Old Man Fu nodded in agreement. “Yes, let’s wait a little longer.”
The person Fu Jingwei had addressed as “First Master” was Wenren Bo, the former Dean of the Guangzhou Branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He had studied in Germany, specializing in mechanical and electronic engineering.
His “Second Master” was Chu Feiyang, the former Dean of the Southern Institute of Foreign Languages. He had lived in various countries in his youth and was fluent in five languages: English, Russian, French, German, and Japanese, with countless students under his tutelage.
His “Third Master” was Hu Mingxuan, the former Director of Southern Hospital. He was also a successful returnee from overseas studies, famously known as “The Scalpel of Western Medicine.”
Old Man Fu, Old Lady Fu, and these three were all childhood friends of similar age. Coming from well-to-do families, they had collectively agreed to go abroad to acquire knowledge and return to serve their motherland once their studies were complete.
They had all succeeded. Through their hard work and struggle, they became renowned figures in their respective fields and held vital positions in various national departments upon their return. Even though they had endured setbacks and hardships over the past few years, their hearts remained with the country. They believed the nation would never truly abandon such capable talent. As long as they persevered, they would soon see the dawn of hope.
Fu Jingwei had arrived in the countryside as an Educated Youth at the age of sixteen. He was now twenty-three, having stayed for over seven years. During this time, he had been studying under his grandparents and his three masters. Naturally gifted and brilliant, he had already acquired a formidable set of skills.
Had it not been for his concern that no one would be there to care for the health and well-being of his grandparents and masters, he would have had numerous opportunities to return to the city. He had turned them all down.
Now, as the national situation began to improve, Fu Jingwei, like his elders, believed that the “dawn” was nearly upon them. The friends of his grandparents and masters were already working hard to arrange their return to the city. He believed there would be results soon.
While the elders were enjoying Jun Ning’s delicious food and praising her constantly, Fu Jingwei returned to Jun Ning’s house.
Every member of the Educated Youth station had arrived, with the sole exception of Lin Qingqing. Even Gu Xiangwen and Wang Xiaohu, who had taken Lin Qingqing to the hospital, were present.
When Fu Jingwei arrived, Gu Xiangwen was complaining to the group about the drama Lin Qingqing had caused over the last two days, from the health clinic all the way to the Yucheng Hospital. Hearing that even the doctors at Yucheng Hospital had lost their patience with her, the other youths were speechless. They felt as though Lin Qingqing was possessed; she had become completely unreasonable. Even the original male protagonist of the story, Qin Yan, felt his perception of her shifting, triggering a series of butterfly effects later on.
Just then, the Old Branch Secretary and the Production Brigade Leader arrived, carrying gifts. Jun Ning and the others quickly greeted them and ushered them to the seats of honor.
The large “Eight Immortals” table and long benches were items Jun Ning had pulled from her spatial dimension. She had used her wood-element powers to craft them in the style of the era, intentionally “weathering” them to make them look like second-hand goods. The table was perfectly sized for the group—full, but not overly crowded.
Xiao Yanru asked casually, “Ah Ning, this table is quite nice. Where did you buy it?”
Jun Ning offered a ready excuse. “I saw someone selling old furniture at the market today. I thought it was a perfect fit, so I bought it and had someone help me deliver it straight home.”
It was a simple lie, and no one was going to waste time investigating it. Xiao Yanru didn’t give it a second thought, let alone suspect Jun Ning wasn’t telling the truth.
Jun Ning brought out two bottles of white liquor and two bottles of fruit juice to entertain her guests. “Come, come! Those who like liquor, have liquor. Those who prefer juice, have juice. Don’t be formal with me!”
The others joked with her, “Ah Ning, we aren’t being formal today. We’re here to feast at the expense of the ‘wealthy’!”
“That’s right! We’re counting on this meat dish of yours to satisfy our cravings. Right, everyone?”
The crowd roared in laughter, “Right!”
Xiao Yanru laughed loudly, “Ah Ning, I want juice! Come on, pour me a glass.”
Jun Ning was used to bantering with her. She didn’t indulge her this time and said directly, “If you want food or drink, do it yourself! As the Leader said: ‘Use your own hands to provide ample food and clothing.’ Help yourselves. I’m going to pour drinks for the Branch Secretary and the Brigade Leader first.”
As Jun Ning reached for the liquor bottle, Fu Jingwei quickly took it from her hand. “Ah Ning, let me pour the liquor for the elders. You pour the juice for the ladies.”
Jun Ning smiled and agreed. “Alright, you handle the liquor, and I’ll handle the juice.”
Watching the natural and effortless coordination between the two, the others began to wonder. Since when did their relationship become so good? They have the vibe of an old married couple.
Jun Ning’s senses were sharp. Seeing everyone’s eyes darting between her and Fu Jingwei, she immediately knew what they were thinking. She had no intention of explaining or correcting them. If she spoke up to explain, it would only look like she had something to hide. It was better to say nothing and let them wonder.
Once everyone’s glasses were filled, Fu Jingwei raised his glass first. “Come, let’s all toast to Ah Ning. Happy housewarming! May your days be prosperous and everything go exactly as you wish!”
Everyone stood up, raising their glasses and offering beautiful blessings:
“Ah Ning, may everything go smoothly and all your heart’s desires come true!”
“To your health and prosperity, Ah Ning!”
“May your life get better and better, filled with happiness!”
Xiao Yanru added with a laugh, “Ah Ning, I wish for you to find your Mr. Right soon and have a lifetime of happiness!”
Jun Ning gave her a playful, mock glare and smiled at the group. “Thank you, everyone. I also wish you all happiness and a better life ahead. Come, cheers!”
“Cheers!”
Their glasses clinked together. Hearts full of hope for life and the future, they tilted their heads back and drained their drinks.
The table full of dishes successfully made everyone salivate. Xiao Yanru asked with admiration, “Ah Ning, where did you manage to get so many meat dishes?”
Jun Ning knew everyone wanted the answer to that. She replied with a smile, “I went to the market today and happened to run into a couple with a small truck full of meat and eggs. The rabbit and lamb were also from the market. I took the chance to buy quite a bit.”
This explanation raised no suspicions. They all frequented markets; usually, if villagers had extra poultry or livestock and needed cash, they would take them to the market to trade. It was common to go to the markets or directly to other villagers to find something special to eat.