Second Uncle Lu Yi

The night was like water under the moonlight.

Outside the Jing Family Restaurant, Lu Mingyuan patted his slightly protruding belly and leisurely strolled out of the establishment. He waved goodbye to Jing Zhi, who was watching from the entrance, and headed home.

Why so late?

In Lu Mingyuan's words, "Ah, what can I do? I'm at my mother-in-law's house, how can I not eat?"

And he had to eat well and be full. Otherwise, his mother-in-law wouldn't let him go. Fortunately, Lu Mingyuan didn't like drinking much, or he would have been carried home by Jing Zhi.

Although, his mother-in-law was only a "prospective" one for now.

But it would be soon. In a few days, when Lu Mingyuan and Jing Zhi got engaged, they would truly be one family. So, Lu Mingyuan didn't feel like an outsider.

Besides, Lu Mingyuan wasn't freeloading. If the Jing family needed anything, he would help to the best of his ability. He had helped during busy farming seasons, occasionally worked as a waiter at the restaurant, and tutored the little girl Jing Yue with her homework.

What else could he do? If you want to marry someone's precious daughter, you have to pay something, right? There's no such thing as getting something for free.

Lu Mingyuan had no complaints about this. These were things a son-in-law should do.

In fact, his situation was much better.

He remembered in his previous life, during every busy farming season, there were always young ladies who claimed to be short of a boyfriend, but actually just wanted to trick free labor to help harvest wheat, dig potatoes, or even pick corn.

Compared to them, Lu Mingyuan was truly much luckier.

At least, he and Jing Zhi had a childhood betrothal. He had already secured her. Unlike those people who were dismissed with a simple "we're not suitable" after the busy season passed.

How pathetic!

Although the sky outside had completely darkened, the streets of Changfeng City were still brightly lit.

The red lanterns hanging on both sides of the street, while not as dazzling as the electric lights of his previous life, were still quite impressive in this ancient-like setting, showcasing the prosperity and liveliness of the city.

Since Da Gan had long abolished the curfew, the streets were still bustling with people, lively and bustling.

Some were enjoying the night view, some were shopping, some were buying groceries, some were eating snacks... In short, all sorts of people were there.

"Sweet potatoes for sale, piping hot sweet potatoes..."

"Buns, freshly baked big meat buns, only one copper coin each."

"Shaobing for sale, shaobing!"

"Come, taste, see, buy a sugar figure for the children."

On the street, various hawking sounds echoed, rising and falling, never ceasing.

Immersed in these sounds, Lu Mingyuan felt as if he had arrived at a snack street from his previous life, with the same noise and the same flavors.

He swallowed several times, his mouth watering.

Unfortunately, his mother-in-law had been too enthusiastic just now, and he had eaten too much. Otherwise, Lu Mingyuan would definitely have gone back to get his Ah Zhi and swept through this snack street.

But not this time, maybe next time.

They weren't going anywhere anyway.

Just then, a squad of soldiers in armor, carrying spears, walked by. The pedestrians on the street saw them and quickly made way, clearing a long passage.

Lu Mingyuan, who was there, also quickly made way.

It wasn't that he was afraid of them.

This group of soldiers was actually the city's patrol team, responsible for protecting the safety of the city's residents. Therefore, everyone was grateful to the patrol soldiers and voluntarily made way, rarely blocking the path.

Watching the passing soldiers, Lu Mingyuan's eyes flickered with an unreadable emotion.

If...

If his father hadn't had an accident back then, he would probably be in this patrol team now.

His father didn't have any special skills, so the patrol team would have been the best choice.

As far as Lu Mingyuan knew, most retired military personnel in the area joined the patrol team to continue maintaining order and stability in the city.

The small minority who had family crafts or learned other skills in the army chose other livelihoods, such as opening a shop or a martial arts school...

Back then, Li Tiezhu's father, Jing Zhi's father, and Lu Mingyuan's father, the three good friends, joined the army together. As a result, one learned blacksmithing and opened a blacksmith shop; one learned cooking and slowly became a restaurant owner; and one, unfortunately, lost his life.

