Feast Ends, Depart for School

Chapter 34: Wedding Banquet Ends, Setting Off for University

Although the wedding banquet was booked at a hotel, relatives would usually visit Zhao Rui's home first and then head to the hotel together when it was almost time for the meal.

Xue Wenhui had prepared several plates of fruit early in the morning, arranging them neatly on the coffee table.

The house, both inside and out, had been cleaned spotlessly, even more thoroughly than the big cleaning before the Lunar New Year.

Around 8 AM, relatives from Zhao Rui's maternal grandmother's side of the family arrived almost simultaneously – his maternal uncle's family, his maternal aunt's family, and even his maternal grandparents who lived in the countryside rushed over.

The maternal grandmother's side were all ordinary people without any Martial Way talent. His maternal uncles and aunts all had average family backgrounds, mostly working as office employees.

Only his youngest maternal aunt's husband worked in a township government office, which was considered a respectable job.

As everyone entered the house, there was the inevitable exchange of greetings after a long separation and praise for Zhao Rui.

His younger male and female cousins were particularly in awe of their cousin who possessed Martial Way talent. Every time they met, they would pester him, listening to his stories about practicing martial arts.

Compared to his paternal grandfather's side, Zhao Rui and his brother were clearly more familiar and closer to their maternal grandmother's relatives.

They had more frequent gatherings, and their circumstances were similar, so there was no one trying to climb the social ladder or relying on others.

About an hour after the relatives from his maternal grandmother's side had arrived, the doorbell of Zhao Rui's house rang again.

Hearing the sound, Zhao Rui walked to the door and opened it. Seeing his third uncle's family, he smiled and prepared to greet his third uncle and aunt.

However, before he could even open his mouth to say hello, a strong gust of wind rushed towards him.

Zhao Rui extended his palm to block it diagonally, then stepped back and dodged. Unexpectedly, the other party showed no intention of stopping. After one punch missed, another was immediately thrown.

Zhao Rui countered each move, skillfully employing Wing Chun Inquiry, a martial art adept at close-quarters combat and maneuvering in confined spaces, engaging in five to six exchanges with his opponent in an instant.

"Heh, Wing Chun? Kid! No wonder you've improved so much."

After a couple of fierce attacks, seeing Zhao Rui's tight defense and mature moves, the attacker withdrew his fist, stepped back, and chuckled loudly.

"Third Uncle, that's not very sportsmanlike!"

The person who had attacked was naturally Zhao Rui's third uncle, Zhao Jinze.

"If I don't do this, how will I know how impressive my nephew is now? You're level five, right?"

Zhao Jinze asked with surprise.

"Mm, I only advanced after the Gaokao!"

Zhao Rui smiled and welcomed his third uncle's family inside.

"After the Gaokao? Don't they require a certain level anymore at Dongqi University's Martial Arts College?"

"I applied to a different college!"

"Oh!"

Zhao Jinze paused slightly, a flicker of disappointment flashing in his eyes. However, he still smiled and encouraged him, "Accumulate strength and then burst forth, don't slack off!"

With that, he turned and walked towards the living room, cupping his hands in apology to Zhao Rui's maternal grandmother's relatives who had stood up to greet him, "My apologies, my apologies, I just got a bit carried away!"

"Not at all, we're all family, come and sit!"

What could Zhao Rui's maternal uncles and aunts say? Besides envy, there was also awe.

They had watched those few moves with trembling hearts. Thankfully, this was their own relative; otherwise, they might have thought a real villain had broken in.

With both sides of the family familiar with each other, after some polite gestures, they sat on the sofas and began to chat.

"Little brother, you've grown taller again!"

Only now did Zhao Rui have the time to look at his cousin Zhao Xin, the Martial Way prodigy from his third uncle's family, who was standing beside him.

"You're qualified to make me go all out now!"

"..."

He was so arrogant, it was really annoying!

Zhao Rui chuckled and ignored him. Just then, his peripheral vision caught his younger cousins peeking out from the bedroom doorway, looking over with excitement.

He said to Zhao Xin, "Sit here for a bit! Have some fruit."

Then he walked to the bedroom and said to them, "Did you enjoy the show?"

The younger cousins immediately replied excitedly, "Brother, you're so amazing, so cool!"

"I wish I could be as strong as you, brother!"

"Haha, I'll spar with you again another day. Go play inside!"

Zhao Rui smiled and ruffled their hair, then sent them into the bedroom.

The oldest of these younger cousins was only in the second year of junior high, an age where they loved excitement and found everything interesting.

As everyone in the living room chatted noisily, the doorbell rang again.

Zhao Rui went to open the door as usual. This time, his eldest uncle's family had arrived.

Uncle wore a high-quality black short-sleeved T-shirt and beige pants, with a golden watch on his wrist.

A typical image of a successful man.

