Chapter 145: With Age Comes Wisdom

Lin Kai shot him a look, glancing repeatedly at Yan Guofeng. Unfortunately, Luo Lijun was a bit of a blockhead when it came to certain things and completely missed the signal.

"Idiot." Lin Kai muttered under his breath, clutching his forehead in exasperation.

Cao Zheng chuckled to break the tension. "We're here to eat today, so let's skip the drinking. These bottles are a gift for Comrade Zhong. Comrade Zhong, please accept them; they're fine spirits, perfect for guests or gifts—you won't lose face with these." He snatched the two bottles from Luo Lijun's hands and pressed them into Zhong Yuxiu’s arms.

Wu Chao scoffed, and Cheng Minglang silently shook his head, at a loss for words.

"This is very expensive wine; thank you for your kind intentions. Let’s take our seats. We’re having hotpot today, and there’s plenty of food, so please eat up and don't stand on ceremony." As Zhong Yuxiu accepted the bottles, the tension eased. Wu Chao gave a secret thumbs-up, earning a bright smile from Zhong Yuxiu.

Yan Guofeng took in the subtle exchange without a word, turned, and walked toward the dining room. Yan Hejun followed closely behind, and Song Man turned to follow with a smile.

Wu Chao punched Luo Lijun on the shoulder. "Are you really that dense, or are you just pretending?"

"What did I do?" Luo Lijun was still bewildered after having the wine swiped from him.

"The Old Master is still here! What were you thinking, bringing up alcohol?" Cao Zheng shook his head, beckoning to Wu Chao and Lin Kai. The three brothers walked arm-in-arm, trailing behind Song Man into the dining room.

Cheng Minglang shook his head and pulled Luo Lijun along. "Try to read the room next time."

Zhong Yuxiu couldn't help but laugh, lifting her gaze to look at the man beside her.

"Grandfather was just being polite to them," Yan Rushan snorted. "I thought he brought the wine as a formal gift, but I didn't expect..."

He didn't finish his sentence, and Zhong Yuxiu found it amusing. "It’s not like that. Old Master Yan isn't that kind of person. You all are just too nervous. I noticed Old Master Yan couldn't take his eyes off the wine earlier; I suspect he wanted a drink too."

He just hadn't wanted to ask, out of respect for his status as an elder.

"He can't have it. It makes him feel unwell and his legs ache," Yan Rushan said with a heavy expression.

"Alcohol makes his legs ache?"

Yan Rushan nodded.

"Then Old Master Yan might have gout. We’ll skip the wine, then." Zhong Yuxiu abandoned the idea of putting the bottles on the table and set them beside the sofa for Gou Dan to collect later.

Hearing the commotion, Yan Ruhai came out. "Brother, Sister-in-law, is it time to eat?"

"Yes, let's go." Taking the opportunity to respond, Yan Rushan held her hand and led her to the table.

The Old Master sat at the head of the table. To his left, in order, sat Yan Hejun, Song Man, Cheng Minglang, Luo Lijun, and Lin Kai. The two closest seats on his right were left empty; starting from the third seat were Wu Chao and Cao Zheng, with the last seat left vacant.

Yan Rushan pulled out the front two chairs for himself and Zhong Yuxiu, while Yan Ruhai took the final seat.

On the table, the hotpot broth bubbled incessantly, the fragrance wafting through the air.

Zhong Yuxiu pointed to the various seasonings at the end of the table. "I wasn't sure what flavors you all prefer, so I had to leave it to you to prepare your own."

"No problem, no problem! 'Self-reliance brings abundance,'" Luo Lijun chimed in, sliding the bowls of seasonings toward the head of the table so the Old Master could go first.

Yan Guofeng smiled and ladled a little of each, followed by Yan Hejun and Song Man, with the others taking their turns.

By the time it reached Yan Rushan, he was last—whether by accident or intentional teasing, it was hard to say.

Zhong Yuxiu smiled, pressing her lips together, though Yan Rushan didn't take it to heart. Once everyone had prepared their dipping sauces, they waited for Yan Guofeng to start before beginning their meal.

"Brother Yan, could you bring over a few more bowls?" Besides the seasonings, there were eleven spare bowls at the end of the table.

"Sure."

Yan Rushan got up and brought over six. Zhong Yuxiu personally ladled out some clear broth and handed it to Yan Rushan. "Give this to Old Master Yan. It’s chicken soup simmered with ginseng; it’s good for him since he’s not feeling well."

The remaining bowls were distributed by Yan Rushan to his parents and the brothers nearby.

"Thank you." Yan Rushan placed the bowl in front of the Old Master. "Grandfather, this is soup Yuxiu ladled for you. It’s ginseng chicken soup—you should have some to nourish your vitality."

"Ah, thank you, Yuxiu." The Old Master felt deeply touched; of everyone at the table, only his future granddaughter-in-law had thought of him first.

Zhong Yuxiu replied with a smile, "You’re welcome. Just let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to eat, and I’ll fetch it if you can't reach it."

The long table held both clear broth and spicy red oil, which were a bit of a reach.

"Alright, bring me some beef and some greens," the Old Master said with a nodding smile.

Zhong Yuxiu personally scalded some beef and greens and placed them before him. The Old Master’s face beamed, and he didn't stop smiling for the rest of the meal.

Yan Hejun was deeply moved, frequently picking up food and blanching meat for his father. Seeing the Old Master in such high spirits, Luo Lijun finally relaxed as well. In the end, the hotpot feast was a warm and joyous affair.

After the meal, Gou Dan served them cups of herbal tea to cool the system. The aroma was rich, and the tea felt refreshing to drink.

"Refreshing," Wu Chao couldn't help but sigh.

Cheng Minglang nodded slightly, satisfied with the tea. They had all focused on the spicy red oil broth and hadn't touched the clear one; the spicy pot was delicious but prone to causing "internal heat." This tea was the perfect remedy.

"Sister-in-law, you really have a lot of good things here. Even the tea is special," Cao Zheng praised repeatedly.

"Everything at Yuxiu’s place is truly excellent. After a meal like this, I don't want to leave," Song Man said, looking at Zhong Yuxiu with a smile.

Zhong Yuxiu beamed. "I’d love it if you, Brother Yan, and the Old Master came over to eat often—and bring Xiao Hai along, too. And all of you, if you want to come, just let me know in advance and leave the ingredients with Gou Dan; you're welcome anytime."

"Then I’ll definitely be coming over often," Cao Zheng said quickly.

"Me too."

"Count me in."

The young men chatted back and forth, the atmosphere lively and bright. Yan Guofeng was happy; being around such vibrant youth reminded him of his own younger days.

Amidst the laughter, the young men helped Gou Dan clear the table and take the bowls to the kitchen. Finally, the gas was turned off, and the broth ceased its bubbling.

"Sister-in-law, how about we do this again tonight? There’s still so much broth left."

At Wu Chao’s suggestion, everyone looked eager.

"No, we won't be coming back tonight; we’re already too full. If we eat like this for dinner, we won't be able to sleep," Song Man declared.

Yan Ruhai said, "Mom, if you aren't coming, I will."

Song Man laughed and scolded him, telling him to do as he pleased.

"I’m an old man; it's time to head back for my afternoon nap," the Old Master said, standing up.

Yan Rushan reached out to support him. "..." That was a flimsy excuse.

The Old Master smiled, kind and amiable. "Yuxiu, thank you for your hospitality! I’ll come again in the future."

"Won't you sit for a while longer?" Zhong Yuxiu asked.

"No, I can come whenever I like now. Our homes aren't far apart; it's a quick trip back and forth." The Old Master shook his head, declining.