CHAPTER 307: CHAPTER 235: BANQUET_2

Zhou Jiao blinked at him and smiled slightly. Zhang Guoqing chuckled, realizing it was clear that the person in front of him was even more excited, looking spirited and full of energy.

Zhang Guoqing said softly, "Later, there will be bear paws; you’re in for a treat. Anything else you want to eat?"

Zhou Jiao carefully looked around and whispered, "It would be great if there was Flying Dragon Soup."

"There should be some today; I just saw prepared Flying Dragon among the ingredients." He pondered to himself how rare it was for Jiao Jiao to like something, planning to pack everything up later.

After a moment, two young chefs started serving drinks and cold dishes. Zhou Xiaozheng invited everyone to sit down, then waved Zhang Guoqing over.

"Tonight, we can drink without worry. If we get drunk, there are a few non-drinkers at that table who can take us back. Ah Guang will stay at the guesthouse with the old men tonight, and we’ll head to the provincial city together tomorrow afternoon. Xiao Wu, fill up your great-uncle and others’ glasses."

Zhang Guoqing opened the wine jar and started pouring sorghum liquor for all the men at both tables, beginning with Mr. Cheng.

Lin Lishan, noticing him about to busy himself with pouring fruit wine, hurriedly said, "We women can take care of ourselves. You go to that table and keep the two old gentlemen from drinking too much."

Zhang Guoqing nodded and returned to his seat.

Zhao Chuan Guang, seeing him return, stood up with his wine glass and loudly said, "Brother Zheng, this first glass is to celebrate your escape from hardship, family reunion, and returning to your roots."

His words made everyone laugh heartily, and they all stood up to toast.

After finishing the first glass, everyone sat down. Zhao Chuan Guang, seeing Zhang Guoqing start pouring wine again, quickly praised, "My son-in-law is still the best; look how considerate he is. Xiao Wu, sit down, and we’ll help ourselves."

Holding the second glass, Zhao Chuan Guang stood up. "I have to say a few words with this second glass. I’m happy, truly happy tonight, finally seeing our family Jiao Jiao. Wife, let’s toast Brother Zheng and Sister-in-law, thank them for giving us a daughter."

Zhou Xiaozheng stood up, raising his glass. "You’re mistaken with those words. What do you mean we gave you a daughter? Remember, I’m her real father, and you’re not. Good brother, for the stack of paper money you send every year, let’s drink up."

Jin Hui Min laughed heartily after hearing that and quickly explained to everyone. After speaking, she stood up, clinking her glass with Lin Lishan’s loudly saying, "Brother Zheng, for your safe return, I’ll drink first as a sign of respect."

Zhao Dashan laughed heartily, "Well said, for Brother Zheng’s safe return, let’s all drink this glass."

After everyone finished drinking, Zhou Xiaozheng raised his glass again, "This third glass is to everyone; no need for words of thanks as they are in the drink."

After the three glasses of wine, the young chefs continued bringing in the hot dishes, and Zhou Xiaozheng hurriedly urged everyone to start eating to fill their stomachs.

Zhang Guoqing, with sharp ears, faintly heard Zuo Lin’s voice outside. Listening carefully, he caught sight of the two elders at the head of the table, suddenly realizing, and gestured silently to Zhou Xiaozheng, "Zuo Lin."

Zhou Xiaozheng understood, nodded, and watched him get up to open the door. Sure enough, he saw Zuo Lin holding a wine jar and Li Aiguo about to push the door open.

Zhang Guoqing quickly pulled them both inside by the hand, "Uncle Li, Uncle Zuo, luckily you came. My dad regretted this afternoon that you couldn’t join us because you were working. Come in quickly, Uncle Dashan took leave and didn’t go up the mountain, and I already pulled him over. Now that you’re here, this evening we truly won’t return unless we’re drunk."

Zhou Xiaozheng’s eyes twinkled with a smile, standing to instruct the server to add two chairs, pulling them to sit beside him and Zhang Guoqing.

"Sit quickly. Zuo Lin, where’s this wine from?"

Zuo Lin nodded and pointed at Zhang Guoqing.

Zhao Dashan gleefully shouted, "Fifty-year-old cellar, you’re just in time! Brother Cheng, Ah Guang, this is Zuo Lin’s stash of private wine, let’s drink it all up."

