Chapter 179 2/3

Jin Moli was even more annoyed—how could it be that Li Laogen was still alive and even healthier than before? How did he get so lucky?

Today, Li Laogen had also come to their house.

After listening to his bragging, Mr. Yao felt quite depressed.

Earlier, Li Qingzhi’s school had hired workers but didn’t hire Yao Zhenfu. Although he knew this was normal, Mr. Yao was still a bit unhappy. Now, with Li Laogen coming over to brag…

Mr. Yao took out a bamboo pipe, lit it, and smoked, then remembered another matter.

Previously, Jin Sangshu had always rented his boat, but now he wanted to buy it.

Selling the boat would bring in a large sum of money all at once, but then he wouldn’t be able to collect rent every month…

He didn’t want to sell the boat; he preferred renting it out. However, if he didn’t sell, Jin Sangshu planned to buy a new one.

He would have to find new tenants… what a hassle!

Meanwhile, at the Jin family.

Fang Jinniang was about to give birth, and Jin’s father and mother treated her like a treasure, not allowing her to do any work.

Seeing this, Grandma Jin couldn’t help but comment, “What kind of daughter-in-law doesn’t do any work?”

Jin Xiaoshu retorted without thinking, “Wasn’t Aunt like that? She used to make my mom do the work, and now she makes her daughter-in-law do it.”

Grandma Jin glared angrily at Jin Xiaoshu, her unfilial grandson.

But she dared not say a word.

Jin Sangshu worked for Jin Xiaoshu, and Jin Liushu also earned money by buying marinated snacks from Juewei Zhai to resell… she couldn’t afford to offend Jin Xiaoshu!

Grandma Jin could only return to Jin’s elder uncle’s house and complain about the elder aunt.

If Jin’s elder uncle wasn’t there, the elder aunt would definitely argue with her, but since he was home for the New Year… she could only endure it.

As a result, Jin’s elder uncle, after listening to Grandma Jin, also started scolding the elder aunt…

The elder aunt thought, “Why did my husband have to come home? It would’ve been better if he stayed away and just sent money!”

When Li Laogen returned home, it was almost dark.

He was particularly anxious, afraid that Li Qingzhi and the others had already started the New Year’s Eve dinner.

Fortunately, because everyone had eaten a lot in the afternoon, they weren’t hungry, so the dinner wasn’t ready yet, and they hadn’t started eating.

Seeing this, Li Laogen breathed a sigh of relief, then noticed Qian Fugui and asked curiously, “Why is he here at our house?”

It was New Year’s Eve; wasn’t everyone supposed to be home for the holiday?

Jin Xiaoye explained, “Shopkeeper Qian is from the north and couldn’t make it back in time. Since he’s planning to place a big order with me, I invited him to join us for dinner.”

“Alright,” Li Laogen replied, though he looked at Qian Fugui with suspicion and displeasure.

Qian Fugui seemed like the complete opposite of him, making him feel particularly uncomfortable.

Qian Fugui smiled at Li Laogen.

Despite his rushed visit, Qian Fugui had brought many gifts. However, after Li Qingzhi examined them, he advised against giving tea leaves or jade to Li Laogen, as he wouldn’t appreciate them.

Qian Fugui had also brought some gold coins as New Year’s gifts for the children. Li Qingzhi suggested giving one to Li Laogen as well.

Qian Fugui thought one gold coin seemed too little, so he took out six, strung them together, and handed them to Li Laogen. “You must be Old Master Li. This is a small token of my appreciation.”

Li Laogen didn’t understand and asked Li Qingzhi, “What did he say?”

Li Qingzhi replied, “Dad, he’s giving you money.”

Seeing the small string of coins Qian Fugui handed over, Li Laogen smiled broadly, “How can I accept this…”

As he accepted the coins, he felt something was off. “A-Qing, these coins look different from usual.”

Li Qingzhi explained, “Dad, these aren’t regular coins; they’re gold coins.”

Li Laogen was stunned, his hand shaking so much he almost dropped the six gold coins. “G-gold coins?”

“Yes, gold coins,” Li Qingzhi confirmed.

“Oh my heavens…” Li Laogen was dumbfounded.

Although Li Qingzhi and Jin Xiaoye were no longer short of money, they usually only gave Li Laogen a few copper coins at a time because of his unpredictable behavior.

Li Laogen had never held silver coins, let alone gold coins, so he was naturally shocked to receive these.

Li Qingzhi glanced helplessly at Qian Fugui. He had only suggested giving one coin, but Qian Fugui had been overly generous…

“Dinner is ready,” Chang Zhan announced.

Li Damao and Li Ermao weren’t very hungry, but they were still excited at Chang Zhan’s announcement. “It’s time for the New Year’s Eve dinner!”

The eight-immortal table was packed with dishes. Chang Zhan and Chang Cui sat on one side, Li Qingzhi and Jin Xiaoye on another, Li Damao and Li Ermao on the third side, and Qian Fugui and Li Laogen sat together on the last side, making a perfect arrangement.

However, Li Laogen seemed uneasy, eating distractedly and even spilling soup on himself.

This actually prevented him from rudely picking at the dishes in front of him, making his behavior more appropriate.

Seeing this, Li Qingzhi put a meatball in Li Laogen’s bowl.

Then, Qian Fugui looked at him expectantly.

Li Qingzhi also gave Qian Fugui a meatball.

The three children, having eaten too much earlier, were still full and quickly went to play after a few bites.

Li Qingzhi and the others, however, ate a lot while chatting.

After dinner, Li Laogen went to bed like a wandering soul, and Jin Xiaoye took the two children to bed as well.

Li Qingzhi and Qian Fugui stayed up, continuing their conversation in the study.

Li Qingzhi had always wanted to expand his influence, originally planning to do so gradually.

With Qian Fugui’s help… he could speed up his plans a bit.

He knew how to make glass and soap. These things weren’t suitable to reveal when he first arrived in this world, but now it seemed the right time.

In fact, Li Qingzhi had considered partnering with Zhu Qian to produce these items.

However, although he had a good relationship with Zhu Qian, it wasn’t very deep. If everything went smoothly, Zhu Qian would cooperate well, but if trouble arose… Zhu Qian would likely abandon him.

For instance, if the Yan Jun Prince or Jin Prince targeted him, Zhu Qian wouldn’t stand firmly by his side.

Qian Fugui, on the other hand, seemed more trustworthy.

Nonetheless, Li Qingzhi didn’t plan to give Qian Fugui the formulas right away. He intended to wait a few days.

As they talked, Li Qingzhi suggested checking Qian Fugui’s pulse.

Qian Fugui extended his hand, “I’m in good health, no illnesses here!” He had always taken good care of himself and looked only in his forties despite being fifty.

Li Qingzhi didn’t respond, instead using his internal energy to examine Qian Fugui’s body.

He wanted to find out why Qian Fugui couldn’t have children.

Upon examination… Qian Fugui was infertile.

This wasn’t like nearsightedness, where changing the lens could solve the problem. Even with some internal energy, it would take time to heal this issue.

Even if cured, given Qian Fugui’s age, having children was not guaranteed.

“Uncle, your health is indeed good, but does your back often hurt? You seem to have an old injury that needs proper care.”

“I do have that problem. Whenever I’m tired, my back hurts!” Qian Fugui admitted.

“Tomorrow, I’ll make a plaster for you. Use it regularly, and it will get better,” Li Qingzhi promised.

Qian Fugui’s back did have issues from an old injury.

Li Qingzhi could treat it, and in the process, also address Qian Fugui’s infertility.