Shen Village.
Jiang Ning was feasting. The dishes his little uncle's family had prepared were indeed excellent: Stewed Beef, steamed perch, braised free-range chicken, mutton soup—everything was there.
In the past, he had never eaten well when visiting relatives because his family lacked means, and his little uncle had not put in much effort. Now that the other party needed something from his family, naturally they had brought out the very best.
His little uncle wore a broad smile, occasionally putting down his cousin Shen Xuan while praising Jiang Ning as the Star of Culture descended to earth, and saying his parents had found success late in life. Sure enough, the meal was quite enjoyable.
Suddenly, sharp barking erupted from the dog cage, warning off an intruder.
His little uncle was not as capable as Zhang Butcher from River Dam, so his dogs were kept in cages rather than allowed to roam free like Zhang Butcher's.
Everyone in the Main Room turned toward the doorway at the sound.
A middle-aged man with gleaming polished leather shoes came in smiling, carrying a red gift box.
His little uncle's expression changed, revealing a hint of disgust. This man was the neighbor behind their house, known as Binzi—a man obsessed with appearances but who looked down on the poor and fawned over the rich.
His little uncle raised pigs, an unstable line of work. One year, he had terrible luck and lost money raising pigs, spending the entire New Year season dejected.
It happened to be when migrant workers were returning home. Shen Bin had made money after a year away and was riding high, handing out cigarettes everywhere. Just as it was his little uncle's turn, Shen Bin's cigarette pack ran empty, and Shen Bin said he lacked the fortune for one.