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Although Zhang Wanyou lacked education, he had worked under the Japanese invaders when he was young and understood the difference between having ink and not having ink.
This difference was reflected in the wages. Those who could keep accounts earned more than others. Therefore, Zhang Wanyou felt fortunate that his son had the opportunity to meet these talented individuals. Regardless of their past, it didn’t concern him as long as his son could learn from them.
The father and son ran back home with the fish, feeling excited. Seeing the individuals on the kang, Zhang Wanyou couldn’t help but feel uneasy. These individuals were probably not the kind of people he would normally come into contact with unless they were in distress.
Although Zhang Wanyou was mentally prepared, when he saw Zuo Zhanshan and Wu Changyong, his legs couldn’t help but tremble. The sharpness in their eyes and the residual aura, even when restrained, left him at a loss for words. Despite wanting to speak, His face turned red, and he didn’t know what to say.
Zhang Wanyou rubbed his hands and greeted everyone. They shook hands, but even after the handshakes, his palms were still sweaty.
Seeing Zhang Wanyou’s nervousness, Zuo Zhanshan smiled and said, “Brother, this is your home. Don’t be so formal. Come, let’s sit on the kang. We owe you a lot. If it weren’t for your well-raised daughter, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Don’t be nervous. In fact, our status is not as good as yours.”
This joke from Zuo Zhanshan dispelled Zhang Wanyou’s uneasiness. When it came to his daughter, Zhang Wanyou was extremely proud.
“Brother, you’re too polite. It’s fate that our children have met you. My daughter, aside from other qualities, has a good character. She’s a filial child. It’s a pity that she’s not treated well at her in-laws’ place.”
As they talked about Zhang Lan, the elderly men on the kang seemed to find a common topic. They chatted with each other, and Wang Qian felt that they were getting more and more engrossed in their conversation, as if they had known each other for a long time.
In the kitchen, Zhang Weiguo prepared the fish he had brought back and then went to the kang to meet the elderly men. He also brought up the questions he didn’t understand, and Old Chen personally guided him in the adjacent room.
Zhang Wanyou felt a bit embarrassed and said, “You rascal, can’t you let others rest a bit?”
Old Wu pulled Zhang Wanyou over and said, “Brother, this kid is eager to learn. Let’s not disturb him. I think he’s quite promising. He’ll have a bright future.”
When one’s own children are praised, it brings joy to the hearts of parents, indicating that their children are successful and have gained recognition. However, they often remain modest, as it is a common trait among parents.
Wang Qian, listening to her grandfather’s modesty, couldn’t help but grin and said, “Grandpa, if you keep being so modest, you’ll come off as arrogant.”
Teased by his granddaughter, Zhang Wanyou stopped being modest and playfully lifted his granddaughter. “Little one, is your grandpa wrong to be modest? How should I respond?”
Sitting in her grandfather’s arms, Wang Qian imitated Zhang Wanyou’s tone and said, “Brother, my little one seems alright, but lacks experience. In the future, you guys will have to guide and take care of him more.”
At seven years old, imitating her grandfather’s manner of speaking was quite amusing, and it brought laughter to everyone on the kang.
Even Geng Lianhua, who was cooking in the kitchen, joined the group on the kang to watch the fun.
Old Cui pointed at Wang Qian and said to Zhang Lan, “Niece, where did you find this little treasure? She’s so amusing. Did you see her earlier? No other child is as interesting as yours. My goodness, she imitates her grandpa so vividly. She speaks even better than her grandpa. Brother, you should spend more time playing with your granddaughter in the future. I guarantee it will be an eye-opening and joyful experience for you.”
Zhang Wanyou was also amused by Wang Qian. He knew the child was intelligent. Last time, she had managed to persuade his wife, and he felt that the child was very perceptive. Unexpectedly, in this situation, his granddaughter had managed to express her thoughts so clearly. She was indeed a wonderful granddaughter.
Feeling delighted, Zhang Wanyou gave Wang Qian a big kiss. “Our Qianqian is so clever. She imitates her grandpa so well. Grandpa will catch more fish for you to eat in the future.”
Understanding what was happening, everyone smiled. They hadn’t seen the child act this way before. Sometimes, she seemed like a little adult, but today, she was having fun, finally resembling a child.
The food in the kitchen was ready, and the children helped bring it to the kang table. The elderly men on the kang were already hungry, and the aroma of the food immediately whetted their appetites.
Zhang Wanyou took out the white wine his daughter had bought for him and filled the glasses for the elderly men.
“Brothers, it’s your first time here, and we didn’t prepare much. Please don’t mind. Let’s all taste the cooking of us coastal people,” Zhang Wanyou said.
