Huaxia, Qilu Province, Qi Capital.
July had brought the northern regions fully into summer. Beneath the blazing sun, cicadas chirped endlessly and heat shimmered in the air.
Over the past year, Zhang Haijun had been living a particularly comfortable life.
Although he had not agreed to his son's suggestion of buying a house, Zhang Haijun had promised Zhang Yu that he would never sell vegetables again. At fifty, he had entered retirement, playing chess and cards every day in complete leisure.
His son had become the head coach of Butler University's Bulldogs in the USA last year, earning several hundred thousand a year—dollars, no less!
The couple had been overjoyed by the news. If Zhang Yu had not repeatedly reminded them to keep a low profile, they would have long since spread it among all their relatives and friends.
Still, their lives had changed greatly.
After discussing it, the two of them agreed that it made sense.
Some people simply could not stand seeing others doing well, especially someone who used to be about the same as them. Once that person rose to success, they became the target of the greatest envy.
Zhang Haijun sat in the spacious living room. On the coffee table before him were a plate of peanuts, a bowl of Qi Capital's signature crispy stew, a bottle of locally produced Overturned Well Liquor, and an exquisite porcelain cup.
Watching a TV drama, he picked up a peanut with his chopsticks, took a small sip of liquor, and let out a contented breath.
After watching a while longer, Li Yinghua brought out a plate of shredded potatoes in hot and sour sauce and a bowl of fried pork. The two began eating lunch.
Zhang Haijun ate and drank, and after half a cup of liquor, he noticed