Stepping out of that tall, luxurious, yet oppressively claustrophobic villa, Li Fagui felt as if he had been reborn, and even the pig on his back seemed to have lost its weight.
Why did you bring it back?
Li Zhongguo asked him.
"They don't deserve to eat our pork. We wouldn't even feed them to the dogs."
Li Zhongguo's question drifted away in the cold air, while Li Fagui's answer was tinged with stubbornness and resentment. In his heart, the Ma family's pork was incredibly precious.
He refused to let those who looked down on him touch it, saying he would rather feed it to the dogs than give it to them. His words were full of venting for the grievances he had suffered over the years.
He had intended to bury his grandfather's admonition deep in the long river of time and live a muddled life, but today, the arrival of Lotus's mother was like a sharp blade tearing through that veil of shame, freeing him from the need to pretend anymore.
The snow fell heavily as he carried the pig and struggled through the snow. Time had left its mark on him; his former agility had gradually faded, and each step was somewhat strenuous.
In a daze, he felt a lightness on his back and thought it was Ma Hehua. He turned his head with a bright smile, only to meet the face of his son-in-law, Shangguan Wenyan.
The two gazed at each other silently. One was handsome and upright, the other beautiful and dashing. Their similar features revealed different charms. They were speechless, yet it seemed as if a thousand words were flowing in their silence.
"Father, let me do it!"
Shangguan Wenyan broke the silence.
"OK!"
Without the slightest hesitation, Li Fagui handed over the weight of the pig to his future son-in-law. He knew he was no longer the same as before; he was too old and truly could no longer carry it.
Shangguan Wenyan steadily hoisted the pig onto his shoulder, his black overcoat instantly stained, but he didn't care at all.
The group slowly walked to the car and drove down the mountain amidst the light snow.
Outside the car window, the villa receded into the distance until it disappeared completely from sight, as if a past had been sealed away.
Stepping into the house, a lively scene comes into view.
Changsun Yuyu, who usually never lifts a finger, was also busy, but the shouts of "50 cents" broke the rhythm of her busy work.
"Big brother, Mother and the others are back. Have they cooked?"
"Did my uncle and the others do it?"
_
In the backyard, Li Zhaomei and Li Panmei were immersed in the world of mahjong, the crisp sounds of ponging and discarding tiles mingling together.
"bump!"
Li Panmei quickly pushed the cards in her hand over, and just then, Wu Mao ran over panting.
"etc."
Li Panmei subconsciously stopped what she was doing, her eyes still fixed on the cards.
"What's wrong?" Li Zhaomei asked.
"Red Center, you've won!"
Li Panmei shouted excitedly. The previous dozens of losses made this victory all the more precious, and her face was filled with uncontrollable joy.
However, this joy was quickly overshadowed by news from the "50 Cent Party" (a derogatory term for pro-government commentators).
"Uncle, Second Uncle, have you cooked yet?"
"I'm so eager," Wu Mao asked.
"No? What's wrong?"
Li Zhaomei responded, a sense of unease rising in her heart.
"My mother and the others are back."
Before Wu Mao could finish speaking, Li Zhaomei and Li Panmei seemed to be under a spell, instantly jumping up from the mahjong table and rushing to the kitchen in the front yard without bothering to tidy up the game.
They knew that if their mother and the others returned without food, they would surely be lectured, so they hurried along, their faces showing a hint of panic.
He was focused on getting the meal ready before his mother stepped into the kitchen. His figure moved between the front and back yards, and the atmosphere at home instantly became tense and busy.
Xiao Yingying gently held the teacup, and the fragrant aroma of tea filled the room. She softly greeted them and handed the tea to the three daughters of the Ma family.
Seeing this scene, Li Zhongguo and Li Fagui felt a pang of jealousy, their eyes filled with grievance and dissatisfaction, secretly blaming Yingying for her "favoritism".
The respect and awe that everyone in the family held for the three members of the Ma family stemmed from the experiences of the Da Mao brothers.
They arrived late, only to be greeted by Ma Hehua's "Pegasus Meteor Fist," followed by a series of arduous household chores.
Washing quilts in the freezing winter water was excruciating for the brothers, and it also gave others a profound understanding of the Ma family's power.
With a broad smile, Uncle Fu leaned closer to Li Fagui and asked softly, "Young Master, have you come to your senses?"
Li Fagui nodded slightly, a hint of relief in his eyes: "Yes! I've come to terms with it. Don't worry, Uncle Fu, I'll take care of you in your old age and see you off when you die. You've sacrificed too much for me."
A sly glint flashed in Uncle Fu's eyes as he rubbed his hands together. "Alright! Young Master, could you give me an extra hundred yuan in wages?"
Li Fagui's eyes widened in shock and helplessness, and he was speechless for a long time.
Li Fagui: "………………"
"Why are you talking about money? It's so hurtful! Isn't it?"
Uncle Fu, however, persisted, emphasizing with a pained expression, "I have sacrificed too much for the young master."
Li Fagui gritted his teeth helplessly: "Fine!" His gritted teeth and gritting expression contrasted sharply with Uncle Fu's triumphant satisfaction, making it extremely amusing.
At this moment, Aunt Wang jumped in, "Mr. Li, you got a raise? Oh my goodness! You're such a kind person!"
"I...no...sigh!"
Fine, whatever, a 100 yuan increase it is!
As night falls and the lights come on, the family gathers around to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year.
The night sky over Beijing was lit up with dazzling fireworks, a kaleidoscope of colors, and the sound of firecrackers rose and fell, as if celebrating the arrival of the New Year.
Inside, the Spring Festival Gala programs were in full swing, and everyone gathered in the living room, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Li Zhongguo's gaze was somewhat unfocused, his thoughts drifting away, the lively scene before him making him reminisce.
The stark contrast between the quiet of the past and the hustle and bustle of the present fills me with a myriad of emotions.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
