I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2401 - 1519: A Fine-Looking Young Man!
Previously on I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping...
"Dad."
Upon opening the door around half-past five in the afternoon, Hong Xiaoyu found himself face-to-face with his father.
Hong Ou, who had just returned from the shop, paused momentarily, clearly surprised by his son's presence.
Recovering his composure, he chuckled, shaking his head. "Your mother is indeed very thoughtful."
"Hong Ou, forgive the intrusion into your business."
As the head of the household entered, the guests from the Fang family, including Jiang Chen, rose to their feet in greeting.
"Uncle."
Hong Ou entered with a broad smile, two bottles of liquor in hand. His gaze swept over those present. "Fang, what are you saying? It’s been quite some time since our home has felt this lively. Your visit is a great honor; please, be seated."
"Why sit? Dinner is prepared. You’ve arrived at the perfect time; quickly invite Fang and the others to join us."
Jiang Huazi emerged from the kitchen, carrying several dishes.
"Is it not simply for a livelihood? Do you truly believe I wouldn’t prefer to return home early and converse with Fang and the others?"
"Indeed, we are not strangers. Life's business must continue. Let us proceed; it is time to dine."
Led by Fang Weiguo, the gathering moved towards the dining area.
"The space is a bit confined, Qing Qing and Xiao Chen, please bear with the modest surroundings."
Jiang Huazi offered an apologetic remark.
"Not at all. It feels significantly more spacious than our own home," Fang Weiguo replied casually. "Qing Qing, Jiang Chen, and Xiaoyu, please find a seat."
"Uncle Fang, you and the elders should sit first."
"Go fetch some additional chairs," Jiang Huazi instructed her husband.
Given that the apartment spanned a mere seventy to eighty square meters, the dining area was understandably modest. The scarcity of dining chairs necessitated Hong Ou’s retrieval of plastic stools to accommodate everyone.
"Xiaoyu, you can eat while standing,"
Jiang Huazi suggested to her son, asking him to make room.
"What are you suggesting?" Pan Hui interjected. "Xiaoyu, disregard your mother's words. Sit down, let’s squeeze together; it feels more intimate this way."
Jiang Huazi responded with a gentle sigh and a smile. "It's wonderful for you, Sister Pan. Soon, you'll be moving into a much larger home."
"Ah, if it weren't for Jiang Chen, such a prospect would be but a distant dream in this lifetime. We elders are indebted to Jiang Chen for everything."
Fang Weiguo added his agreement.
"Huazi, you have toiled diligently for so long; please sit and take a well-deserved rest," Pan Hui advised.
"Very well. Hong Ou, serve Fang and the others some rice."
"I will handle that."
Hong Xiaoyu eagerly volunteered for the task.
The Hong family truly embodied hospitality, extending deep respect to the Fang family and their nephew. Hong Ou uncorked the 'Blue Dream' liquor he had brought, remarking, "It feels like ages since I last shared a drink with Fang."
While perhaps not possessing the same prestige as Maotai, the Blue Dream was far from inexpensive. The two bottles represented a cost exceeding a thousand yuan, a considerable luxury for average households.
"We shared drinks just yesterday; I may not be able to partake heavily today."
"No worries, enjoy your drink without overindulging,"
Hong Ou began pouring the liquor. "And what will Qing Qing be having?"
"I'll opt for the soup."
"Yes, do try Aunt Jiang’s soup," Jiang Huazi said, her face beaming.
"Hong Ou, you shouldn't just serve Jiang Chen. Xiaoyu is a grown man now; serve him as well,"
Fang Weiguo gestured towards his son.
Pan Hui promptly shot her husband a stern look. "Drinking is not always a positive pursuit."
"A man engaged in business outside inevitably participates in social engagements. How can one foster connections without the occasion of raising a glass?"
"Uncle Fang speaks the truth."
Hong Xiaoyu added his voice, "Dad, please pour me a cup too."
Fang Weiguo gave him an approving thumbs-up. "That's the spirit of a true man."
The lively buzz of laughter and conversation filled the not-so-spacious dining room.
"To your gracious hospitality, our sincere thanks to both of you."
Fang Weiguo, as the eldest present, initiated the toast.
"Fang, you speak too formally. We have known each other for decades, and our children practically grew up together. These moments are precious and rare. Please do visit us more often."
Within the Hong household, Jiang Huazi proved to be the more articulate host. It was a reflection of modern times, where women often displayed greater assertiveness and held independent views. She even poured herself a can of beer.
"Is it permissible for everyone in your family to partake in drinking? What about the store later..."
"Sister Pan, it is perfectly fine. Taking a single evening off will not result in significant financial loss," Hong Ou reassured her with a smile.
"You see? Comrade Hong Ou always demonstrates good judgment," Jiang Huazi quipped playfully.
"If you are unable to drink, do not push yourself."
As the elder cousin, Jiang Chen expressed concern for his younger companion.
"A single glass is quite alright. Do not fret, brother,"
Hong Xiaoyu raised his glass for the toast. With the elders present, his words were few, but the understanding between them was profound.
"Brother, cheers,"
Jiang Chen responded, raising his own glass.
"Qing Qing, please do not be shy; help yourself to whatever you fancy. You have dined at fine establishments before; however, do not find our humble fare wanting."
"Aunt Jiang ought to speak such words to Jiang Chen. He is the one accustomed to fine cuisine."
Hong Xiaoyu emitted a soft chuckle, the scene quite familiar, having witnessed it since his childhood days.
"The pair of you remain unchanged from your youth, forever engaging in playful Jests."
Jiang Huazi commented aloud.
The other elders present couldn't help but share in the amusement with smiles.
"I've uttered not a single syllable."
Jiang Chen offered in protest.
"Xiao Chen, when seated alongside a beauty such as Qing Qing, one should feel content. What is there to discuss, truly?"
Given the confined space of the dining room, individuals were positioned in close proximity, and the act of reaching for dishes could easily lead to inadvertent contact with others.
"Aunt, that assessment is hardly equitable. While Fang Qing is indeed a vision, am I not also a handsome fellow?"
Jiang Chen, with his characteristic flair, managed to inject an awkward tension into the atmosphere.
An abrupt silence descended upon the table.
Hong Xiaoyu, being of a younger disposition, found it difficult to suppress his mirth, covering his mouth with a hand and letting out a stifled "pfft."
Subsequently.
The assembled elders erupted into laughter, one after another.
"Indeed, I concur with Jiang Chen's sentiment. Even in his younger years, it was evident he would mature into a strikingly handsome young man."
Fang Weiguo nodded in agreement, lending his support to Jiang Chen's assertion.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Huazi, with evident confidence, continued their reminiscing, "Precisely so. They were famously known as the 'golden couple' back in those days."