Old Wu was the first to taste the fish caught by the father and son that day. “Hmm, delicious. It seems your daughter has inherited your wife’s cooking skills. Fresh and fragrant. Let’s all try it. It’s really delicious.”
The elderly men started eating with their chopsticks. Indeed, the taste of seafood cooked by coastal people was quite different from usual. The freshness would leave a lasting impression.
Geng Lianhua set up a separate table for the women and children. After Hao Lianchun tasted Geng Lianhua’s cooking, she couldn’t help but praise, “Elder sister, your cooking is just right. We can’t make it like this. It seems that coastal people understand how to cook seafood the best.”
Geng Lianhua felt a bit embarrassed by the praise and quickly brought a conch to the elderly lady. “Elder sister, try this. It’s plump and fresh.”
Hao Lianchun didn’t hold back and started eating the conch. “Yes, it’s plump. There’s more meat than the last time Weiguo brought. Come on, you children, eat more. It will help you grow.”
The small conch was nutritious, and Hao Lianchun knew this. With several children at home, they usually had limited resources, so they relied on these to boost their nutrition. Fortunately, the Zhang family members were diligent in bringing seafood.
“Sister, don’t just serve us. You should eat too before it gets cold,” they said.
At the other end of the dining table, Zhang Wanyou and the elderly men were engaged in lively conversation. They were enjoying their drinks, not overindulging but drinking just enough.
“Brother, you can look forward to a comfortable life in the future. Look at your son and these grandsons. They will have great achievements. With them around, you won’t have to worry,” Old Cui was already making plans for Zhang Wanyou.
In his view, as long as Zhang Weiguo was willing to learn, they would guide him, and he was confident in the young man’s potential.
The elderly men were very satisfied with the meal. Although it was just simple farmhouse food, the satisfaction came from the mood of the diners. They were genuinely happy to have met Zhang Wanyou and his wife, who were of the same age. The elderly couple seemed like practical and down-to-earth people.
After the meal, the elderly men sat on the kang and chatted about various topics, while Geng Lianhua and her daughter were busy gathering the items the guests wanted to take with them.
“Mom, I have brought some flour for you. Don’t hesitate to use it. Don’t ask where it came from. We earn our living through our own abilities, without stealing or robbing,” Zhang Lan said.
Since her daughter had spoken, the elderly lady didn’t ask further. “Lan, there are so many people at home. I haven’t used the flour you brought last time. Why don’t you take it back?”
Geng Lianhua said this because she was afraid her daughter was being too strong-willed. However, Zhang Lan understood. There were some things she couldn’t explain to her mother in detail. She just whispered to Geng Lianhua, “Mom, we have enough at home. Don’t worry about us. If you need anything, just let me know. I know the situation at home. Don’t worry about me. Those elderly men are helping us with the work. I’m even more relaxed at home than Zhenhe.”
Knowing that the children were doing well, the elderly were not worried. After packing up for their daughter, Geng Lianhua joined everyone for a chat by the kang.
Hao Lianchun noticed that it was getting late and urged everyone to hit the road. It was already winter, and the days were short and the nights long. It was better to leave early to get home.
Geng Lianhua and Hao Lianchun, the two elderly ladies, had a different bond. As they bid farewell, Geng Lianhua held Hao Lianchun’s hand. “Elder sister, I’ll rely on you and the others to keep an eye on my daughter in the future. She’s very quiet, and with you around, I can feel more at ease. You must visit often. Zuo He, come to your grandma’s place during the winter break. Your grandpa will take you to the boat to play.”
Reluctantly, the group bid their farewells. They entrusted the heavier items to Wu Changyong and Zuo Zhanshan, while the lighter ones were carried by the others. The two women and five children had no burden on their hands, making the journey back home much easier.
As they neared home, everyone quickened their pace. The temperature dropped as evening approached. Once home, Zhang Lan quickly lit the kang, hoping to raise the temperature in the house.
The elderly men helped prepare the sleeping areas for themselves and the children. This way, the kang would be warm after dinner.
After a simple dinner of hot soup and noodles, the elderly men took the children to study. This was something they couldn’t neglect.
Zhang Lan prepared hot water for the elderly men to wash their feet and urged Aunt Hao Lianchun to rest. They had all been tired from the day’s activities, and Hao Lianchun, being older, couldn’t handle the exertion.
Due to the day’s work, the elderly men kept their conversation brief and quickly sent the exhausted children to bed. Zhang Lan had prepared footbath water for the elderly men to save them the trouble of soaking their feet after returning home.