As evening fell, it was quickly approaching half-past six. Li Haochen was busy reducing the sauce for the lamb chops.
Outside, Murong Yanran was arranging stools and bowls. In the center of the large turntable, a white, a red, and a milky-white bottle were placed, just like at a wedding banquet. All that was missing were two packs of Hong Shuangxi cigarettes and a plate of pre-meal mochi buns.
By seven o'clock, all the delicious dishes were prepared. After calling Xie Baolian to inform her that they had arrived at the village entrance, Li Haochen and Murong Yanran began carrying out the dishes.
The stewed soup and goose were too heavy, so Murong Yanran had to carry the smaller, individual dishes.
In the courtyard outside, apart from the fish that was still steaming, all the other dishes had been served, and the guests had taken their seats in order. At this moment, Xie Baolian arrived with Ling Hanfeng.
Ling Hanfeng had changed into ordinary casual clothes. From a distance, he looked no different from any other middle-aged man. However, upon closer inspection, the aura of someone who had held a high position for a long time was evident. This wasn't something he deliberately exuded; it was an inherent presence from spending so much time in such a role.
Dai Changrun's family were not from Binhai and didn't know who Ling Hanfeng was, so they were quite at ease.
He knew Xie Baolian. Li Haochen called her "Mom," so the man holding her hand as they entered must be her father. Dai Changrun, excited, walked over and shook Ling Hanfeng's hand to express his gratitude.
The others were a bit more reserved. They recognized Ling Hanfeng as a familiar face frequently seen on screen at the Binhai television station. They hadn't expected to share a meal with him. While excited, their minds were filled with questions. What was going on? Was Aunt Lian the mayor's wife? Li Haochen had never mentioned it.
"Coming, coming!"
At this moment, Li Haochen came out of the kitchen carrying the freshly steamed grouper.
"Mom, Dad, please take your seats."
They naturally took the head seats. Just as they sat down, a hurried voice called out from outside, "Sorry, we're late."
Who else could it be but Liu Zijun, arriving in such a flustered manner?
However, she was quite surprised when she saw Ling Hanfeng. Just as she was about to speak, Ling Hanfeng said, "What a small world, Miss Liu. Hehe."
"Indeed, it's so small, Mr. Mayor. It's a bit hard to believe."
"?"
"Zijun, you know Uncle Ling?"
Not only Murong Yanran, but Li Haochen and Xie Baolian were also astonished.
"I met the Mayor at the Youth Entrepreneur Investment Promotion and Exchange Conference."
"Uh, you have that title too? How come I can't tell?" Li Haochen said with a playful smile.
"You two lovebirds are always busy facing the sea and blooming in spring, so you don't remember me anymore. I've opened ten branches already and am a major taxpayer now, aren't I, Mr. Mayor,嘻嘻!"
With the fearless and lively Liu Zijun around, the atmosphere was certainly good. She didn't feel too constrained even in front of Ling Hanfeng, especially after a couple of drinks. No matter the mayor, he was just a middle-aged man with two legs.
It was a rare moment of relaxation, and Ling Hanfeng was able to mingle with them.
As the mayor, he was very busy with official duties. When the meal was almost finished, he exchanged pleasantries with everyone and then left his seat. Before leaving, he pulled Li Haochen aside to walk with him for a bit.
"You're doing a great job with the rural revitalization. There are too many people watching here, so I can't help much. If you need anything in Xinning, just find Old Liu. I've already spoken to him."
"Mm, I understand. Thank you, Dad."
"Go back and join them. They are a group of good friends. Keep up the good work!"
Ling Hanfeng patted Li Haochen on the shoulder with great satisfaction. At this moment, Xie Baolian came down with the car, gave a few more instructions, and then drove back to their grand residence behind the high walls.
Back at the table, the atmosphere was still lively. Glasses were raised, and toasts were exchanged. During the feast, the Dai Changrun couple left first, as they were older and couldn't stay up late.
Young Dai Zirui naturally stayed behind. A young man who went out to sea every day couldn't just focus on making money.
After three drinks, he was already calling Chen He and the others his brothers.
A while later, Liang Minfeng also returned home with Zhang Guifang. Pregnant women get sleepy and shouldn't stay up late. When they left, they took the chicken and the sea grouper with them.
Those who stayed naturally continued the party. After finishing the white and red wines, they moved on to the yellow ones.
The banquet lasted until one in the morning. Everyone was quite drunk, and their steps were unsteady. Fortunately, they had people to look after them. They refused to stay overnight, but cars were readily available at the village entrance.
Li Haochen, suppressing his drunkenness, escorted them to the village entrance. After watching them get into their cars, he turned and walked back towards the villa.
Upon returning, Murong Yanran was tidying up the leftover pots, bowls, and remnants of the feast.
"I'll do it."
"I can handle it. You've been busy all day, sit down and rest. I'll be done soon!"
Li Haochen was shooed to a stool on the side. Now that he sat down, the drowsiness washed over him, and in a daze, he slumped onto the table and fell asleep.
She worked until almost three o'clock and finally finished cleaning. Without taking a moment to rest, she painstakingly helped the sleeping Li Haochen back to the room.
She drew a basin of hot water and undressed him completely. Blushing slightly, she glanced at him. There was no need for embarrassment; it wasn't as if she hadn't seen him before. They had already been intimate. Wringing out a hot towel, she began to wipe his body.
A few minutes later, after helping Li Haochen get dressed, she went in to take a shower.
She came out and lay down beside the soundly sleeping Li Haochen, pinched his nose, and murmured sleepily, "I was ready, but you got drunk again."
She kissed him and snuggled into his arms, falling asleep sweetly.
The next morning, she had thought that after missing a wonderful night, the gentle morning would also be very pleasant. However, the guy was still unrousable. Even when he stirred, he would just sway a couple of times and fall back asleep.
With a hint of resentment, she clenched her fist and glanced at a certain spot. She thought better of it, deciding that her lifelong happiness shouldn't be ruined.
After washing up, she went into the kitchen to get some noodles. After thinking for a few seconds, she put them back. Her resentment hadn't dissipated. "Hmph, you think I'll cook for you? Dream on. I'll starve you for a while."
As she left, she didn't forget to draw an angry bird on a sticky note and place it on Li Haochen's forehead.
Li Haochen finally woke up leisurely at noon. The mixed drinks had given him a terrible hangover. His temples throbbed as if they were going insane. His throat was extremely dry, and his stomach felt like he might vomit, making him extremely uncomfortable.
He ran to the kitchen and drank a few mouthfuls of cool boiled water, which made him feel a little better. He walked into the bathroom, about to wash his face. "What is this?"
He took it down to look. "Angry Bird? What does this mean?"
He didn't think much of it. His head was throbbing terribly. He set the note aside, filled the washbasin to the brim, and submerged his entire head in it. A cool sensation spread throughout his brain. He surfaced, wiped his face with his hands, and finally felt a bit more awake.
He came out of the bathroom and ran back into the kitchen. After rummaging around, there was no sign of breakfast, only the leftover stewed goose and soup from last night. "Damn it, I'm getting lazier. She's not even cooking for me anymore. Just you wait until tonight, I'll assert my husbandly rights."