Li Aiguo complained to Mr. Cheng and Mr. Lin, "Why didn’t you tell us you came last night? We’ve been anxiously looking for you since the server reported it today. It was hard to find out you were heading to the village and when we got to Xiao Wujia, they said you returned to the county. We finally found Zuo Lin to know where Xiao Wu’s new place was, and upon arrival, the doors were shut. Luckily, we heard your cars went to the East Suburb, or we wouldn’t have found you."

Mr. Cheng smiled and reassured him, "You’ve indeed gone through a lot. This time we’re here on private matters, no need to trouble you. You’re already busy with work; no need to add to the local burden. Serve your own drinks, fill them up, and let’s continue."

Once two more chairs were added, everyone sat down, and Master Fatty personally brought in the bear paw.

"This is bear paw stewed with hen, simmered for two days, the old gentleman, give it a try."

Mr. Cheng opened the lid, releasing a rich aroma. He spooned a small bowl and added a piece of the meat with chopsticks. The fatty part melted instantly, while the remaining tendons were pleasantly chewy, easily breaking with a bite, leaving a lingering flavor. No wonder Mencius said, "Fish, I desire; bear paw, I also desire. But if I cannot have both, I will forsake fish for bear paw."

Everyone at the table got a small bowl, savoring the flavor enthusiastically.

Zhao Chuan Guang, sipping the soup, gave a thumbs up to Master Fatty. This craft was indeed excellent, perfectly seasoned, rich but not greasy. He thought of the bear paw the aunt made last time at home that tasted like pig trotters, what a waste.

Zhou Xiaozheng, observing that the two jars were quickly consumed and seeing his daughter sipping the soup with eyes half-closed like a contented kitten, felt immense joy and immediately asked Master Fatty, "Is there any more? Bring out two more jars."

Master Fatty, between laughter and tears, shook his head quickly. Just this one front paw, a rare find as it is.

After Master Fatty left, Jin Hui Min said quietly, "I always thought bear paw tasted like pig trotters, but it seems it all depends on the chef’s skills."

Old Mrs. Cheng laughed at her remark, "It’s stewed with hen and supplementary ingredients. If it’s braised bear paw, it does taste like pig trotters. The best taste is Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, though it’s hard to find these days."

Zhou Jiao, having been worn down by rice cakes to the point that any meat tasted good, recalled having Buddha Jumps Over the Wall in her space. She remembered Zhang Guoqing taking her to a private club once, where they were drawn in by the name and ordered a table full of dishes, ultimately packing up a large jar of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. They must have had a moment back then because half of the dishes were vegetarian. Nowadays, if someone spent a fortune to treat her to a half-vegetarian meal, she’d be frustrated. Memories not to be revisited.

Zhao Chuan Guang, after Zuo Lin and his companion had finished toasting, quickly said, "Zuo Lin, let’s pour that good wine you brought back. If my son-in-law cares about it, it must be good."

Zuo Lin, with a cheerful face, nodded repeatedly, pointing at Zhang Guoqing, "Xiao Wu, help Uncle Zuo pour the wine for everyone, let them all taste it. Don’t be stingy; your aunt has saved five pounds for you."

Overjoyed, Zhang Guoqing responded affirmatively, taking up the twenty-pound jar and began pouring. This required his strength, for he was the only one able, and with his substantial strength, it was no burden circling both tables.

Once he filled the glasses at both tables, the room was immediately filled with the fragrance of the wine. It was indeed vintage, with an intense aroma. Taking a sip revealed a sweet and mellow taste, surprisingly clean with no bitter aftertaste, earning unanimous praise from everyone. By the time the vintage wine was finished, everyone was flushed with excitement.

Zhao Chuan Guang rolled up his sleeves, slammed the table, and shouted, "Aside from the two old gentlemen, men, let’s play a game. Brothers, we won’t go home until we’re drunk tonight."

As his words ended, everyone got up to toast the two elders, then jovially hollered for Zhao Chuan Guang to take three glasses first.

Zhang Guoqing had already brought a few jars of wine to the table for everyone to help themselves while he took over holding the child, allowing Mother Zhang and the others to drink and eat. Once the child was fed with formula, the room was abuzz with cheers and toasts.

After three rounds of drinks, Zhou Xiaozheng left Zhang Guoqing to look after everyone, taking Zhou Jiao and the child back to the small courtyard first.