The family banquet officially began in a joyous atmosphere.
The family gathered harmoniously, raising their glasses to wish for a better future.
The four sons of the Old Qin family, along with Li Ya, could all hold their liquor well.
"Mom, I remember you used to be quite good at drinking too. Since this is a rare family reunion, why don't we all have some Maotai?" Qin Chuan suggested.
"This wine is very smooth. Even if you get drunk, there won't be a bad hangover!"
"Is… is that okay?"
Jiang Cuihua instinctively looked at her husband.
She had learned to drink from her husband years ago, occasionally sharing a drink with him during leisure time to enhance their marital affection.
However, after the family's accident, Jiang Cuihua hadn't touched alcohol for a very long time.
"Auntie, you can drink? That's really surprising!" Li Ya said happily.
"Now I finally have a drinking companion, and I won't have to fight alone anymore."
Qin Shuren chuckled, "Drink up, we're all family! You're right, your mother hasn't had a drink in ages. Let's consider this a long-overdue relaxation tonight."
A hint of cheerfulness appeared on Jiang Cuihua's slightly wrinkled face. She said happily, "Did you hear that, you brats? Hurry up and pour your mother some wine."
"Got it!"
"Your son will pour you some right away!"
Qin Er Ge quickly grabbed the wine bottle and poured some for his mother.
"I want to drink too!" Wu Yanyan suddenly said.
"You can't drink, why do you want to drink?" Qin Yang glared.
Wu Yanyan showed a hint of grievance. "Everyone else is drinking spirits, and I'm the only one drinking juice. Doesn't that make me seem like I don't fit into this family? I… I can learn if I don't know how to drink!"
"At most, you drink one cup, and I'll drink half a cup."
Qin Yang was instantly speechless. He thought about it and realized there was some truth to her words. It was indeed a bit disharmonious for everyone to be able to drink except for his wife.
"If Yanyan wants to try, let her!" Jiang Cuihua said. "When your father and I first got married, I couldn't drink either, not a single drop."
"But after getting married, with your father, who loved to have a little drink now and then, and after his repeated persuasions, I gradually got used to drinking with him and my tolerance improved!"
Qin Shuren chuckled beside them, looking a little proud.
"However, we women are naturally weaker. In many aspects, we are far inferior to men. Whenever something happens, it's always us women who suffer. So, it's best to only drink at home, understand?"
"Especially for someone like Li Ya, who runs a business, there will inevitably be many social drinking events. When drinking outside, you must protect yourself and bring a few reliable confidants." Jiang Cuihua looked at Li Ya.
Li Ya quickly stood up and said, "Auntie, I understand!"
"Then let Yanyan try some tonight too. Pour her a glass." Jiang Cuihua said with a smile.
"Thank you, Mom!" Wu Yanyan was delighted.
"Come, let's toast together!"
"Cheers!"
The whole family raised their glasses.
Wu Yanyan took a small sip and immediately stuck out her tongue, fanning herself with her hand. This scene made the whole family laugh.
"Sister-in-law, is it good?" Qin Er Ge teased.
"It's so spicy! I really don't understand why you all like to drink something so spicy." Wu Yanyan's pretty face was flushed red.
"Sister-in-law, you don't understand. Alcohol is made from grain, and the more you drink, the younger you become!"
"Especially top-quality liquor like Maotai, drinking one or two taels a day can prolong life and protect your health."
"More importantly, from now on, you and my elder brother will have a shared hobby, just like Mom and Dad. It can enhance your marital communication..." Qin Er Ge winked, a mischievous smile on his face.
"You little brat, you're getting bold! How dare you make fun of your parents!" Qin Shuren playfully smacked Qin Er Ge on the head, making him almost duck under the table.
Sister-in-law Wu Yanyan's face turned red, and she secretly glanced at her husband. Unexpectedly, Qin Yang, who had always been honest and simple, was also secretly looking at his wife. Their eyes met, and they saw a strong spark in each other's eyes. Wu Yanyan quickly looked away, too shy to continue the gaze.
Time flew by, and before they knew it, the meal was nearing its end. The family had already finished three bottles of Maotai, and the fourth was opened. As expected, Sister-in-law Wu Yanyan was already drunk, leaning back in her chair, giggling foolishly. Mother Qin and Li Ya were also about seventy percent drunk, their faces flushed, and even Qin Shuren was feeling the effects.
Qin Chuan looked at his mother, who was tipsy and hazy, and felt that the time was right.
"Dad, Mom, our family's business is doing well now, and we're making money. Are there any acquaintances who often come to the supermarket to chat with you?" Qin Chuan asked.
Qin Yang, who was smoking at the time, suddenly looked up and froze.
Qin Er Ge, unaware of the underlying reason, thought it was just casual conversation.
"Yes… of course, there are!" Qin Shuren said with a silly, happy laugh. "Xiao Chuan, you have no idea. Since our family's business has grown so large, our reputation has spread for a hundred miles around. Everyone who knows us has come to find your mother and me."
"You should have seen their expressions and attitudes! Many relatives and people who used to look down on our Old Qin family are now extremely enthusiastic! Full of envy and jealousy. Every time I think about their attitudes, I feel so happy."
"Our Old Qin family no longer has to curry favor with others. We've completely turned the tables!"
"Come, for this, the four of us father and sons must have a toast!" Qin Shuren raised his wine glass, swaying, his face flushed. It was evident that he was genuinely happy. Which parent wouldn't be proud and honored by their son's success?
"Relatives, what relatives?" Qin Chuan keenly caught the keyword in his father's words. Qin Yang's eyes also flashed with a hint of shrewdness.
"Oh, what else? Just our family's relatives, your maternal grandfather, maternal grandmother, and your eldest aunt, second aunt… Woo…" Qin Shuren's mouth was suddenly covered by a hand. It was Jiang Cuihua, who had clearly had too much to drink.
Under the gaze of the three sons, a look of panic flickered in Jiang Cuihua's eyes.
"Um… your father is drunk, and I feel dizzy too. Let's end our family banquet for tonight."
"You all should go back quickly. You don't need to clean up these leftovers. I'll tidy them up tomorrow morning."
"Mom! It's still early, only ten o'clock." Qin Yang spoke up. "What did Dad mean just now? Maternal grandfather, maternal grandmother, eldest aunt, second aunt, did they also come to find you?"
"That… that…" Under the intense gaze of her three sons, Jiang Cuihua appeared flustered and at a loss. Her expression provided the best answer.
Qin Er Ge, who was completely unaware of the situation, breathed faster and faster, then suddenly slammed the table and stood up, his face contorted in anger.
"What did those people come to find you for?"
"How could they have the nerve to show up?"