eurekapd Chapter 1318 - 638: Part 2
Chapter 1318 - 638: Part 2
"Master, Uncle Dong."
Fang Cheng heard the commotion outside, carrying a plate of dishes, and respectfully greeted them.
His gaze then landed on Ma Donghe’s right leg in a cast, his mouth curling into a smile:
"Donghe, your leg hasn’t healed yet. Just stay at home, no need to come here to freeload, right?"
"Don’t mention it, Ah Cheng."
Ma Donghe placed the fruit basket on the ground and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his good left hand:
"The doctor said there’s a fracture and soft tissue contusion. It’ll take a couple of months to fully recover. But no worries, a man like me, this kind of injury is nothing! With my physique, I’ll be back to being lively before starting my job."
Ma Jianguo turned and glared at his son, snorted coldly:
"You lack skill, getting injured even when catching a wild boar, yet have the face to brag? Look at Ah Cheng, not only did he score better than you, but he also doesn’t have a scratch on him. If you were half as composed as Ah Cheng, I’d wake up laughing from a dream!"
Ma Donghe shrank his neck and muttered softly:
"How can I compare with that monster Ah Cheng..."
"Old Ma, it’s a day of celebration, don’t reprimand the kid."
Dong Yunchuan smiled as he mediated, then turned to Fang Cheng, with a complicated emotion flashing in his eyes.
"Ah Cheng."
He sighed, his tone carrying some guilt:
"Earlier, regarding your application to the law school’s graduate program, it was my fault. I went through several departments, but your father’s archival issue is just too hard to resolve..."
Fang Cheng smiled gently and took over the conversation:
"Uncle Dong, please don’t say that. I’m already grateful for your efforts. Besides, isn’t everything quite good now?"
"Indeed."
Dong Yunchuan scrutinized Fang Cheng’s calm expression and nodded in satisfaction:
"You getting into the Special Search Team, where you can utilize your Martial Arts skills, may have a broader future than in my law school. Shi Chengyi’s judgment of character is indeed sharper than mine."
As they chatted, a black executive car drove up to the alley entrance.
The car door opened, Shi Chengyi and Wei Zheng stepped out, one after the other.
Shi Chengyi wore casual attire, a dark navy jacket.
Though his hair was streaked with gray, his posture remained upright, and his stride was vigorous.
Wei Zheng wore the Special Search Team uniform, carrying two finely packaged gift bags.
"Old Li!"
Shi Chengyi hadn’t yet stepped inside, but his hearty laughter had already filled the air:
"Ah Cheng was successfully accepted into the Special Search Team, so I specifically came over today to join the celebration with a drink."
"Old Shi, you’re speaking nonsense. With your visit, my humble abode is truly honored!"
Li Zhenhua eagerly greeted him, firmly shaking Shi Chengyi’s hand in excitement.
Shi Chengyi patted Li Zhenhua’s hand, looked around, and his gaze lingered on Fang Cheng for a few seconds, nodding in approval:
"Compared to last time, your garden has been trimmed with more elegance, filled with vitality, it’s truly a perfect place for enjoying one’s twilight years."
Li Zhenhua replied with a smile:
"The air is good here in Wanghu Town, peaceful. Old Shi, if you like it, the Xu family’s yard next door is vacant and up for transfer, why not move here for companionship?"
Shi Chengyi raised his eyebrows: "Oh? That idea sounds good."
He then turned to Wei Zheng beside him and instructed:
"Xiao Wei, keep an eye on that matter for me later."
Wei Zheng nodded in agreement.
Judging by their serious demeanor, they seemed genuinely interested in the idea.
The group exchanged pleasantries and was warmly welcomed into the spacious dining room by Li Zhenhua and Li Dingjian.
The center of the dining room featured a large round rosewood table, already full with dishes.
Steamed bass, braised lion’s head, boiled shrimp, scallion-braised sea cucumber, stir-fried green beans, cold ear fungus salad...
A feast for the senses, steaming hot, enveloping the whole room in warmth.
Fang Cheng came out carrying the last dish of pork rib and lotus root soup, placing it at the center of the table, inviting:
"Everything’s ready, everyone please sit down. These are just home-cooked meals, my own handiwork, hope you don’t mind."
"Home-cooked meals? They look more tempting than a state banquet!"
Shi Chengyi laughed, guided by Li Dingjian, to the seat of honor.
Ma Donghe eyed the hearty dishes, swallowing hard:
"You know, Ah Cheng’s culinary skills surpass mine just a smidge, today we’re really in for a treat!"
Ma Jianguo glared at his son, scolding:
"Eating can’t shut your mouth! Ah Cheng’s skill is beyond your comparison! Sit down quickly!"
The crowd laughed and took their seats.
As the junior, Fang Cheng took two bottles of Moutai, first pouring for Shi Chengyi and Ma Jianguo, then for Dong Yunchuan and Wei Zheng.
When he approached his grandfather Li Zhenhua, the elder’s eyes were fixed on the bottle, his Adam’s apple moved, and he pushed his white wine glass forward, hinting for Fang Cheng to pour it full.
"Ahem."
Li Biyun coughed heavily from the side.
Li Zhenhua’s extended hand froze, awkwardly retracting halfway, and he raised a pinky finger, bargaining:
"With Director Shi and Old Ma present, it’s inappropriate not to drink, just pour a little, just a bit, for formality."
Fang Cheng stifled a smile, tilted his wrist to pour slightly over half a glass for the old man to satisfy his craving, then turned to pour for his uncle and Ma Donghe.
Due to taking anti-inflammatory medication, Ma Donghe could only drink orange juice, waving his hand to decline.
"Now, this first glass of wine."
Shi Chengyi raised his glass, stood up, scanned the people at the table, lastly fixing his gaze on Fang Cheng and Ma Donghe: