I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2403 - 1520: Fated Missteps

An individual's appearance undergoes its most significant transformations before the age of thirty.

However, the pace of these changes decelerates considerably between the ages of thirty and forty, and again from forty to fifty.

Consequently, it is not astonishing that Zhang Zhongquan could identify Fang Weiguo and his wife, yet failed to recognize Jiang Chen, his own nephew.

Certainly.

While this lack of recognition is understandable, it is also deeply disheartening.

How could he possibly recognize Hong Xiaoyu, his nephew’s wife?

According to the established customs and traditions of Shen Zhou, a nephew holds a closer familial tie than a nephew-in-law!

Yet, such is the reality of the world we inhabit.

People drift apart, and the warmth of connection inevitably fades.

Sentimental loyalty, it seems, is a virtue reserved for only a select few.

What, then, is the significance of relatives?

Without the binding force of mutual interests, all familial bonds appear to be nothing more than an illusion.

An orphaned young man, burdened by the loss of both parents, is seen as nothing more than a liability, a source of trouble best avoided.

"This fellow!"

Jiang Huazi already harbored feelings of guilt towards her nephew. Witnessing Uncle Zhang Zhongquan’s inability to recognize his own nephew made her feel not only ashamed but also ignited a surge of uncontainable fury within her.

Disregarding the nephew's potential feelings.

Furthermore, the Fang Family was present!

It is a well-known adage not to air one's dirty laundry in public!

And here they were, needing to solicit assistance from others.

This situation was undeniably mortifying.

Jiang Huazi swiftly moved forward, her face, which typically exuded prosperity, now flushed with emotion. She was on the verge of loudly reprimanding Zhang Zhongquan, but Fang Weiguo spoke before she could utter a word.

"...Zhongquan possesses truly remarkable eyesight."

A profound silence enveloped the room once more.

Every individual present instinctively turned their gaze towards Fang Weiguo, their expressions reflecting a spectrum of emotions.

Fang Weiguo, in turn, directed a knowing smile toward Zhang Zhongquan, the man with the supposedly "remarkable eyesight."

"Haha! Brother Fang, perhaps I don’t possess many talents, but when it comes to discerning people, I certainly have a keen eye."

Utterly unaware that he had inadvertently created a deeply embarrassing situation, the oblivious Zhang Zhongquan mistakenly believed he was receiving genuine praise and promptly began to boast with self-satisfaction.

"Fang Qing is undoubtedly one of Sha City’s most exceptional young ladies, a prodigy of great talent. Young man, you must have stumbled upon immense fortune; make certain you cherish it."

It was glaringly obvious.

Not only was he ostentatious, but he also relished showing off, completely oblivious to the peculiar expressions adorning everyone's faces.

Hong Xiaoyu's mouth, which had opened slightly, closed again. In moments like these, it was imperative for the younger generation to refrain from interjecting, lest they exacerbate the already unparalleled awkwardness.

"You..."

Jiang Huazi's face grew even redder, her breathing becoming shallow and rapid. She longed to find a place to vanish entirely. Just as she was about to speak, her husband, Hong Ou, stepped forward and gently tugged on her arm.

"What is it?"

She turned her head, a look of confusion on her face.

"Don't speak just yet," Hong Ou whispered.

"Zhongquan, your praise is perhaps a bit excessive. The crucial element for any couple's union is mutual affection, not a competition of who is more outstanding. Genuine feelings reciprocated are the sole secret to a relationship that withstands the test of time. Do you not agree?"

Fang Weiguo cast his gaze towards the two young individuals.

Fang Qing remained silent, but her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

Jiang Chen tightened his lips, glanced at Aunt Pan across from them, who appeared bewildered and shocked, and then nodded with firm resolve.

"Yes. Fang Qing and I never dwell on such trivialities; instead, we strive to learn from each other, complementing each other's strengths..."

"Indeed!"

Zhang Zhongquan immediately interjected, completely oblivious to his nephew's head, which was progressively lowering, nearly reaching the tabletop.

"Possessing such understanding at your age is truly commendable!"

Zhang Zhongquan regarded Jiang Chen with an expression brimming with admiration, sparing no expense in his praise. From his perspective, Jiang Chen was effectively the Fang Family's future "son-in-law," and given his own need for the Fang Family's assistance with his house, he felt it essential to present himself favorably.

"Young people today are solely preoccupied with immediate gratification, coupling up when their interests align and parting ways once the novelty wanes – it's utter foolishness. Such infatuation is fleeting, much like food. The first time you taste a dish prepared by your wife, you'll find it delightful. But what truly matters is whether, after ten years, twenty years, or even thirty years, you can still savor the same dish with equal contentment."

Jiang Huazi's expression, once contorted with fury, faltered for a moment.

She had to acknowledge.

Zhang Zhongquan indeed possessed a certain eloquence; his expansive discourse seemed to captivate the two elder ladies present.

Perhaps Fang Qing was no exception to this effect.

Although still young, she too would eventually face the inevitability of aging.

"Uncle, have you partaken in a meal yet?"

Hong Xiaoyu finally seized an opportunity to interject.

"No."

"Then please, join me, Uncle."

"No need, I am not a stranger here; I shall simply stand."

Demonstrating a complete lack of self-consciousness, Zhang Zhongquan proceeded directly to the kitchen to procure a bowl and chopsticks for himself.

Jiang Huazi and her husband turned back.

"What are you doing?"

Upon observing her son rise from his seat, Jiang Huazi immediately questioned him.

"I will fetch a chair for Uncle."

"No need. See if there’s any space left."

Indeed.

The dining table was completely full; seven people was about the limit, there was genuinely no room for one more.

"No worries, I'll eat while standing, it's actually more convenient to reach for the dishes."

Clutching a bowl and chopsticks, Zhang Zhongquan feigned ignorance of his cousin's demeanor, reasoning that one must learn to leave oneself an out.

"Zhongquan, allow me to serve you."

"Hey, how could I possibly trouble Sister Pan? I'll serve myself."

Jiang Huazi had truly not allocated a seat for Zhang Zhongquan, and she prevented her husband and son from interfering, then sat back down herself, looking apologetically at her nephew.

Jiang Chen offered a smile, signaling that it was fine.

How many years have passed?

A vessel that navigated through storms, why would it easily capsize now?

He understood that Uncle Fang's intentions were good and decided to play along.

"Brother Fang, you continue to be the one! In all these years, I've never tasted such exquisite Dream Blue baijiu at my cousin's residence?"

Zhang Zhongquan stood at the edge of the table, holding his bowl and chopsticks, his gaze fixed on the solitary half-bottle of baijiu remaining, smacking his lips.

"I'll pour a cup for Uncle."

Hong Xiaoyu, feeling abashed that an elder had spoken thus, quickly moved to pour some wine for Zhang Zhongquan.