Upon hearing that there would be three high-quality meals throughout the entire Sunday, the onlookers erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.
At this point, no one cared whether Zhang Yuanlin was wicked or whether the Qin family had been deceived—the food was naturally the center of attention.
After Zhang Yuanlin finished speaking, everyone mentally calculated the costs.
The compound had about a hundred people, but they were divided into elders, adults, and children.
In other words, the average appetite of these hundred people was relatively low.
Elders had smaller appetites and ate less, while children had even smaller appetites and also didn’t eat much.
As for the adults, no matter how much they ate, could one person really eat as much as several others?
In any case, there were no such big eaters in the compound. If there were, they’d probably have starved to death by now.
In these times, most ordinary families lived frugally, carefully budgeting their expenses and unable to afford extravagance.
Except for those with family wealth or inheritance, of course.
And Zhang Yuanlin, the Cheat, was the only exception.
So, Zhang Yuanlin’s standard of three yuan per table was undoubtedly quite lavish.
Ten dishes, with a mix of meat and vegetables—just thinking about it made mouths water.
A standard of thirty cents per person—in normal times, that would be enough for a family of three to have a full meal.
It just wouldn’t include meat, but staples and vegetables could fill them up.
At this moment, the naive children were still finding it amusing, while the shrewd ones were already imagining what lavish dishes would be served and how to eat to get the best value.
However, those with actual experience at wedding banquets were calculating how large a container they’d need to clear all the leftovers from the table in one go.
Three yuan per table, with ten people including elders and children—there was no way they’d finish it, absolutely no way!
The inevitable outcome would be taking the leftovers home, and it would all come down to who was better prepared and more capable!
Zhang Yuanlin had no idea what was going through these people’s minds, and even if he did, he wouldn’t bother.
What business was it of his to worry about others packing up leftovers?
It would actually be better if they could clear everything, to avoid waste.
Although he wasn’t paying for this wedding banquet out of his own pocket, the money had still been earned through his own efforts, so of course it shouldn’t be wasted.
But while some were delighted, others were troubled.
The compound residents were overjoyed, eagerly fantasizing about feasting heartily next Sunday.
Jia Dongxu’s master, Yi Zhonghai, however, was exasperated.
“Zhang Yuanlin, you’ll definitely get your compensation, but you shouldn’t be pushing so hard!”
Jia Zhangshi, who hadn’t left yet, was so angry she could barely stand, gritting her teeth as she said:
“Zhang Yuanlin, you… you’re using our money for your wedding banquet? You have no shame!”
In response, Zhang Yuanlin shrugged and said with a helpless expression:
“First Elder, Jia Zhangshi, if I had any money, I wouldn’t be asking you for it!”
“In front of all these people, haven’t I made it clear enough? I haven’t saved up any money and can’t afford this banquet.”
“Originally, my uncle and aunt didn’t even insist on a banquet. I just wanted everyone to have a good time, otherwise I wouldn’t have made such a demand.”
Zhang Yuanlin’s words were flawless, leaving Yi Zhonghai momentarily speechless and unable to refute.
Beside him, Jia Zhangshi was also too furious to speak, swaying unsteadily as if she might collapse at any moment.
The Qin family knew full well how capable Zhang Yuanlin was and that he certainly wouldn’t lack such a small sum.
But since they were about to become family, how could they possibly expose him?
Moreover, the Jia Family was utterly detestable. Seeing that Zhang Yuanlin intended to use the compensation from the Jia Family to host a wedding banquet, the Qin Family was also very supportive.
However, this was the compound, and as outsiders, they couldn’t easily interject, so they could only watch Zhang Yuanlin’s performance.
Just as Yi Zhonghai was feeling embarrassed, Liu Haizhong, who had originally wanted to remain an onlooker but failed, also spoke up.
“Zhang Yuanlin, a man should know his own limitations. You have no money, yet you still want to host a wedding banquet—isn’t that overestimating yourself?”
He felt that he hadn’t shown the demeanor and authority of Second Uncle earlier, and this was a good opportunity.
