"I, I can't," Shen Futang said, shaking his head like a rattle drum at Chen Yang's words. He knew nothing about business.
"Dad, I'm not asking you to take over right now. After this week, even if the four communes combined could collect a thousand or two thousand catties a day, that would be remarkable," Chen Yang said. "After August, it'll be even less. If you don't do it, I'll give it to Uncle Two and the others."
Before Chen Yang finished speaking, Shen Futang's face hardened. This business was started by his son-in-law; how could he let outsiders have it? "You dare? It's just collecting a few fish. My father ran a winery back then and managed dozens of people. I was at least the young master of a winery."
Seeing his reaction, Chen Yang knew there was no problem with his father-in-law. Shen Guangfu and the others, though regretting it, had no objections. This business was Chen Yang's to begin with, and he was giving it to his father-in-law, which no one could fault. Besides, they had already earned a lot of money following Chen Yang; one should be content and not lose their conscience.
"Dad, let's not talk about that for now. Today is the topping-out ceremony. You have to handle this banquet properly. This is a big deal," Chen Yang glanced at Shen Xue. The man couldn't quite gauge his wife's mood. In the morning, he had inexplicably slapped her, and Shen Xue hadn't spoken to him since. However, he also felt his wife's gaze flicking towards him from time to time.
Unsure of Shen Xue's emotions, Chen Yang decided to quickly implement the tasks she had previously assigned him. He clearly remembered that Shen Xue had promised to reward him handsomely tonight. Shen Xue had always been very shy. Since her rebirth, it was rare for her to be so proactive, and the man didn't want it to go to waste.
"Rest assured, I've already invited Old Man Xiong from Xiongjiagang to be the chef. He's a master chef in our ten-mile radius," Shen Futang said proudly. "I'll go to the county town to buy meat. We'll slaughter our chickens today too. I guarantee that no one attending our topping-out banquet will dare to say our family is not presentable."
Upon hearing Chen Yang mention the topping-out ceremony, Shen Futang immediately puffed up with pride. Even when he got married young, Shen Futang hadn't felt this distinguished. With his son-in-law hosting this banquet, who would see him, Shen Futang, in the future without giving him a thumbs-up?
"Dad, I've also contacted the county's film projectionist. Tonight, we'll invite everyone in the village to watch a movie to liven things up. When it's time for the banquet, please inform everyone," Chen Yang knew his father-in-law cared about face. Because of collecting fish, he had already gained enough fame throughout the commune, so he decided to let his father-in-law have this moment of glory.
"Let these old folks call me grandpa, haha! I never thought I'd get to invite the whole village to watch a movie in my lifetime. My father couldn't achieve this with such a large winery, but my son-in-law did!" Shen Futang's face almost split into a smile when he heard they would also be watching a movie tonight. In those days, once it got dark in the countryside, there was virtually no entertainment. Watching a movie would likely draw people from all over the ten-mile radius, and his son-in-law was bringing him so much face. The joy of watching a movie also dispelled the gloom of the reduced fish collection. Zheng Weiguo and Liu Maosheng kept asking which film would be shown.
When Shen Futang went to buy groceries, Chen Yang realized his father-in-law had truly put in a lot of effort this time. "Old Man Xiong is making the 'Eight Delicacies of Anhui' today," he said. "Braised pig skin, braised pork belly, braised chicken, soup-boiled meatballs, sweet-and-sour fish slices, eight-treasure rice, plus two vegetarian dishes. Anyone who sees this feast will lick their lips." The origin of the "Eight Delicacies" is complex, with many regions having their own versions. The Anhui version gained fame from Su Dongpo's time as prefect of Yingzhou, when his friend Mi Fu visited and inscribed "Eight Delicacies." There were also specific customs for eating during the feast; the fish served by the host could not be finished, and some had to be left for the host, symbolizing leftover wealth. Chen Yang had only tasted this renowned "Eight Delicacies" when he returned to Liuhe County after achieving success in his previous life and invested in supporting the local economy, with the local leaders hosting a banquet. Of course, the "Eight Delicacies" of later generations had been refined through countless culinary studies and developments, with variations in dishes and preparation methods compared to today. However, looking at the excited faces of the villagers at the topping-out ceremony, Chen Yang knew that their feast would likely be talked about in Shenjiaba Village for many years to come.
"Eat well and drink well. My son-in-law said there's enough tobacco and food, but be careful with the alcohol," Shen Futang announced. "It's not that I, Shen Futang, am stingy and can't afford more wine. Tonight, my son-in-law has invited the county's film projectionist to show a movie from seven to nine in the evening. Don't blame me for not warning you if you fall asleep and miss it." Shen Futang looked at the impressive new blue-brick tiled house behind him, feeling even happier than when he got married. Upon hearing his words, the villagers, who were already delighted with the good food and wine, broke into even wider smiles. Watching a movie was a rare treat. Some women were already thinking of telling their parents and brothers at their maiden home so they could move their stools early to secure a good spot in Shenjiaba. The men who had been preparing to pair their meat with a drink and then have another glass, without needing their wives to pinch them, consciously moved away the wine jars on the table, leaving only what had already been poured into their bowls. They could drink wine anytime, but if they missed the movie, who knew when they would get to see one again. Chen Yang had underestimated how exciting watching a movie was for people of that era. Especially in Shenjiaba Village, they hadn't had a proper movie for several years because they hadn't hosted the projectionist well last time.
...
"Bread will be provided, milk will be provided, everything will be provided..." The threshing ground at the entrance of Shenjiaba Village was packed with people. Many who couldn't find a place to sit simply climbed onto the haystack, all gazing intently at the screen. The entire village was so quiet that only the sound of the movie could be heard. Having experienced the era of 3D movies and even VR scene playback, Chen Yang never imagined that an old black-and-white movie with a blurry screen where one could barely make out the figures would be so captivating. Entertainment options were truly scarce in those days. Chen Yang's family naturally had the best viewing spot. Shen Xue was leaning in his arms, holding the baby. Both of them, with their four eyes, were shining brightly as they watched the screen. "Husband, bread will be provided, milk will be provided, and everything will be provided," Shen Xue said deeply to Chen Yang, tears streaming down her face as she watched the character on the screen. Many literate people who understood a bit of culture were also reciting along. Their eyes were filled with tears. This was a unique emotion of the people of that era, their yearning for a full stomach and an ideal life! Even Chen Yang couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion in this scene. Life would surely get better! "Silly girl, with me here, our life will definitely get better and better. Bread and milk will all be provided!" Chen Yang stroked Shen Xue's hair, embracing her. Leaning in his arms, Shen Xue finally couldn't help but burst into tears. She had always carried a knot in her heart, and without resolving it, she could never forgive herself. Back then, she lacked the ability, but now that bread and milk would be available, could she truly make amends for the mistakes she made?