CHAPTER 659: CHAPTER 634: THE SOPHISTICATED TOWNSPEOPLE

Bai Guoqing was about to faint; the young boy’s face was pale.

Oh my, he never expected the most expensive liquor in the village would be more than twenty yuan; I bet even the village head hasn’t tried such a drink.

It’s no wonder the kid was scared to the point of fainting with such pricey wine requiring two bottles.

Uncle Wang was a bit troubled.

Originally, he wanted to help out the Bai family a bit, but he didn’t expect these city people to recognize the goods; this place is so tiny.

They can spot them at a glance, which isn’t surprising, especially since he showcased such a liquor in his store as the pride of the place.

Sometimes, he could even show off a bit when someone came over.

At least our village’s little shop has something valuable.

With no other choice, he had to fetch those two bottles of his prized possession from behind the counter.

In his heart, he cursed these city folks from generations back.

Those city folks sure know how to eat and drink, see how they’ve made a fool out of the Bai couple.

With the things assembled, Jiang Lei took another look, recalling Bai Jiefang’s home where a pouch of hand-rolled cigarette leaves and newspaper rolls sat.

"Give me two packs of the Double-headed Phoenix with filters."

At this point, Uncle Wang was already numb, and Bai Guoqing didn’t care at all.

His parents had already instructed him.

They said that these city folks are relatives of Bai Yiyi, and you know, they’ve been raising Bai Yiyi for quite a few years now, providing her with food and drink according to city standards; when they come to our place, we must welcome them properly.

Even if it means going bankrupt, we must make them feel as comfortable as if they were at home.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t be right after they’ve been supporting Bai Yiyi for so long.

Yes, his father thought he was just saying it, but now their family is indeed at risk of bankruptcy.

Bai Guoqing felt a bit indignant, thinking that the one enjoying good food and city-life was Bai Yiyi; why should they suffer?

Perhaps because the situation had progressed this far, Bai Guoqing wasn’t surprised by the cost any longer, and he silently planned that once they sent these people away, he’d tell his father he wanted to quit school and help his father take care of the family.

His dad would likely have to borrow money again. When their family is drowning in debt they can’t repay, how could he not help his father? He’s the eldest son!

"Uncle, how much is it in total? Please hurry up and total it for me."

Jiang Lei glanced at the tall boy standing beside him, who was almost at ear level and wondered what expression was on the boy’s face?

He was trembling, sort of like shaking a sieve—could it be out of fear?

But it was broad daylight, what’s there to be scared of?

They hadn’t encountered dogs or anything along the way, and surely buying stuff at a small shop wouldn’t scare him?

Uncle Wang looked at Bai Guoqing with sympathy.

Having such a relative is indeed bad luck for the Bai family!

"Total is 59 yuan and 2 jiao."

Even though Uncle Wang sympathized with the Bai family, there was nothing he could do; goods need to be sold, calculations must be made when people request things, it’s not like he could sympathize so much that he wouldn’t collect money from the Bai family.

Sympathizing would only lead to him having a pile of debt.

Before Bai Guoqing could speak, Jiang Lei had already pulled out a wad of ten-yuan notes, counted out six and handed them to Uncle Wang.

"Uncle, don’t bother with the change, pick anything you think is suitable to equal 60 yuan."

Jiang Lei hadn’t planned on making them spend this kind of money extravagantly.

It was mostly because he knew this was Bai Yiyi’s uncle.

Seeing how caring this family was towards Bai Yiyi, he knew this uncle and aunt were kind people.

Therefore, he decided to buy two packs of cigarettes and two bottles of liquor to properly thank the uncle and aunt.

They have gone to the trouble of hiring a tractor in the village to fetch them back and are also providing a guarantee.

With a grown-up and three children in their home, eating and living means spending money everywhere.

Even if a poor relative visits, they shouldn’t come empty-handed. Initially unable to bring anything special, now Jiang Lei could only grab whatever he could at the small shop.

It counts as gift money from him.

Old Wang looked stunned.

The six major bills handed to him had not yet provoked a reaction.

Jiang Lei felt slightly annoyed.

Not that he looked down on rural folk, but why did this person seem a little wooden, somewhat foolish?

Could it be he didn’t even know how to take money?

If you don’t know how to collect payment, why run a small shop?

"Uncle, you gotta take the money!"

Jiang Lei reminded him again.

Uncle Wang snapped back to reality, a smile immediately emerging on his face, swiftly taking the money and nervously counting it over; indeed, six major bills.

"I’ll wrap up two pounds of salt for the remaining eight jiao, add a bottle of soy sauce, a bottle of vinegar, and some other things to make it up to 60—how does that sound?"

Uncle Wang felt quite pleased despite these items not being for his family.

But witnessing the city folks’ style, it was clear they were generous.

Absolutely not the kind to exploit relatives.

Observing them purchase the best goods showed they paid themselves. Typically, these things are meant as gifts.

The fact they asked for the best liquor indicated they bought gifts for the Bai family.

These city people are refined, spending 60 yuan all at once as gifts.

Ah, why couldn’t he have such a wealthy relative?

Bai Guoqing was dumbfounded. How... how could they let the city folks pay?

He hurriedly spoke up, "Uncle, no way, no way. You come to our home; we should be the ones hosting you. How could you spend this money, rest assured, my parents will pay Uncle Wang back when we return, please take your things. You really don’t need to pay."

Even if he initially had plenty of complaints about them, they all evaporated now.

His father always said that once they arrived, they must be properly hosted; they are guests, how could they let guests pay?

"You, don’t be so polite with me. He is Bai Yiyi’s uncle. I am her cousin, so logically, I should call your parents uncle and aunt. Coming over to your home empty-handed would be rude.

Besides, I crave cigarettes and drinks myself, otherwise, why would I buy such good things? They aren’t for your family, I’m buying them to fulfill my own cravings. Being somewhere else and wanting to smoke and drink while having others pay, now that’s inconsiderate.

Quickly pick up the rest, those three young ones can’t manage all that weight, let’s hurry back. Your dad wants to make dumplings, right? I’ll help your parents wrap them. My dumplings are really good."

Jiang Lei lifted up the two bottles and the two packs and shoved the remaining items into Bai Guoqing’s arms.

"Uncle, we’re heading out, should there be anything else needed, we’ll come over again."

Jiang Lei kindly gave a farewell before summoning the little ones to follow.

With him around, he had to ensure these little ones weren’t getting into trouble —otherwise, he’d let down Jiang Xiaoxiao and Song Moting.

Bai Yiyi put the roll of currency back into her pocket.

Third Brother is just like that; she knew he had always been generous.

No need for politeness among siblings.