"It's not like we're setting up a betrothal gift, just bring some presents and that's fine."

Li Sanjiang continued to search his empty pockets, saying, "That won't do, how can I make an impression without money in my pocket? I need to make a good first impression when I visit for the first time."

Li Sanjiang wanted to take out some money, but mainly the recent accounts hadn't been settled, and the current batch of paper crafts hadn't been shipped. The money he just gave was everything he had on hand.

"Hey, don't I still have my northern and southern grandparents? They have more retirement money than they can spend, I'll just go there to 'borrow some wind.'

When it's really time to get married, I'll come to you for a big red envelope."

"Well... alright then."

Li Sanjiang pulled out his hand, which had been rubbing against the pocket so much it was almost hot.

"Mr. Li, these things are up to you then."

"Doing good deeds builds good karma, no trouble at all."

"Oh, by the way, Mr. Li, those two plots are quite old, the Yin House..."

"You don't have to tell me, I understand, I'll build them a small courtyard."

"As expected, you're the professional."

These days, in the countryside, it's common for the living to save money and build a two or three-story house. For the dead, it's no longer just a simple tomb; it's also a delicate, compact little two or three-story house with doors and windows with glass.

I remember once walking down the road, Run Sheng asked how Ultraman was filmed to appear so big?

Brother Xiao Yuan pointed at the densely packed modern, exquisitely mini houses on one side of the road: If you stand in them, you're Ultraman.

After leaving Mr. Li's house, Tan Wenbin drove to Shigang.

Zhou Yunyun's home isn't in Shigang Town, but in the village below. After entering the village and preparing to ask a household for directions, he heard someone shouting from afar:

"Here, over here!"

Upon learning their daughter was bringing her boyfriend home for dinner, Zhou Yunyun's parents took the day off from the textile factory, along with her grandparents and a group of close relatives, to wait early in the courtyard.

In the village, the houses are sparse, offering a good view, and they recognized the little pickup coming in as the prospective son-in-law almost immediately.

In fact, Tan Wenbin was a bit late. No one's supposed to arrive precisely at mealtime on a first visit, but he had no choice; he had to first handle business matters.

The main reason was to drive home over the weekend, not to delay in case Brother Xiao Yuan woke up, and he'd have to accompany him.

Tan Wenbin drove the car over, intending to park below the courtyard, but Zhou Yunyun's father enthusiastically took on the role of a parking guide ahead.

No choice, he had to drive up to the courtyard and park the car properly.

Zhou Yunyun, wearing a white sweater and jeans, stood among the crowd, her figure striking yet elegant.

After getting out of the car, Tan Wenbin smiled at her, then immediately started handing out cigarettes to the men present, while reaching out to give a reassuring pat to the inexperienced father of Zhou Yunyun facing such an occasion for the first time:

"Uncle, please teach me how to address everyone correctly."

Zhou Yunyun's father was momentarily stunned, then immediately began introducing everyone.

Each time Tan Wenbin addressed someone, he would ask about their workplace or factory, even if they were currently just temporary masons, he could chat with them about whether or not the construction site was busy lately.

These were all trivial conversations, but some people can make others feel valued, not leaving anyone out.

Zhou Yunyun's father mirrored beside him, as if he were the one visiting as the prospective son-in-law for the first time.

Everyone sat down to eat.

Zhou Yunyun was arranged to sit next to Tan Wenbin. While chatting with others at the large round table, Tan Wenbin also made sure to serve dishes to Zhou Yunyun.

Zhou Yunyun, due to shyness, mostly stayed silent, just quietly eating in small bites.

This scene made it look like she was visiting the man's family instead.

"Drink, drink well, come on!"

Tan Wenbin was not only accepting but also took the initiative to engage.

By the end of the meal, he had all the male members of Zhou Yunyun's family—her dad, grandpa, uncle, and uncle on her mom's side—everyone except the cousin still in elementary school, completely drunk.

He remained calm, even asking Mrs. Zhou for two more servings of food, one with meat soup and the other with chicken soup, eating heartily.

Actually, Tan Wenbin's alcohol tolerance wasn't that good before, but now with two kids on each shoulder, equivalently two extra brains, even if he drank to the point of alcohol poisoning, he would still remain clear-headed.

After the meal, the women helped their men into the house to sleep.

Tan Wenbin walked alone to the courtyard, feeling the breeze.

A small black dog walked by, glanced at Tan Wenbin, and Tan Wenbin looked back at it, passing by each other silently.

The younger cousin went home to do homework, shyly waving at Tan Wenbin, who smiled back.

Clearly, Tan Wenbin didn't need the black dog or the young cousin to shift focus or ease awkwardness.

Zhou Yunyun came out while unpacking cigarettes, extracted one, and handed it to Tan Wenbin's mouth.

"You should smoke less."

"Hmm, hmm."

Tan Wenbin agreed while flicking the cigarette in his mouth towards Zhou Yunyun, noticing the matchbox she still held.

Zhou Yunyun struck a match, lit it for him, and gave him a playful glare.

"Your mom's cooking skills are pretty good, the food was delicious."

"Your mom cooks well too."

Tan Wenbin exhaled a smoke ring: "How can you say such insincere words."

His mom's cooking, you could only say it's edible.

He had gotten used to it and didn't notice before, but during his senior year, staying at Mr. Li's place, Aunt Liu's cooking made him realize that this is it, this is what people actually eat.

Unfortunately, Aunt Liu's apprentice, Meng Meng, didn't inherit Aunt Liu's cooking skills; although you could also say she did—excelled in poisoning blue beyond the blue itself.

"Do you have any plans for this afternoon?" Zhou Yunyun asked.

"I have to go out for a bit in the afternoon, but it's still early, the factory isn't ready yet."

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