Alas!

Looking at the patrol team, Lu Mingyuan sighed. He was reminded of the past buried deep in his heart. At this moment, he was no longer in the mood to continue admiring the scenery by the street and went straight home.

The night passed without incident.

The next morning, Lu Mingyuan arrived early at his second uncle's house, not far from his own.

Second Uncle Lu Yi was a genuine, honest farmer. He hadn't joined the army or started any small business. All year round, he toiled in the fields, serving his ten-odd mu of thin land.

It was mid-March, the season for planting fruits and vegetables. Lu Mingyuan was afraid his second uncle would be busy in the fields, so he rushed over as soon as it was dawn.

Fortunately, his second uncle hadn't left yet, and he managed to catch him.

Upon seeing his second uncle, Lu Mingyuan directly stated his purpose, telling him about his engagement to Jing Zhi. Since his parents were no longer around, he had to come to his second uncle.

Second Uncle Lu Yi looked at his nephew, who appeared ordinary but exuded confidence. It seemed like in an instant, the little boy who used to chase after him for candied haws had grown into a man ready for engagement.

"I've met that girl from the Jing family too. She's quite nice.

But Mingyuan, have you really decided? To get engaged now? Your father and I didn't get married until we were over thirty, almost forty. Isn't it a bit too early for you?"

Lu Mingyuan understood his Second Uncle's doubts.

In this life, because there was no shortage of food and thanks to medical supernatural powers, most people could live to over a hundred years old without illness or disaster. Therefore, getting married in one's thirties or forties was quite normal.

Conversely, situations like Lu Mingyuan and Jing Zhi's, getting engaged at eighteen and marrying in two years, were rare.

However, they were just rare, not nonexistent, so there was nothing strange about it.

"Second Uncle, Jing Zhi and I grew up together. We've known each other for about ten years, so you don't need to worry about our feelings. We've discussed this many times, so please don't worry."

Lu Yi knew about what Lu Mingyuan said. He was also aware of their childhood engagement. The reason he wanted Lu Mingyuan to consider it carefully was his concern that they were still young and their minds were not yet settled. What if in the future...

That wouldn't be good.

However, seeing the determined look in his nephew's eyes, Lu Yi couldn't say much more, only repeatedly saying, "That's good! That's good!"

Seeing that his Second Uncle had no objections, Lu Mingyuan breathed a sigh of relief.

It was always best to have the blessing of family for marriage.

Next, the uncle and nephew discussed matters related to the engagement, including the matchmaker, gifts, hosting guests, and other miscellaneous affairs.

Although these were trivial matters, they were necessary. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Lu Mingyuan had no intention of breaking tradition and starting anew.

Nor was there any need to.

As their discussion concluded, Second Uncle Lu Yi suddenly asked a question, "Mingyuan, you're already eighteen. How's the matter of creating your supernatural power coming along?"

"It's almost designed. It should take about another half a month."

Although he didn't know why his Second Uncle suddenly asked this, Lu Mingyuan didn't hide anything. His supernatural power was meant to be revealed anyway, so it was fine for his Second Uncle to know in advance.

Upon hearing that Lu Mingyuan only needed another half a month for his supernatural power, Lu Yi hurriedly said, "Mingyuan, don't rush the supernatural power. We have plenty of time. You must think it through before making a decision. There's only one free supernatural power stone."

Knowing that his Second Uncle was worried he would waste this one chance, Lu Mingyuan comforted him, "Don't worry, Second Uncle. I've been preparing for this supernatural power for several years. It won't go wrong. You'll see your nephew dominate then."

"Good, then I'll look forward to it.

But several years ago? So early? Alright. Mingyuan, you've been smart since you were young and liked to make your own decisions. Second Uncle won't interfere. Just do what you think is best."

He paused, then Lu Yi asked again, "By the way, Mingyuan, do you have enough Luck Points? How much more do you need? Second Uncle will cover it for you."