He looked significantly younger than Zhao Jincheng.

Aunt also dressed fashionably, and her skin was well-maintained, showing no signs of being over forty.

Following behind them were cousin Zhao Yurong, who had already graduated from university and was working at a multinational company, and cousin Dou Bao, who was in his third year of junior high and also a Martial Arts Student.

"Rui Rui, congratulations! Getting your name on the golden list is a joyous occasion in life! This is a gift for you."

Aunt spoke first, handing a beautifully wrapped box to Zhao Rui.

Zhao Rui picked it up and saw it was the latest Youwei Mobile Phone. It wasn't cheap.

He couldn't help but be slightly surprised, not expecting the usually stingy Aunt to be so generous.

"Thank you, Aunt, thank you, Uncle!"

Zhao Rui quickly thanked them and invited everyone in.

It had been over ten years since the house was this lively, not since his brother Zhao Ke was born.

After all, if there were family matters, they usually wouldn't gather at Zhao Rui's house.

As all the relatives arrived, time quickly passed to eleven o'clock, and Zhao Jincheng invited everyone to a hotel for a meal.

"Jincheng, which hotel did you book? This is such a happy occasion for Xiao Rui, don't book somewhere too shabby! If you need money, tell me."

As they were about to leave, Uncle Zhao Jingguo frowned and said to Zhao Jincheng.

"No need, the hotel is quite good. Big brother, just come along! I'll send the address to the group chat."

Zhao Jincheng found his elder brother's behavior most annoying. If he wanted to give money, he should just transfer it to his account, why all the fuss?

"Okay!"

Zhao Jingguo replied and expressionlessly got into the Mercedes-Benz van he had driven.

Most of the relatives had cars, and those who didn't squeezed in with others. Getting around wasn't a problem.

Soon, everyone drove to the reserved five-star hotel.

Upon arriving, Zhao Jingguo got out of the car and glanced at the hotel, nodding slightly, satisfied with his second brother's choice of venue this time.

The group walked towards the hotel.

Meanwhile, Zhao Ke had arrived at the hotel early. He didn't want to stay at home and listen to the relatives offer insincere praise.

It was better to come here, secure the private room, and entertain the early guests.

Zhao Rui, along with his father, busied himself entertaining friends and relatives, while also putting on a shy demeanor to accept the guests' compliments and encouragement.

Although it was a bit boring and childish, he enjoyed it.

Indeed, it was: Life rarely offers such joy, and the golden list is here at the perfect time!

However, Zhao Rui wasn't the happiest person; the happiest was his father, Zhao Jincheng.

His son getting into a top provincial university was a significant highlight in his otherwise ordinary life.

It was also something that made him proud.

Throughout the celebratory banquet, a smile never left his face, and he seemed to smile even more before speaking.

Even though his son wasn't attending a martial arts academy, the prestige of a top university was enough to make him happy.

For events like a graduation banquet, people came to show support, for reciprocity, and for genuine blessings. However, most people were just going through the motions, eating, drinking, and offering a few compliments.

Zhao Rui had seen enough of the world's ways in his past life. In this life, he didn't want to overthink things. Treat him well, and he'll treat you well.

If you treat him poorly, I'm sorry, but he's also skilled in martial arts and excels at "forcefully" convincing people.

Besides his own relatives and friends, Zhao Rui's teachers and people from the martial arts hall were also present at the banquet.

Li Cunxin, as Zhao Rui's martial arts mentor, was naturally one of the primary invitees.

Li Cunxin took attending his disciple's graduation banquet very seriously. He had tidied himself up meticulously early in the morning and even put on a traditional long gown. Paired with his flowing white beard, he looked quite like an immortal.

Zhao Jincheng specifically arranged for his elder and third brothers to accompany him, showing the utmost respect.

The banquet didn't last long. Around 1:30 PM, most guests, except for close relatives, such as Zhao Jincheng's friends, colleagues, and distant relatives, had already received their gift bags and left the hotel.

Li Da Naodai, supported by a few of his disciples, returned to the martial arts hall drunk.

The remaining close relatives helped pack up the leftover drinks, beverages, and gift bags into the cars.

Then, after Zhao Jincheng settled the final bill at the front desk, they all returned to Zhao Rui's house together.

After all, it was a rare opportunity to gather. Not staying a little longer to chat would be a waste.

Back at Zhao Rui's house, the group naturally engaged in more casual conversation.

Zhao Rui, along with the younger generation from each family, crowded into the bedroom, enthusiastically playing video games to pass the time.

He figured he hadn't had a break in a long time and wanted to relax as much as possible today.

Although he had classes throughout the holiday, he had been quite busy, working as both a Sparring Partner and a tutor.

Zhao Xin watched his cousin, who was engrossed in playing games with his younger cousins, and couldn't help but shake his head.

