpa Ren and introduced them: "Grandpa, this is Gu Xiang, my and Aye's eldest sister. This lovely little girl is eldest sister's daughter, Gu Ai'ai."
After saying that, he added, "This is my capable assistant, Li Duomei, and also my good friend."
General Ren took a small bowl of eight-treasure porridge from the table and gave it to Gu Ai'ai: "Ai'ai, come here, your great-grandfather is giving you eight-treasure porridge."
Although the old general was smiling, he exuded the aura of a superior. Gu Ai'ai was no longer so shy, but she was still very afraid in front of the veteran general.
Gu Xiang quickly accepted the eight-treasure porridge and said, "Thank you, Chief."
After saying that, he glanced at Gu Ai'ai and encouraged her to thank him herself.
Gu Ai'ai blushed and said, "Thank you, Great-Grandpa."
"Good girl, Gu Xiang, Du Mei, please sit down."
After the two sat down, Grandpa Gu said to Gu Xiang, "I've often heard A-Ye mention you. You often helped him when he was a child. I'm very grateful to you. Thank you, Gu Xiang."
Gu Xiang, who had just sat down, hurriedly stood up and said awkwardly, "General, this is what I should do."
Grandpa Ren shook his head: "We're all family, just call me Grandpa."
Gu Xiang dared not call him that; he was the top leader of the Jinling Military Region. She could only look to Gu Yiye for help.
Gu Yiye, accompanied by Zhang Wei, nodded to Gu Xiang, who then spoke, "Grandpa."
Grandpa Ren nodded, gesturing for Gu Xiang to sit down.
Children from well-off families have seen more of the world from a young age, and Zhang Wei is much more confident than Gu Xiang, who is shy.
Without Gu Yiye needing to introduce him, Zhang Wei immediately became familiar with him: "Grandpa, I'm Zhang Wei. I used to be a soldier under the old platoon leader."
As he spoke, he gave a proper military salute, and even changed his form of address: "Soldier Zhang Wei salutes the commander!"
General Ren returned the salute.
With the addition of the lively Zhang Wei, the atmosphere suddenly became bustling and lively, like a calm lake surface that had been hit by a large stone.
Everyone ate fruits and chatted. Just as the feast was about to begin, Uncle San arrived with Shanhe Wuyang.
Ren Wuyang rushed in as if he had something urgent to attend to.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
