Chapter 41: Dinner Invitation (Second Update)

e we stole it. Why would they blame us for it"You think you can just take it You better have the guts for it.Ma Changshan remained silent for a moment before continuing, "It wasn't us who did it, but...Gu Huan's words undoubtedly shook Gu Xiaoyu's heart once again. The long-held belief he had always cherished was on the verge of collapse. He didn't know who was right, but at this moment, his subconscious mind wanted to listen to her and get closer to her, as if there was a kind of magic about her.

He restrained himself, tensing his small face, and asked solemnly, “Will you treat your sister this way from now on”

Gu Huanxi nodded readily, "Of course, I treat everyone equally."

Gu Xiaoyu pursed her lips and asked again, "What if my decisions or choices are wrong Will you still respect them even if you don't care"

Upon hearing this, Gu Huan smiled happily and even tapped his forehead. "Then that wouldn't be respect; that would be indulgence and pampering! Don't try to play with words or dodge the real issue. Respect is conditional; it requires you to also respect us and be willing to sincerely listen to our opinions and advice. For example, you are still young and can't see things as comprehensively as we do. When encountering problems, you may not always make the right judgments. In those situations, can we just ignore you and watch helplessly as you jump into a pit"

“Let me give you a simple example. If you were to do bad things, like gambling, drinking, whoring, or cheating people, we certainly wouldn't let you get away with it. At that point, respect doesn't matter anymore; we would only forcibly restrain you because it's our duty as parents. So, you are free, but not absolutely free. Do you understand”

Gu Xiaoyu nodded and tentatively grasped her sleeve, softly saying, "Thank you, Mother, I, I will definitely work hard and not disappoint you."

Gu Huanxi held his outstretched hand, "Xiaoyu, our expectations for you and your sister are actually very simple. We just hope that both of you will have a peaceful and happy life, without worries. As for other things like wealth or power, they are icing on the cake if you have them, but not a burden if you don't. So, you don't need to worry too much..."

Having said that, he paused for a moment and then changed the subject, “Of course, if you’re not content with an ordinary life and want to achieve something extraordinary, then whether it’s studying for the imperial examinations or training in martial arts to join the army, we will fully support you.”

Gu Xiaoyu blinked hard, forcing back the sourness in her eyes. After a while, she solemnly hummed.

Gu Huan's heart softened, and she leaned in to embrace him.

He stiffened for a moment, then relaxed his body, leaning against her with a touch of abandon, greedily absorbing the unprecedented ease and warmth.

A tender scene was interrupted by Xu Huaiyi's booming voice, "Gu XiaoYu, how long are you going to hold onto my wife Come over and start a fire quickly, don't even think about slacking off..."

Gu Huan smiled and released his hand, shoving another candied plum into his mouth. He then patted his shoulder and urged, "Go on, or your father will be jumping up and down."

Gu Xiaoyu slightly raised the corners of her lips. As expected, when she walked over, she saw Xu Huaiyi with a crooked nose and misaligned eyes, constantly muttering his name in a sour tone.

Gu Xiaoyu listened calmly.

Seeing this, Xu Huaiyi unwillingly picked up the large intestine from the pot again, but it didn't work this time.

Gu Xiaoyu's face remained unchanged, she even licked her lips, and said with a satisfied expression, "The candied plums pickled by mother are so sweet."

Xu Huaiyi, “...”

This kid has gone bad, he even retaliates by picking on his weak points.

He gazed at Gu Huanxi with a longing expression, “Wife, I want to eat candied plum too.”

Gu Huanxi was helping pick vegetables on the side. Hearing this, he glared at him with displeasure, "How old are you"

It's annoying to compete with a child. Is that childish or not Besides, doesn't she realize she was just soothing the child for someone else She acts like a father all day and isn't afraid of over-disciplining, turning into a PUa.

She's covering for him.

Xu Huaiyi, how could he not understand So after a few sour remarks, he honestly started cooking. First, he braised the pork offal, then chopped the ribs to make sweet and sour pork ribs. He also had pig's trotters, which he stewed with a few eggs for good measure. Finally, he added some greens to complete the meal. Although it wasn't perfect, at least it looked presentable now.

Soon, the aroma began to waft gently into the air. Particularly, the clay pot of braised pork belly simmering on the stove caught Gu Xiaoyu's attention, and a look of surprise remained etched on her face from the moment the broth started bubbling.

Xu Huaiyi said proudly, "Fragrant, right Just now you were frowning so much. Well well, look at you now! I told you, the best thing here is the large intestine, the one you hate the most. That taste, in one word, amazing! Two words, stunning! Three words, delicious! Four words, never get tired of it!"

Look at Gu Xiaoyu. “……”

He still doesn't quite believe it.

...until it's cooked.

Xu Huaiyi first picked out the large intestine, cut it into pieces, and processed it again. He placed it on the fire and slowly roasted it until the fat oozed out. Then he wrapped it in leaves and shoved it into his mouth. The expression of enjoyment...

Gu Xiaoyu couldn't help swallowing, unable to contain her excitement and eagerness.

Xu Huaiyi pretended not to notice, just facing him and eating with big mouthfuls. It was so delicious.

Gu Xiaoyu looked expressionless.

Seeing this, Gu Huan couldn't help but feel both annoyed and amused. He pulled Xu Huaiyi aside and used a vegetable leaf to roll up a piece of fat sausage, stuffing it into Gu Xiaoyu's mouth. "Just looking at your father fill you up If you want to eat, just eat!"

Gu Xiaoyu was stunned for a moment, then tentatively chewed a few times, and then her eyes lit up.

So, then the two of them sat around the brazier, eating only grilled intestines until they were half full. Luckily, there were plenty of intestines, otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to entertain guests later on.

When all the dishes were almost ready, Xu Huaiyi went to invite guests. Besides Xu Cunzhang and his son, he invited Xu Deshou, Gao Ershu, his fourth uncle, Xu Dabao, Liu Dabao, and Dr. Jiao. Fearing that one person couldn't handle everything, he also called on Meng Erzhu to help him arrange things.

The table was set under the camphor tree in the courtyard. In the evening, with the breeze blowing from the foot of the mountain, it was much more comfortable than being indoors. When the guests arrived one after another, the seats were already arranged.

Just sit down and eat.

When guests arrived, nobody stood idle. Some carried a jar of wine, others brought food. Village Head Xu decided to have his eldest son carry over a pot of stewed chicken. Others directly gave money, like Uncle Four and Xu Maoyuan. The two were Xu Huaiyi's true elders. Since Gu Huanxi had just given birth, out of affection and propriety, they both should contribute to the child's well-being.

Xu Huaiyi didn't hesitate and readily accepted the offer for his daughter.

There was not a trace of embarrassment or reluctance on his face. Seeing this, Fourth Uncle seemed fine, but Xu Maoyuan's mood was quite complex. After what had happened, he thought that their interaction would inevitably become strained, but it seemed like only he felt awkward. The others didn't seem to think much of it at all.

After everyone took their seats, they clinked glasses and ate with great enjoyment. Especially the pork offal in the middle of the table, sliced up and placed on a large wooden platter, it was undoubtedly the star of the show. At first, everyone was a little hesitant and didn't have high expectations, but once they tasted it, their chopsticks seemed to have a mind of their own and couldn't stop moving.

After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes, they finally began to discuss the real business. Of those present, only Fourth Uncle and Xu Maoyuan were unaware of the situation in the county town. After hearing a few words, their faces turned pale.he mansion, Xu Huaiyi also bought ten acres of land surrounding the mansion at a price of one or two silver coins per acre.That ten acres of land is not suitable for planting crops.A villager reminded...