The path of Martial Way, advance or retreat; what level was he at? No talent, yet he was still addicted to games.

Truly beyond saving.

Did he think that once he got into university, everything would be fine?

Naive!

Zhao Xin was constantly lectured by his father on a multitude of principles. Coupled with his own talent and diligence, he naturally couldn't stand Zhao Rui's game-addicted behavior.

As for his other cousin, Zhao Ke, he didn't even bother to pay attention to him.

After enduring it with a frown for a while, he got up and left the bedroom. He walked to the living room and said to his father, "Let's go, I still need to go back and practice!"

"Oh, alright!"

Zhao Jinze basically granted his son's every wish regarding Martial Way cultivation. Who wouldn't be proud of such a talented and hardworking son?

"Oh my, isn't this Xin Xin? He's grown so much in the blink of an eye, and he's even more handsome!"

"You're in your first year of high school now, right? What level of Martial Way are you?"

Several relatives praised him from the side.

Zhao Xin listened expressionlessly, showing no intention of responding.

Zhao Jinze chuckled, "This child is a bit shy when it comes to practicing martial arts. You all stay a little longer, we'll be heading back!"

With that, he got up with his wife, said goodbye to Zhao Jincheng and his wife, as well as other relatives, and left Zhao Rui's house first.

Seeing Zhao Jinze leave, Zhao Jingguo's family, who had already been feeling out of place, also took the opportunity to bid farewell.

Once these two families left, only the relatives from Zhao Rui's maternal grandparents' side remained in the living room, and the atmosphere suddenly became casual and lively.

With his maternal grandparents present, the families of his uncles and aunts stayed until after dinner, chatting until nine or ten o'clock before leaving Zhao Rui's house.

After everyone had left, Zhao Jincheng rotated his waist and said, "Finally, all the hustle is over! Son, get ready these next few days, pack everything you need for school. You've always wanted a laptop, right? Buy it!"

Zhao Jincheng declared generously with a wave of his hand.

"Dad, no need. I earned money working during the summer vacation, I can buy it myself!"

Zhao Rui quickly refused.

"That's money you earned yourself, this is from your mom and dad. Dad has money! Xiao Ke, when you get into university, Dad will buy you one too!"

After speaking, Zhao Jincheng didn't forget to take the opportunity to encourage his second son, Zhao Ke.

"You've had a bit too much to drink, you don't even know who you are! Go to bed."

From the side of the living room, seeing her husband drunk and bragging, she couldn't help but glare at him.

"I'm not drunk, I'm happy today! Happy!"

As he spoke, Zhao Jincheng staggered towards the bedroom!

The summer night breeze was cool, gently blowing into the living room from the balcony. The stuffy smell of alcohol was carried out with the wind.

The previous liveliness returned to peace at this moment.

"Brother, congratulations!"

Just as Zhao Rui was walking towards his bedroom, he heard his younger brother Zhao Ke's voice behind him as he was about to open the door.

"En, thanks, bro!"

Zhao Rui stopped, turned around, and smiled at Zhao Ke.

"Go to sleep! It's getting late!"

"En!"

Time flies, and the light swiftly passes!

In the blink of an eye, it was August 31st.

At the high-speed train station in Lincheng, Zhao Rui, carrying a backpack and a large suitcase, embarked on the high-speed train to the provincial capital, Jizhou, alone.

He didn't ask his parents to see him off. Firstly, the journey was long, and driving wouldn't be convenient. Secondly, his brother still had to go to school, and his parents had to work.

If they went now, they wouldn't be able to stay long.

It would be better to wait until the holidays, when Zhao Rui was familiar with the school, and then the family could visit Jizhou.

After boarding the high-speed train, Zhao Rui checked the carriage and seat numbers on his ticket and followed the crowd into the carriage.

After walking a few steps, he reached his seat. Zhao Rui casually lifted his suitcase and placed it on the luggage rack.

Just as he was about to sit down in his seat, he heard a sweet voice next to him say, "Handsome guy, can you help me put my suitcase up?"

Zhao Rui turned his head to look and his eyes immediately froze. The girl who spoke also looked surprised.

"It's you!"

They both exclaimed in unison.

Zhao Rui's cheek twitched. He glanced at the small suitcase beside the girl and sat down in his seat without a word.

He had no intention of helping her with her luggage.

The girl's pretty face flushed. She directly grabbed the suitcase with one hand and, with a gentle lift, placed it on the luggage rack.

Their seats were very close, with only one person between them.

Moments later, that person also arrived.

He was also dressed like a young student.

It was currently the peak of the school commute, and most people going to Jizhou were university students.

The newcomer wore black-rimmed glasses, had a slender build, and appeared refined and gentle.

Seeing a beautiful girl beside him, he couldn't help but be delighted.

A boring journey would be much better with a beauty to strike up a conversation with.