Chapter 127

After a day’s work, the tantalizing aroma of food filled the entire house, tempting everyone’s appetite.

The eldest uncle, with the highest seniority, raised his glass first.

Everyone followed suit and raised their glasses, though some of the women who couldn’t drink alcohol pretended to drink warm water.

Lu Weiguo was not allowed to drink alcohol in the barracks, whether during normal times or holidays. He could only drink a little during home leave, and even then, he had to remain clear-headed. If he were to reveal barracks information due to being drunk, he would face disciplinary action.

Lu Weiguo had received training in this regard, so he knew how to handle alcohol responsibly.

After taking the first sip of wine, the eldest uncle prepared to say a few words.

Looking at Lu Weiguo and Shi Tingyu with a face full of wrinkles, he expressed his satisfaction, “Weiguo, you’ve finally gotten married. I can finally set my heart at ease. You’ve found a good wife. I hope you both live well and prosper.”

Lu Weiguo nodded, holding Shi Tingyu’s hand, “Uncle, rest assured, Shi Tingyu and I will live a good life together.”

Uncle Lu smiled and nodded.

Grandpa Lu looked at Shi Tingyu and Lu Weiguo, took a sip of wine, and felt a heaviness in his chest.

Next to him, Lu Jianshe also watched silently.

Now, among the entire Lu family, he was the only one left who hadn’t settled down.

After the formalities were done, everyone started eating.

Aunt Lu’s culinary skills were excellent, and the dishes were all to the locals’ taste.

After three rounds of toasts and enjoying the five-course meal, people began to chat slowly.

Lu Jianshe had a bit too much to drink. He raised his glass towards Lu Weiguo, “Weiguo, you’re really lucky. I’m happy for you! Let’s have a drink.”

Lu Weiguo probably understood Lu Jianshe’s situation and didn’t hesitate to raise his glass and drink.

Seeing this, Lu Jianshe also raised his head and finished his drink.

Grandpa Lu, seeing his grandson like this, couldn’t bear it and pulled him to sit down, saying, “Drink less, eat more.”

Lu Jianshe shook his head, grabbed Grandpa Lu’s arm, his eyes red, “Drink! I must drink more! Today my cousin brought his wife back, I’m happy! I must drink!”

Saying this, he downed another glass of liquor.

The sorghum liquor was strong, and it was clear that Lu Jianshe was already drunk.

Lu Jianshe’s parents saw him like this, their eyes also turning red.

Their family’s situation wasn’t as good as Second Uncle Lu’s. Their children didn’t have the success of Second Uncle Lu’s children. Although they received frequent help from the brigade captain, their family was still small, and they lived a tight life.

Lu Jianshe hadn’t found a wife yet, and the villagers looked at their family with different eyes now.

Jianshe kept his troubles to himself, and now seeing his younger cousin, who hadn’t been married before, starting a family, made him feel a stark contrast.

Everyone could see that Lu Jianshe was feeling uncomfortable.

With their current situation, their prospects were limited. Due to family conditions in their early years, Lu Jianshe only completed primary school. He didn’t have any special skills and spent most of his time working in the fields.

If he wanted to make money, he would have to take risks, like engaging in the black market or speculation.

But with a family that included a policeman, a military officer, and a brigade captain, if he strayed from the right path, it would affect many people.

So he could only endure this situation.

Those who judged by appearance didn’t favor him, and those who looked for wealth saw that he had none. Lu Jianshe felt that life was hopeless.

Seeing this situation, the eldest uncle sighed helplessly.

Lu Jianshe sat down despondently and filled his glass again.

It wasn’t drinking anymore; it was simply pouring the alcohol down, alarming those around him.

Lu Weiguo walked over and took away the liquor. If Lu Jianshe continued like this, he would end up in trouble.

Lu Jianshe struggled to grab the liquor bottle back, but the next moment, he reached out and pushed Lu Weiguo away, immediately vomiting.

Throughout the night, Lu Jianshe had been drinking heavily, so what came out was all alcohol, tinged with blood.

Everyone saw it and was shocked.

“Jianshe, you can’t drink anymore!” Jianshe’s mother couldn’t help but hold him back.

Lu Weiguo frowned, “Let’s get him inside and let him lie down for a while.”

Jianshe’s father went over to help, but before his hand touched him, Lu Jianshe’s eyes rolled back, and he passed out.

Everyone’s faces turned serious.

Lu Weiguo, supporting Lu Jianshe, said in a low voice, “His condition requires hospitalization.”

He turned to Jianshe’s mother, “Mother, go home and get some money. Also, bring some warm clothes. I’ll drive him to the county hospital.”

He knew that drinking too much could lead to alcohol poisoning. Jianshe’s condition seemed to involve vomiting blood and unconsciousness.

Jianshe’s mother found some resolve and hurried back home, with Aunt Lu following with a flashlight, worried she might have an accident on the way.

Lu Weiguo and his younger cousin Lu Weibing helped Lu Jianshe into the car.

Shi Tingyu quickly followed. Seeing Lu Weiguo preparing to drive, she hurriedly stopped him.

“Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking. Let me drive,” she said.

Everyone looked at Shi Tingyu. Uncle Lu couldn’t help asking, “Weiguo’s wife, can you drive?”

Cars were rare here, let alone women driving them.

Shi Tingyu knew that the Lu family knew her background well, so she didn’t hide anything. “I got my driver’s license when I turned sixteen while I was abroad.”

Of course, the original owner had obtained the license, but in her world, she was an experienced driver, skilled in both manual and automatic transmissions.

Everyone exchanged glances, unsure whether to trust her driving skills.

Uncle Lu spoke up, “Alright, you drive. I’ll sit in the passenger seat and keep an eye on things.”

At this point, Jianshe’s mother returned with the items. Jianshe’s father got in the car, and with Jianshe almost occupying the back seat, there was hardly room for anyone else.

Jianshe’s mother was anxious, “Maybe I should sit in the back.”

By “back,” she meant the trunk.

Jianshe’s father replied urgently, “Wait at home for news. There’s no room in the back, and right now, our son’s health is the priority.”

Jianshe’s mother had no choice.

Shi Tingyu glanced at the dashboard, comparing the components to modern cars. Confidently, she started the engine.

Before the car moved, Shi Tingyu asked Aunt Lu to take care of the house, promising to be back soon.

Aunt Lu agreed, and Shi Tingyu stepped on the accelerator.

With a swift reverse and turn, Shi Tingyu skillfully got the car onto the road, leaving everyone amazed.

“She really knows how to drive.”

It wasn’t that they didn’t trust Shi Tingyu at all; it was just risky with a patient in the car.

Seeing Shi Tingyu drive so confidently, everyone finally relaxed.

Meanwhile, Jianshe’s mother was tormented, and Aunt Lu took the opportunity to comfort her in the main hall.

In this part of Qianxi Brigade, there was only a barefoot doctor in the brigade’s medical room. He could handle colds, fevers, and minor injuries, but someone vomiting blood and passing out was beyond his capabilities.