109 Welcome Back, Lin Fan!
Qing City, Shanwu Village.
More than a decade ago, there was only a very narrow path that could lead to Shanwu Village.
Even if it was just a small car, it would be very difficult to pass through.
Of course, there were no small cars in Shanwu Village at that time.
Every time it rained, the path would turn into a mud pit, making it impossible to walk on.
More than ten years had passed, and two broad cement roads had been built in Shanwu Village. Many people had already started driving small cars.
This morning, in a small house in the middle of the village…
Lin Tao, Dai Weixue, and Lin Xiaoyao split up the work. They either wiped the tables, boiled water, pasted the word ‘longevity,’ on things, or hung lanterns… They were very busy.
It was obvious that this was Lin Fan’s hometown. It was also the place where he had lived before he turned 12.
Lin Xiaoyao said, “Dad, the word ‘longevity’ doesn’t look right. Turn it a little to the left. Yes, yes!”
Not long after, the whole house was covered with the word ‘longevity’ and hung up with red lanterns, making it look very festive.
Lin Xiaoyao took out her phone and took a few photos, her face full of smiles.
It was obvious that she was very satisfied with her ‘masterpiece.’
“Lil Fan said that he’ll be in charge of the ingredients and the chef. Why isn’t he back yet? He can’t be too late,” Dai Weixue said worriedly.
“That’s right,” Lin Tao said.
Lin Xiaoyao relaxed. “Dad, Mom, don’t worry. Since Brother said he’ll take responsibility, there won’t be any problems!”
When the morning sun shone through the cracks in the trees, a sound came from the distance.
Then, a huge Mercedes-Benz G-Class and a truck drove over slowly.
Lin Xiaoyao said happily, “Look, he’s back!”
The distance between Jiangbei City and Shanwu Village in Qing City was not far.
However, Lin Fan needed to buy some things.
In addition, he also had to arrange for the chefs’ accommodation.
Therefore, he did not come to Shanwu Village last night.
“Brother, what’s with that truck behind you?” Lin Xiaoyao walked over and asked.
Lin Fan replied, “It’s carrying the ingredients for the birthday banquet.”
At this time, the three chefs slowly moved all kinds of ingredients down.
Lin Tao followed to help and said, “We’ll be cooking outside today…”
After all, according to the plan, there were more than 20 tables today.
If they were to cook in the kitchen at home, it would be too crowded.
An old man with white hair and a thin body but a straight back walked out.
When Lin Fan saw the old man, his heart trembled as he shouted excitedly, “Grandpa!”
This old man was Lin Fan’s grandfather, Lin Liqiang!
In Lin Fan’s memory, his grandfather often wore a military green coat or a white short-sleeved shirt.
Today, he had changed into a white shirt and looked radiant.
Lin Liqiang nodded at Lin Fan and said, “Lil Fan, you’re back?”
His voice was very deep, unlike the loving tone of an ordinary old man.
However, Lin Fan knew that it was not because his grandfather did not love him.
It was because his grandfather had always been cold on the outside but warm on the inside.
On one hand, it was because of his personality. On the other hand, it was a habit formed when he was a soldier.
“That’s right, Grandpa. Is your body okay?” Lin Fan said.
“I’m fine,” Lin Liqiang said.
At this moment, a slightly hoarse voice came from the room.
“Is Lil Fan back?”
Then, Lin Fan’s short-haired grandma, Zhang Guidan, who was wearing a plaid shirt, walked out.
“Grandma!” Lin Fan shouted excitedly.
“Let me see how my Lil Fan is doing.” As Zhang Guidan spoke, she touched Lin Fan’s head and pinched his arm.
Then, she happily nodded and said, “Lil Fan is stronger than before!”
Unlike his grandfather’s imposing manner and his character which was cold on the outside but warm on the inside, his grandmother was kind. She was warm on the outside and also on the inside.
“Grandma, how are you feeling?” Lin Fan asked.
“Your grandfather and I eat three meals a day. We eat a big bowl of rice for each meal. We’re in good health!” Zhang Guidan smiled happily.
When Lin Fan heard this, he was extremely happy.
However, with a slight thought, he still spent 20 million to buy two bottles of Medical Water from the system.
“Grandpa, Grandma, try this,” said Lin Fan as he passed the Medical Water over.
“What’s this?” asked Zhang Guidan.
“It’s a drink. I heard that it also has some health benefits,” Lin Fan said.
“Oh, really? Then I’ll have to try it. ” Zhang Guidan laughed.
When Lin Liqiang heard this, he did not ask much and directly poured it into his mouth.
Lin Fan saw that Grandpa and Grandma had drunk it all and felt a little more at ease.
He remembered that his grandparents had arthritis, and they would feel very uncomfortable every winter.
Now that they had drunk the Medical Water, he believed that it would not be like this in the future.
Then, Lin Fan took out the jade chess set and said, “Grandpa, I wish you good fortune and longevity!”
Lin Liqiang said, “Lil Fan, you’re so considerate!”
Zhang Guidan sighed. “What a beautiful chess set! Your grandpa has wanted to change to another set of chess for a long time. Today, he has finally gotten what he wanted!”
“The relatives aren’t here yet, so there’s nothing much to do. Lil Fan, why don’t you play with your grandpa with this new chess set?”
Lin Liqiang pointed to the door and said, “Let’s go, Lil Fan. We’ll play chess there.”
Lin Liqiang was not like the average old man who liked to play mahjong.
When he had nothing to do, he liked to play Go.
Now that he had obtained a chess set like this, he immediately became interested.
Lin Fan naturally would not reject him. “Alright,” he said.
The two of them had just arrived at the gate…
At this time, the three chefs had already arranged all the ingredients neatly. Then, they quickly washed and prepared them.
The light that came from their blades was like a shadow, extremely swift.
Lin Xiaoyao had never seen anyone cook like this before. It was as if she had just seen legendary saber experts. She was completely stunned.
Lin Liqiang could not help but look in the direction of the kitchen. He nodded and said, “What great cooking skills!”
Then, he sat down and placed the chess set down.
However, before the two of them could start playing chess, a series of footsteps came from outside the corridor.
A group of people walked in.
They had gifts in their hands, and their faces were full of smiles.
“Grandpa, I wish you good health!”
“Old man, I wish you a long life!”
…
Among these people were Lin Fan’s uncles and aunties, who were all relatives.
With their relatives here, it was naturally not good to continue playing chess.
Thus, Lin Liqiang stood up and smiled, “Sorry to trouble you to come all the way here.”
“Old man, you’re being too polite.”
“Yup! We should be here!”
All the relatives answered.
Lin Tao, Dai Weixue, and Zhang Guidan, as the hosts, rushed forward to accept the gifts.
“You’ve traveled far,” they said with concern.
“Quickly sit down and drink some water.”
…
According to the rules of Qing City, when relatives arrived, they had to set off firecrackers.
Firstly, it was to show respect to the relatives and welcome them.
Secondly, it was to inform the villagers that their family was going to hold a happy event.
However, before Lin Tao could light the firecrackers, a series of crackling sounds could be heard from the west side of the village.
Lin Tao’s body could not help but freeze.