Chapter 106: Chapter 106: A Good Person Is Easily Bullied
The banquet had just started, and Gu Ruhai was going from table to table toasting everyone, making a few playful remarks.
It’s just a token of goodwill.
At this moment, Mr. Gu and Mrs. Gu finally arrived, fashionably late.
Gu Ruhai was pulled by Li Weimin, and only then did he realize that his parents were here, and he hurried up to greet them.
He then noticed it wasn’t just Mr. Gu and Mrs. Gu; his Second Uncle’s family, Third Uncle’s family, Big Aunt, and Little Aunt all came together too.
This was something Gu Ruhai didn’t expect.
Mr. Gu was a proud man. Ever since he divided the family, these uncles and aunts hadn’t kept in close contact, as none of them were easy to deal with.
How would Mr. Gu associate with such siblings and ruin his reputation?
Today was truly a rarity.
Gu Ruhai could only bravely invite this whole crowd to sit down. Seeing that there weren’t enough seats, Li Weimin and Li Weiqiang had the idea to add a few stools to each table, and they managed to sit down.
Adding tables was impossible.
But stools could still be added.
Mr. Gu and Mrs. Gu sat in the main seats, both looking quite pleased today, with their faces rosy and cheerful, as if they were truly here to celebrate their son.
Gu Ruhai sat next to Mr. Gu; this was probably the first time.
Beside him were Second Uncle and Third Uncle, with Big Aunt and Little Aunt on the other side.
Second Uncle Gu cheerfully looked at Gu Ruhai, saying, "Eldest Brother, your eldest son has truly achieved something. This house, I reckon, is one of a kind in the nearby ten villages."
Mr. Gu liked hearing this. His whole life was about earning a reputation, and with Gu Ruhai showing his capability today, Mr. Gu was pleased too.
In Mr. Gu’s mind, as long as someone could bring honor and glory to the Gu Family, he liked them, regardless of who they were.
No matter how much he used to dislike Gu Ruhai, now he was quite fond of him.
This was evident in his expression.
That doting gaze made Gu Ruhai feel uneasy inside.
Like melting spring water, Gu Ruhai had never experienced this kind of treatment in his life.
Besides being flattered, there was an underlying fear.
Mr. Gu chuckled, drank a cup of wine, and said, "Second Brother, Ruhai is the eldest son and grandson of our Gu Family. Isn’t it natural for him to bring honor to our ancestors? Eldest Son used to have a hard time, but now that he’s accomplished, I’m happy too."
Second Uncle Gu felt like swearing; damn it, they never praised Gu Ruhai like this a few years back. Everyone shuns the poor and loves the rich. Now that Eldest Son has money, suddenly he’s become their favorite in their parents’ hearts.
If he needed something from someone, why endure this embarrassment?
Holding back, he said to Gu Ruhai, "Ruhai, you’ve really developed skills. Your brothers can’t compete with you. Seeing you succeed also makes me happy."
Gu Ruhai poured drinks for the elders, saying, "Mom, Dad, Second Uncle, Third Uncle, Big Aunt, Little Aunt, you all coming is my good fortune. This house is a dream come true in my life, all thanks to my father-in-law’s support. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had the skill."
The present Gu Ruhai couldn’t be compared to the one before; he was much more thoughtful now. At least facing these relatives with unclear intentions, he had a sense of preparedness.
The uncles and aunts who hadn’t visited for years were suddenly here – who would believe they didn’t have an agenda?
When Gu Ruhai couldn’t make ends meet, no one came to visit.
Big Aunt immediately said, "Oh, Ruhai, if you put it like that, you’re doing your parents a disservice. Business success depends on the person; secret recipes aren’t everything. Some have good luck while others can’t make money from business. After all, it’s your parents who raised you well."
She directly placed Gu Ruhai in the position of the luckiest person.
Mr. Gu and Mrs. Gu nodded in agreement.
These words were pleasing to hear.
Mrs. Gu smirked, proudly saying, "Indeed, when I gave birth to the eldest, it happened during the autumn harvest. Elders said this child would be blessed and wouldn’t go hungry in the future. Now see, he has succeeded."
Gu Ruhai felt a bit embarrassed.
The meal proceeded with awkward bumps, finally finishing.
The village folks gradually dispersed in groups of twos and threes.
The village head and team leader also left.
Gu Ruhai escorted Mr. Gu, Mrs. Gu, and the whole clan of relatives who didn’t want to leave back inside the house, having to sit and chat with them.
He didn’t even have time to see off his father-in-law.
It was Gu Xiaoqing and Li Xuemei who saw him off.
Li Xuemei and the village women who helped tidied up the courtyard, returned the tables and stools, washed the dishes, and returned them to each household, giving a dollar as well.
The leftover meatballs, braised pork, and other leftovers, along with the steamed buns, were taken home by the women who helped – a gesture of goodwill and thoughtfulness.
Everyone was happy.
These things, even off season, were treasured items.
No one minded that much was left. People of that time didn’t look down on these things; it was all richness.
Everyone left happily.
Finally, a moment of peace.
Li Xuemei then brought the kids back inside.
The house was still filled with a heavy presence of elders.
They hadn’t left, not knowing what awaited.
Sure enough, as soon as Li Xuemei entered, the atmosphere felt off.
Everyone’s faces were gloomy.
Gu Ruhai also wore a stern expression.
As soon as he saw Li Xuemei enter, all eyes turned to her.
This focused attention made Li Xuemei shudder, feeling something was amiss.
Something unpleasant was about to happen.
She glanced at Gu Ruhai, trying to ask what was going on.
But then, Big Aunt spoke first.
"Elder Daughter-in-law, have a seat. We have something to discuss with you, as it concerns you too."
This made Li Xuemei even more uneasy.
Gu Xiaoqing pulled Gu Xiaojie to sit beside Li Xuemei.
This trend didn’t bode well.
It seemed like they were plotting against their mom.
Gu Xiaoqing couldn’t recall such an incident involving the Gu Family coming like this in her lifetime.
It must be some aftereffect of her rebirth.
In this life, she didn’t drop out to farm at home, so many things have changed, leading to today’s events.
Li Xuemei sat down, holding Gu Xiaojie in her arms, gaining some calm.
No fear, what’s there to be afraid of?
"Big Aunt, what’s the matter?"
You can’t avoid issues when they arise.
There was no way to avoid it.
Gu Ruhai’s head hung low; his face was dark, turning blue, when he suddenly stood up.
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Thanks to book friend 140618135223371 for the reward, much appreciated. Reiterating that I’m gathering material, and will maintain a certain speed in updates once online.