In his previous life, due to Jiang Qingqing's death, Zhang Liunian dared not return to the village, nor did he want to.
Thus, after he had made his fortune, he hadn't returned to help the villagers with anything, and naturally hadn't encountered a situation like today, leaving him unsure of what to do.
Especially when he saw the grateful eyes of the elder men and women, a sense of pride surged within him, and at the same time, it made Zhang Liunian realize that building a factory in the village was indeed a wise decision.
"I appreciate everyone's kindness, and I'll accept your gifts. I'll have Uncle Shan send two bottles of pickles to each household to taste."
Zhang Village did not have a large population; even two bottles per household would not exceed a few hundred bottles. This quantity was well within Zhang Liunian's authority to decide.
"No need. Our three sons earn wages and can afford to buy them themselves."
"That's right, we can buy them ourselves if we have the money."
"We don't need you to give them to us, we can buy them with our own money."
"We can afford them now, you don't need to send them. You've already been good to us; we can't be too greedy."
"Yes, we can't be too greedy. We are already content with our current lives."
"..."
These elder men and women were very simple and honest, not wanting to take advantage of Zhang Liunian at all. They all stated that their families had money and they didn't need him to send them anything.
"Consider it a New Year's gift for everyone. Whether or not you work at my pickle factory, every household will receive one." Zhang Village now had people working for Zhang Liunian in almost every household, and he said this only to ensure that no one was missed.
"We really don't need it. We are well-off now and can afford to buy them."
"That's right, Liunian, don't spend your money."
"Indeed, we can afford your pickles now, you don't need to do this."
"..."
Zhang Liunian could see that everyone genuinely did not want to take advantage of him, and his heart felt a slight warmth. However, once he made up his mind, it was not easily changed. He finally made a firm decision, "It's settled then. This year, everyone will have a good year with me, and next year we will continue to make money and live good lives together."
Seeing him say this, the elder men and women felt a heaviness in their hearts, always feeling that they were taking advantage of Zhang Liunian again and couldn't find peace. Then, they noticed the two trucks loaded with goods behind Zhang Liunian, which included televisions, quilts, and even pots and pans. It was clear that they would be busy for a long time. Immediately, someone spoke up, "Liunian, you're moving into your new home, aren't you? Auntie is free, I'll help you tidy up the house."
After this elder aunt finished speaking, without another word, she grabbed a broom and began to help Zhang Liunian clean his dusty new home.
Following this elder aunt, an elder uncle also spoke up, "Liunian, it's almost New Year's tomorrow, and you must be tired. Uncle will help you clean the house."
With two leading the way, the situation became unstoppable. One after another, people joined in, helping Zhang Liunian move into his new home.
Zhang Liunian watched as the villagers pushed him aside and busily worked with excitement. For a moment, he didn't know how to react. By the time he came back to his senses, the house was spotless inside and out, all the belongings had been moved, and even his bed had been set up.
This was simply the highest level of treatment. He had moved into his new home and everything was done without him lifting a finger. Nowhere could anyone compare to the treatment he was receiving in the village.
Zhao Zhijie, who had been watching for a while, came to Zhang Liunian's side and smiled, "Liunian, your reputation here is truly high. They all respect and are grateful to you."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Liunian turned and smiled, "The villagers are indeed very lovely."
He had not expected to receive such treatment upon his return to the village. It was impossible not to be happy.
Who wouldn't want to be the most popular person in the village?
He wasn't sick; being liked and welcomed naturally made him happy.
"Thank you everyone today. After the New Year, I will come to visit and pay my respects." Zhang Liunian watched as the villagers who had helped him finish their work, bid them farewell as he chatted with them.
The villagers were overjoyed upon hearing this and immediately expressed that they would wait for his visit.
It was Zhang Liunian, the most successful person in the village, who was going to visit them; how could they not be happy and welcoming?
After all, they were people of Zhang Village, the most desirable village in the Shili Brigade. Which of their relatives didn't envy their village for producing a lucky star like Zhang Liunian?
Thinking of relatives, they couldn't help but recall that many of their aunts and cousins had said they wanted to see the lucky star of their village. They would go back and inform their relatives to come over on the first day of the New Year.
Zhang Liunian had no idea that his casual remark would cause the people of Zhang Village to spread the word, leading to a crowded Zhang Village on the first day of the New Year, with him becoming the focus of attention.
Of course, that's a story for later. Back to the present, with the house tidied up, Zhang Liunian first helped his wife and son to a room on the first floor, then took his daughter's hand and led Zhao Zhijie to his own room on the second floor.
When he went downstairs alone again, he saw his parents arriving with his four nephews.
As soon as Yu Xiaohua saw her younger son, her eyes immediately welled up, and she called out, "Third child."
"Mom and Dad," Zhang Liunian immediately called out. Then he brought chairs for them to sit down, turned to get the pastries and snacks he had bought from Nancheng, arranged them on a platter, and then distributed the snacks to his nephews, including Zhang Liuxing's son, Zhang Xinghua.
Zhang Minghua and the others were delighted to see snacks they had never seen before. They thanked him, but Zhang Xingxing only took his and remained silent.
Zhang Wenxue, fearing that Zhang Liunian might think Zhang Xinghua was impolite, or harbor prejudice against this grandson due to Zhang Liuxing's influence, specifically explained, "This child doesn't talk much. He doesn't say more than two sentences a day at home."
Zhang Liunian nodded, unconcerned by Zhang Xinghua's attitude. He then gave each of his older nephews a handful of various candies before sitting down. "Mom and Dad, you try them too. If they're good, take some home to eat."
As he said this, he suddenly noticed that his parents, whom he hadn't seen for months, looked much older. Their hair had also turned completely white, and looking at them now, one could easily believe they were seventy years old.
But they were not yet sixty, and they looked too aged.
It seemed that taking care of these four grandsons had really aged them considerably.
Thinking of this, Zhang Liunian spoke before they could, "Taking care of the four of them isn't easy. If it's too tiring, I can help."
"No, no, we can still manage. You don't need to worry about this. Just live your own simple life well, and absolutely do not take any crooked paths, do not be like..." Zhang Wenxue's words trailed off, and his expression suddenly became melancholic.
Zhang Liunian knew what he had left unsaid; wasn't he implying that he shouldn't be like Zhang Liuxing?
It truly was a turn of fortune. Half a year ago, his second brother was still his role model and the outstanding son his parents often praised.
Yet, half a year later, that son they were proud of had become a negative example for his education.
"Old man, why are you saying this? Lao San has lost weight after not seeing him for a few months. When we go to Mom's house for dinner tonight, Mom will make you delicious food. Mom remembers you love the fan cake with meat the most. Mom has specially ground a lot of rice flour and also prepared cured meat, waiting for you to come back and cook it for you," Yu Xiaohua glared at Zhang Wenxue before smiling at her younger son and inviting him.
Fan cake with meat?
This was indeed Zhang Liunian's favorite dish as a child. Because the family was not well-off, they only had this during the New Year, so he particularly loved it. If Yu Xiaohua hadn't mentioned it, he would have almost forgotten about this dish.