CHAPTER 164: CHAPTER 164: THE UNLIKABLE UNCLE-IN-LAW

164 Unlikable Uncle-in-Law

Sun Mei helplessly said, "What are you talking about? Your aunt is complimenting you."

Zhao Zhitong puckered her lips and hmphed. "Everyone says nephews are like their uncles and nieces are like their aunts, so I must look like my aunt. If my aunt says I’m pretty, isn’t she just saying she’s pretty herself?"

Her words made everyone at the table laugh. Sun Lan relaxed a bit, and a genuine smile appeared on her face.

Sun Mei laughed and pinched Zhao Zhitong’s cheek. "You silver-tongued girl, you’re just talking nonsense. You definitely look like me."

Zhao Zhitong blinked. "Why is that?"

Sun Mei replied in exasperation, "Because I’m your mother. Who else could you look like?"

"Oh, that makes sense." Zhao Zhitong blinked again. "So, Mother, you must look like Grandmother, right?"

Sun Mei immediately nodded. "Of course. Your grandmother is my mother."

Zhao Zhitong nodded her little head, deep in thought. After a moment, she suddenly looked up and asked, "Mother, do you think I look like her?"

Sun Mei asked in confusion, "Look like whom?"

Zhao Zhitong innocently replied, "Do I look like *your* mother?"

Sun Mei was instantly speechless. "...I think your backside is itching for a spanking!"

Zhao Zhitong’s reaction was incredibly quick. Sensing danger, she slid off Sun Mei’s lap and scurried over to her grandmother, calling out in a childlike voice, "Grandmother, Grandmother, you have to control your daughter! She wants to hit me again~"

Thanks to Zhao Zhitong’s playful antics, the atmosphere at the table livened up considerably. Zhao Guifen’s mood also improved significantly, and she even exchanged a few reserved words with Sun Lan.

Zhao Zhitong, having successfully completed her mission, ran off to brag to her little friends again.

Her young cousins rather enjoyed listening to this young girl, Zhao Zhitong, spin her tall tales. Seeing her return, they eagerly pulled her over. "Little cousin, you didn’t finish your dream story earlier! What happened next? Quick, tell us!"

Once Zhao Zhitong sat down, she resumed her eloquent storytelling.

「...」

Meanwhile, Wang Fugui, who had been keeping a close eye on Sun Lan, noticed her finally begin to converse with Sun Mei. He mistakenly assumed she was gathering information for him, which made him feel somewhat more satisfied with her. He then shifted his gaze to the main hall.

From his vantage point, he had a clear view of Zhao Dong conversing jovially with the County Magistrate and the others. He snorted. A bumpkin like Zhao Dong isn’t even in the same social class as Magistrate Li and the others, he thought, his eyes flashing with contempt. A man with no worldly experience—what could they possibly have to talk about? They should be watching me!

With these thoughts in mind, he filled his cup with wine, got up, and strode arrogantly toward the main hall.

At that moment, in the main hall, Zhao Dong was discussing alcoholic beverages with Sir Feng and the others. In his previous life, Zhao Dong had been a connoisseur of wine, so he spoke with expertise. He was currently explaining that grapes, green plums, and peach blossoms could also be used to make wine.

Sir Feng was immediately intrigued. "Grapes can actually be made into wine?" he asked in surprise.

Zhao Dong smiled and nodded. "Naturally. Wine brewed from grapes has a clear and vibrant color, a rich and layered aroma, and an enchanting taste..."

Since Sun Mei had previously sold several novel recipes to Guang Ju Restaurant, Boss Feng had no reason to doubt Zhao Dong’s claims about grape wine. The other guests present were also captivated by Zhao Dong’s description of the alluring grape wine. They listened with rapt attention. Just as they were about to inquire further, an untimely voice suddenly interjected.

"Brother-in-law, you have distinguished guests here. Why haven’t you introduced me, your younger brother-in-law, to them?"

The interrupted crowd looked toward the source of the voice and saw Wang Fugui walking in, holding a wine cup with a broad smile on his face.

Zhao Dong was momentarily taken aback, then he gave a dry laugh. He stood up and said to the people at the table, "Gentlemen, this is my wife’s sister’s husband."

Then, turning to Wang Fugui, he said, "This is Master Pei, this is Sir Feng, this is Magistrate Li, whom you should recognize, and this is Shopkeeper Wang from Guang Ju Restaurant."

Zhao Dong introduced everyone to Wang Fugui one by one. However, Wang Fugui was quite dissatisfied with this introduction. Smiling again, he addressed the guests, "Esteemed gentlemen, my humble surname is Wang, and my given name is Fugui. My family runs a silk and embroidery workshop. It is truly my honor to meet you all today. Allow me to propose a toast to you..."

He spoke with great flourish, but Boss Feng and the other gentlemen showed little reaction. After finishing his speech, Wang Fugui raised his cup to toast them.

At this moment, Boss Feng was preoccupied with the matter of the grape wine and was therefore quite cold towards this suddenly appearing Wang Fugui. Seeing him approach to offer a toast, Boss Feng just nodded nonchalantly. "A toast isn’t necessary; I’ve had plenty to drink."

With that, he turned to Zhao Dong with a smile. "Brother Zhao, please continue. About those things you mentioned—the grape wine, the green plum wine—can you really brew them? You’re making me eager for a taste!"

Pei Yuanqing was also very interested in the grape wine. Hearing this, he nodded repeatedly and said to Zhao Dong with a smile, "Brother Feng is right. You’ve truly whetted my appetite! No, since you brought it up, you have to satisfy our curiosity. Otherwise, I won’t let you off the hook!"

Magistrate Li, who was there to curry favor with Prince Liang, naturally went along with Pei Yuanqing’s mood.

Wang Fuhai, needless to say, worked for Boss Feng. Moreover, he greatly disliked this so-called brother-in-law who seemed to have such strong ulterior motives. Thus, he paid Wang Fugui no mind and also said to Zhao Dong with a smile, "Brother Zhao, you’ve stirred up quite some trouble now! Our Boss Feng and Young Master Pei are great lovers of wine. If you can’t satisfy them, I’m afraid you’ll lose quite a few of your good dishes as compensation!"

Zhao Dong immediately laughed heartily. "HAHAHA, no problem, no problem! By next year, I guarantee you all will get to taste it!"

Boss Feng said excitedly, "Oh, that’s wonderful! I’ll be sure to remember this. Don’t you dare go back on your word, HAHAHA!"

Laughter filled the table for a moment.

Wang Fugui, ignored by everyone, felt rather awkward.

Watching Zhao Dong interact so comfortably with the distinguished guests, Wang Fugui began to seethe with resentment. The man he had always looked down upon, someone he wouldn’t even deign to look at properly, was now faring better than him. This filled his heart with all sorts of bitterness.

Meanwhile, back in the old residence, Mrs. Wang and Zhao Chun were also feeling deeply uneasy, restlessly pacing about.

Mrs. Zheng had brazenly come to the Housewarming Banquet precisely to gather news. Having recovered from the shock of seeing the valuable gifts brought by the distinguished guests, her envy and jealousy were now plainly written on her face. She found no taste in the delicious food on the table. After a few hasty bites, she made an excuse about having urgent matters at home and quickly departed.