Once seated, the surroundings filled with laughter and chatter. The general atmosphere seemed to quieten momentarily with Gu Qingcheng's arrival, but quickly resumed its liveliness.
They blended into the crowd as smoothly as oil into water, soon becoming one with their surroundings.
Everyone sat on the ground, cushioned by bamboo mats. Low tables were placed before them, laden with wine, white flatbreads, fried peanuts, fried sunflower seeds, and crisp sugar, filling the tables abundantly.
And before several tables, a sheep was roasting over a fire.
In truth, by this time, eating roast mutton was no longer the most important thing. This atmosphere was what everyone cherished and longed for.
With so many villagers present, they snacked on seeds, chatted, and raised their cups in hearty toasts, each occupied with their own enjoyment.
Gu Qingcheng also urged Xiao Bao and the others to eat and drink freely.
Initially, they were reserved, but gradually they relaxed, their expressions becoming more at ease.
Qin Yue and Gui Xiang even came over to greet them, and offered them drinks.
The most people came to toast Gu Qingcheng, a testament to their affection for him among the villagers.
Of course, there was no longer the bad practice of downing glasses one after another. Everyone simply took light sips, just for the gesture.
By now, the sky had completely darkened. The roast whole lamb was nearing readiness. Those in charge of the roasting began to slice off golden-brown pieces from the surface, placed them on plates, and delivered them to each table.
Gu Qingcheng and Dai Fa's table was naturally the first to receive a plate of roast whole lamb.
Gu Qingcheng tasted a slice, dipped it in homemade chili sauce, and found it incredibly delicious.
The lamb was from their own flock, raised entirely on grass. Therefore, though the meat was rich and tender, it had no gamey odor. It first offered a sensation of crisp, crackling surface, then the meat melted in the mouth like ice cream.
"You all eat too."
Gu Qingcheng picked up the plate and handed it to Xiao Bao and the others beside her.
They were overwhelmed by the gesture.
Arriving at the roast whole lamb feast, they realized that Gu Qingcheng possessed more influence than they had imagined.
This entire village obeyed this seemingly harmless young man.
And yet, he treated them with such consideration?
Without any hint of disdain?
Recalling Gu Qingcheng's earlier words of protection, they gradually began to feel that he wasn't just saying pleasantries to comfort them, but genuinely sympathized and wanted to help them.
Xiao Bao boldly raised her cup to Gu Qingcheng:
"Young Master Gu, we will surely become strong as you advised, and live well in Phoenix Village."
"Young Master Gu, you saved our lives. Please let us stay in Phoenix Village forever. We have no face to live if we return home. This is our only retreat."
Seeing Xiao Bao take the lead, the other women also bravely came forward to offer toasts and express their feelings.
"Don't worry. Live well in Phoenix Village. You will not only work, but you can also build new families here and find your own new happiness."
Gu Qingcheng, slightly tipsy, became more open and encouraged them.
The women were stunned.
A new life?
Were they worthy?
But listening to Young Master Gu's tone, he did not seem to be mocking them.
Gu Qingcheng knew they didn't believe him, but time would prove everything.
After drinking with everyone, they retreated with satisfaction and began to eat the meat slowly, reflecting on Gu Qingcheng's words, their eyes seeming to gain a glimmer of light.
Qin Yue also came over to chat with them.
Gu Qingcheng instructed Qin Yue to interact more with them and help them overcome their inner demons.
Qin Yue told them many stories of the villagers.
It turned out that everyone in this village had a heavy past.
But now, they could let go of their burdens and live joyfully.
It seemed they could too.
As Qin Yue left their table, her expression was relaxed, because she could feel that these sisters who had endured hardship had begun to open up.
Xiao Bao, from a distance, saw a strong-looking man follow Qin Yue after she left.
To Xiao Bao's utter astonishment, the man put his arm around Qin Yue's waist, and Qin Yue did not resist. On the contrary, she smiled sweetly at him.
So that's how it was...
Everyone, after enduring hardship, still had the right to choose happiness.
The aroma of roast whole lamb permeated the air. Everyone ate heartily, drinking from large bowls.
Gu Qingcheng, after eating his fill, returned home first.
She took a fragrant osmanthus essential oil bath, changed into dry, clean clothes, and comfortably lay on the bed, catching up on dramas.
Fortunately, she had been quite dedicated when she was in the shooting team, dedicating most of her free time to archery. Therefore, she had no time to watch most of the popular dramas back then.
So now, when she binged shows, she had basically not seen any of the popular ones, which was great.
Xiao Lang Sai Hu scratched at the door. Gu Qingcheng called out, but didn't open it to let him in.
Sai Hu now ran all over the village. If he came inside, he would definitely jump on her bed.
Sai Hu whimpered pitifully at the door.
Gu Qingcheng couldn't bear it and opened the door, saying:
"You can't jump on my bed, understand? You can only lie at the foot of the bed."
Sai Hu seemed to understand her words and indeed lay at the foot of the bed, not daring to get on it.
Gu Qingcheng pulled up the quilt and contentedly continued watching her drama.
Lying on the bed, she could still occasionally hear cheerful singing from the village.
After a long while, she seemed to hear the sound of Mi Guo returning.
She got up to check, worried that Mi Guo might be drunk.
Mi Guo was energetic. He hadn't drunk much, just eaten a bellyful of lamb.
"Sis, you're not asleep yet?"
Mi Guo said cheerfully.
Gu Qingcheng replied, "No, I was worried you'd had too much to drink."
"I wouldn't drink. I'm still a child."
When Mi Guo was dealing with important matters, he acted like an adult, but now he claimed to be a child.
He was truly cunning, knowing how to protect himself.
Gu Qingcheng chuckled and said,
"Get some sleep early!"
"Sis, I noticed several new couples have formed in the village. Everyone was exchanging glances at the banquet. It's quite interesting, haha."
Mi Guo was also quite gossipy.
"That's a good thing. How about the village organizing a mass wedding?"
Gu Qingcheng had an idea.
In the early stages of the village, it was difficult for everyone to come up with money for weddings. A lively mass wedding would not only be ceremonial but also save everyone money.
"That's a great idea. Uncle Dai from the village can propose it, and people can sign up. Those who want to participate can pick a good day, and we'll hold it collectively."
Mi Guo's gossipy instincts ignited, and he strongly agreed.
The brother and sister found new inspiration and discussed it.
Mi Guo said that Liu Cui and Wu Sheng were whispering to each other, appearing intimate, while Qin Yue and Liu Ding were also chatting and laughing. As for Huang Wenming and Gui Xiang, it went without saying; they were already engaged and were even more unreserved, their eyes locking in front of everyone.
Of course, as role models, they did not descend into vulgar speech.
The next evening.
After dinner, Gu Qingcheng asked Mi Guo to strike the bell to summon all the team leaders.