As long as he could intimidate Zhang Yuanlin, his face as Second Uncle would be restored. After all, even First Elder hadn’t been able to outmatch Zhang Yuanlin!
Seeing Second Uncle speak up, Yan Bugui adjusted his glasses and added:
“Old Liu is right. As the saying goes, ‘Don’t take on porcelain work without a diamond drill.’ If you don’t have enough money, just drop it. The bride’s family didn’t even ask you to host a wedding banquet. Isn’t this just making a fool of everyone?”
Hah, in 1952, the Three Great Uncles were still quite united, all sticking together like peas in a pod!
But later on, as human desires and greed grew stronger, these Three Great Uncles would start pulling at each other and competing in secret.
Being second or third is no fun—being the boss is the most impressive!
Glancing at Liu Haizhong, who usually loved to act like a leader, and Yan Bugui, who appeared refined on the surface but was actually stingy and scheming, Zhang Yuanlin revealed his signature smile.
Polite, gentle, yet unfathomable.
But then, Zhang Yuanlin suddenly changed his expression and said sternly:
“What’s the matter? As the first among the younger generation in the compound to get married, it seems the Three Great Uncles aren’t very supportive of me!”
“Yes, my personal circumstances aren’t ideal, but I’ve thought it through carefully and have never made fun of anyone.”
“If the Jia Family had no money, I definitely wouldn’t have proposed hosting a wedding banquet. But since the Jia Family has money, why shouldn’t I do it?”
“Earlier, the Jia Family openly declared in front of the entire compound that they could buy a sewing machine—that alone would cost at least 140 or 150, right?”
“And I don’t believe the Jia Family hasn’t saved any money. Even if Jia Dongxu has no money, doesn’t First Elder have any? He’s your apprentice, not some stranger!”
“With such a rare joyous occasion in the compound, I thought it over and felt we should all celebrate together, so I mustered the courage to propose it.”
“But what do the Three Great Uncles do? Instead of supporting me, they try to sabotage it. Let me ask you, what are your intentions?”
“Is it that I, Zhang Yuanlin, don’t deserve this celebration, or is it that the neighbors in the compound don’t deserve to enjoy this meal?”
His voice was loud, his eyes fierce and authoritative. Zhang Yuanlin faced the Three Great Uncles up close, his presence overwhelming and his domineering side leaking.
Qin’s father and Qin’s mother nearly burst into applause and cheers. This retort was too fierce—their son-in-law was amazing!
Qin Huairu, on the other hand, was completely infatuated. Truly worthy of Brother Chen—this was just too handsome!
The compound residents were also intimidated by Zhang Yuanlin’s powerful presence, but they quickly realized that he was fighting for them to enjoy the wedding banquet!
Thus, more and more people spoke up in support of Zhang Yuanlin, adding pressure to Yi Zhonghai and Jia Zhangshi.
Jia Zhangshi was so furious she staggered and fell to the ground, her eyes rolling back.
“Quick, take Jia Zhangshi inside!”
Yi Zhonghai was completely overwhelmed. He suddenly found that he couldn’t even muster a single word to refute Zhang Yuanlin.
He was utterly crushed, with no chance to fight back.
The most outrageous part was that Zhang Yuanlin not only convinced others with reason but also secretly employed his own tactics, resorting to moral kidnapping!
It was clearly my apprentice’s mother who made the grave mistake, so how does it relate to me, his master?
Just because I have money, I must help Jia Dongxu cover the expenses?
At this moment, Yi Zhonghai’s mind was in complete chaos. He felt something was off but couldn’t pinpoint it right away.
“First Elder, please state your position. I don’t mind either way, but everyone is waiting!”
Zhang Yuanlin reined in his imposing demeanor, returning to calmness as he spoke with an air of nonchalance:
“Whether this wedding banquet can proceed, I’ll still defer to you. My tone was a bit agitated earlier, but I genuinely want everyone to enjoy this celebratory feast. I hope you can understand.”
Yi Zhonghai’s brain came to an abrupt halt. He stiffly raised his head, utterly shocked and numb to the point of questioning his entire existence.
Finally, I’ve finally figured out how Zhang Yuanlin morally kidnapped me!