Shen Qiang's parents' eyes instantly lit up, exchanging a glance, their eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Well, hahaha, my Qiang, hahaha, of course, he's the best!" Shen Qiang's dad tried to be modest at first, but couldn't help himself and blurted out his true feelings.

Shen Qiang's mom laughed joyously but remained rational, quickly correcting, "You old guy, how can you not be modest? Who dares to say their son is the best in the world? How ridiculous would that sound to others? Second, second best in the world, hahaha, anyway, no one dares to claim first, so second is just as good."

Shen Qiang's parents were laughing uncontrollably.

Though not humble, everyone including the Village Chief, the head of the security team, Zhuzi's second uncle, his elder aunt, and Auntie Xiu Lian thought it was justified.

Especially Auntie Xiu Lian, whose feelings were most complicated at that moment. Watching Shen Qiang's parents laugh heartily, she said with a smile, "Your Shen Qiang has been my son's target to surpass. He's so strong, proving my son isn't bad either."

In a very good mood, Shen Qiang's parents laughed, "Of course, Zhuzi is indeed a nice kid, hardworking, and diligent. Most kids can't compare."

Hearing this, Auntie Xiu Lian laughed, "We've been neighbors for over twenty years. I didn't come here to beat around the bush. I'll be straightforward."

Pulling out a wad of cash that was clearly withdrawn from the bank along with another stack, Auntie Xiu Lian put the money on the coffee table, saying, "This fifteen thousand is the sunshade fee I extorted from your family back then."

Taking a deep breath, Auntie Xiu Lian said, "Today, I'm returning the money to you."

Shen Qiang laughed upon hearing this, "You keep it. Who knows, maybe one day on a whim, I'll add a few more stories on top and actually block your sunlight."

Auntie Xiu Lian chuckled, "Shen Qiang, if anyone else said this, I, Ma Xiulan, would take the money and turn away." With a sigh, Auntie Xiu Lian said, "But you're different. I've watched you for twenty years, hoping my Zhuzi would surpass you and overshadow you."

"But unexpectedly, it was you who saved him at a crucial moment. And I've watched you grow up. To be blunt, I've thought about you even more than Zhuzi. So let's skip the formalities. I know your family doesn't need this money now."

"But a matter is a matter. I'm returning this money today not for your parents but for you, Shen Qiang. Please take it. If you don't, I'll feel uneasy."

Hearing this, Shen Qiang smiled, "Alright, with Auntie's words, I'll accept the money. In the future, we'll interact as usual."

Then Shen Qiang exchanged a look with his mom, and she took the money.

Right after, Zhuzi's second uncle, looking embarrassed, said, "Uh, Shen Qiang, yesterday at the hospital, I was anxious and said some rash things. Don't take them to heart."

Shen Qiang smiled and nodded, "I understand, it's nothing."

Zhuzi's elder aunt quickly added, "Me too, yesterday I was also in a panic, Shen Qiang, please don't take it seriously."

Shen Qiang laughed, "Of course not. Regardless, Zhuzi and I grew up playing together. If something happens to him, I can't just stand by."

With those words, the gloom hanging over Zhuzi's second uncle and elder aunt cleared away.

"Shen Qiang is indeed mature now, not the little rascal he used to be," the Village Chief laughed.

The head of the security team also laughed, "Yes, back then, there was just one big gourd at my house, ready to pick after the frost, but that kid took it. Now looking back, it's been over ten years."

Everyone in the room laughed as Shen Qiang's mom was about to pour tea.

The Village Chief quickly got up, "Sister-in-law, no need to pour tea. It's already the twenty-fourth of the twelfth lunar month, and with the New Year approaching, I still have matters to prepare at home." He glanced at the others, smiling, "How about you all, staying longer?"

Everyone immediately got up to leave, as it was indeed the twenty-fourth of the twelfth month, and with the New Year so close, there were plenty of things to do in every household. So Shen Qiang and his parents, after exchanging some polite words, bid everyone farewell.

As they left, Shen Qiang's mom was beaming, secretly laughing, and walked over to Shen Qiang, waving the money in her hand, saying, "My son, truly impressive! That Xiu Lian is known as the village's tigress. Back then, no one could persuade her; she insisted that without the sunshade fee, we couldn't build our house."

"Now look, she directly returned the money in front of so many people. How respectable is that."

Seeing his mom's delight, Shen Qiang smiled.

At this time, Shen Qiang's dad was also smiling, "Alright, I see it clearly now. Shen Qiang, you're truly capable, even more than experts. Hmph, let's see who dares to look down on me, Shen Laoshi, now."

Shen Qiang laughed, "Feel proud all you want, just don't create more work for me."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Shen Laoshi laughed.

Just after he finished speaking, some guests arrived—neighbors who slaughtered pigs brought over four racks of ribs, two ham hocks, a box of pig trotters, and six front legs. Just as they left, someone selling fireworks came in, delivering several boxes of firecrackers.

This was nothing new. As they say, anyone's family needs these things for the New Year. When others look at you favorably, you accept it. So Shen Laoqing called out "second brother" a couple of times, politely accepting the gifts and later making payment.

To them, making a little money was worthwhile, while the Shen Family gained peace of mind and maintained good relations in the village.

On the twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth, and twenty-sixth of the twelfth lunar month, people continuously came to deliver New Year's gifts.

"Uncle, I have fresh fish."

"Second Uncle, I have good apples."

In essence, Shen Laoshi accepted all gifts unless they were too outrageous. In Shen Laoshi's words, if someone brought gifts to your door, it's because they respect you; you can't be unappreciative.

Truly, if they didn't respect you, they wouldn't bring gifts or acknowledge you in passing on the street.

On the evening of the twenty-sixth lunar month, it snowed heavily all night. The next morning, the twenty-seventh, Shen Qiang took the girls out to play. They didn't go up the mountain but chased rabbits in the river's bends. Being cultivators, the girls had no trouble; they even made two holes in the frozen river to catch fish.

They had a fantastic and joyful time.

Around two in the afternoon, Shen Qiang's phone suddenly rang, and upon answering, Li Wei said, "The first month is busy, it's hard to gather everyone, so tonight at six, at Shu Xiang Lou Hotpot City, see you there." Without any pleasantries, he hung up after speaking.

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