Li Haochen was overjoyed. He jumped down from the stone realm and ran over, asking in surprise, "Why did you guys come over?"
"To give you a surprise, happy?"
"Of course I'm happy. Come, let's go inside." Li Haochen, unable to contain his joy, pulled the two women towards the house.
Li Dehai and his wife, who were busy inside, saw Li Haochen leading two beautiful women in. They stopped their work, wiped their aprons, and walked over, "Haochen, who are these two?"
"Uncle, Aunt, let me introduce you. This is my girlfriend, Murong Yanran, and this is… my mother, Xie Baolian."
"Mom?" Li Dehai and his wife were stunned, looking at Li Haochen with surprise, waiting for his explanation.
"Sit down first, I'll explain everything slowly." Li Haochen pulled Murong Yanran and the others to sit down and began to explain the whole story.
After Li Dehai understood, he excitedly extended his hands and clasped Xie Baolian's, "Sister-in-law, thank you, thank you so much. This is Haochen's blessing."
"Brother, meeting Haochen is also my blessing. We are family now, don't be too distant."
"Right, right, family, hahaha."
Li Dehai laughed heartily, happier than if his own son were getting married. Li Suli, standing beside him, pulled Murong Yanran and examined her from head to toe, "So beautiful, even prettier than those on TV, and looks like she can have children easily. Haochen is so lucky."
This made Murong Yanran blush, unsure how to respond.
"Sister-in-law, I think so too…"
The two women seemed to have found common ground and kept chatting about Murong Yanran and Li Haochen, their conversation even bordering on the risqué, making Li Haochen and Murong Yanran want to escape.
Fortunately, the banquet was about to begin. Li Dehai and his wife prepared to go welcome guests. Xie Baolian and Murong Yanran each took out a large red envelope, "Uncle, this is our token of appreciation. Congratulations!"
"Sister-in-law, you can't do this. We are so happy you could come, please take it back."
"Uncle, this is their token of appreciation, quickly accept it." Li Haochen took the red envelopes and stuffed them into Li Dehai's hands.
"You child…"
As guests arrived one after another, Li Dehai and his wife thanked them and hurried out to greet them. Li Haochen also led Murong Yanran and the others to the banquet area.
An arched shed with tables and chairs was set up. Village banquets were usually like this, and they started quite early, typically around five o'clock. Unlike in the city, where preparations might drag on until eight in the evening, leaving guests famished and unable to eat much after snacking on appetizers.
As guests continued to arrive, soon, dozens of tables were mostly occupied. Not long after, the bride's relatives also arrived on time. Although they still had that air of superiority, a hint of a smile could be seen on their faces.
Even though they were not on the same page, they had become in-laws. Li Dehai forced a smile and went to greet them warmly. Surprisingly, the Zhuang family seemed less sharp than before, at least exchanging a few polite words, which made Li Dehai a bit unaccustomed.
As they sat down, the bride and groom also came out. The bride's parents, seeing Zhuang Xiaoxia wearing a pig pendant and gold bracelets on her wrists, also smiled. Their daughter had married with some prestige, and their impression of Li Haoyang and his family improved significantly.
Soon, expensive seafood dishes were served, along with decent cigarettes and alcohol, which made the Zhuang family's attitude change substantially. Even in their hometown of Modu, such a spread would be considered quite impressive.
With such luxurious and abundant delicacies, the banquet was a joyous occasion for all. The fourth aunt, who had been so eager to introduce her niece to Li Haochen the day before, lost her enthusiasm upon seeing Murong Yanran beside him.
After the banquet, Zhuang Xiaoxia was pulled aside by her mother for a private chat. Li Haoyang was also uncharacteristically called over by his father-in-law for a couple of drinks and some advice, which made him cry with joy.
"Alright, don't be like a child. You're about to be a father. Remember, if Xiaoxia is treated unfairly, I won't forgive you. Xiaoxia, Mom and Dad will be leaving tomorrow. Don't be late for your return visit on the third day. We'll arrange the banquet at home, so don't worry about it."
"Dad, Mom, you should go back and rest early. You have to catch a flight tomorrow," Zhuang Xiaoxia said with some reluctance.
"Alright, you two should also get some rest. Don't tire out my two grandsons. We're leaving, no need to see us off."
Witnessing this dreamlike transformation, Li Haoyang shed tears of excitement. He knew that all of this was thanks to Li Haochen, and this kindness was immeasurable.
At the same time, Li Haochen was saying goodbye to Murong Yanran and the others. "Yanran, Mom, I've arranged the hotel. You can head there now. Don't drive tiredly on your way back. If you're tired, rest at a service area before continuing your journey."
Murong Yanran held Li Haochen's hand, feeling a bit reluctant. "Are you going to Sanya tomorrow?"
"I'll leave in the afternoon. I need to visit an elder in the morning."
"Okay, we'll wait for your triumphant return at home." With that, Murong Yanran stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. She got into the car, rolled down the window, and looked at Li Haochen with deep affection.
"Son, we're leaving. Remember to video call us when you have time."
Back home, after washing up and drinking a cup of hot water, he lay down to rest. Busy all day and having drunk a lot, Li Haochen quickly fell asleep.
The next morning, Li Haochen washed his face and then took the specially prepared gifts towards the old downtown area. After about half an hour, he arrived at a stone-and-mortar staircase building with a nostalgic feel. Looking at the familiar hallway and the dim lights, he couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion. This place felt as familiar as home; he had visited countless times during his high school years.
"Knock, knock, knock…"
Composing himself, he knocked on the somewhat old, orange-yellow wooden door.
"Who is it?"
A very magnetic female voice came from inside. About ten seconds later, the wooden door slowly opened, perhaps the hinges were old, emitting a few harsh creaking sounds.
As the door opened, Li Haochen's eyes reddened as he saw the person before him, with white hair and a face that looked prematurely aged. He walked forward and hugged her tightly, "Teacher, I missed you."
"Good, very good!"
Liang Qiujin's eyes misted over. She raised her old reading glasses, which she had worn for many years, and wiped her eyes. She raised her hand to touch Li Haochen's forehead, but she couldn't reach. Li Haochen squatted down, allowing her to stroke his head.
"You've grown so much, Teacher can't reach you anymore, hehe. Come in and sit down."
"Mom, who is it?" A beautiful, gentle, and refined woman with a clear appearance walked out from the kitchen. As soon as she saw Li Haochen, she recognized him, "Haochen?"
"Sister Qing, long time no see. You're getting more and more beautiful, I almost didn't recognize you."
"It's different after going to university. Before, you'd blush if I said a few words to you. Now you've learned to be smooth-tongued."
Liang Qiujin was very happy to see Li Haochen. She took the apron from her daughter and prepared to cook a meal herself. "Haochen, stay for lunch today, okay."
"Teacher, I really miss the taste of your cooking. I came without even having breakfast."
"Alright, I'll cook all your favorites, hehe!"
"Mom… I'm jealous!"