Naturally, if Zhu Yanyi were grown and graduated from medical school, Zhu Shunyao would not feel such deep emotion. The main reason was that Zhu Yanyi was only six years old. A six-year-old girl treating patients was unbelievable, even with the title of Medical Buddha Girl. Yet Yan Aohan trusted her and actually let her treat patients. Just for this, Zhu Shunyao’s attitude toward Yan Aohan improved significantly.
“Aohan, Haifeng, please sit anywhere. If you want snacks, tell Ani to get them for you,” Zhu Shunyao said warmly.
“Uncle, please make yourself at home. No need to fuss over us. We are just here to watch the fun,” Yan Aohan replied. Although his expression remained calm, his attitude was polite.
“Good, good.” Zhu Shunyao said no more. The time was right. He needed to start the ground-breaking ceremony.
Zhu Shunyao lit incense and first offered sacrifices to Heaven and Earth. Then, holding a large hoe, he went to the foundation site. He struck the ground facing south with one swing. Afterward, he poured wine onto the loosened soil to honor the Earth God, praying for safety during construction. Once the house was built, he would also sacrifice to the Earth Mistress, the small deity who protected the peace of the household.
The ceremony went smoothly. As soon as it ended, the cement workers waiting nearby stepped forward. They began laying the foundation and building the house. First, they had to demolish the old mud-brick hut where Zhu Shunyao’s family currently lived.
Since they planned to build the entire eighty-square-meter structure, Zhu Shunyao borrowed an empty warehouse from the production brigade to live in temporarily. They would move back once the new house was ready. All their belongings were now in the warehouse, where Zhu Shunyao, Xie Xinlian, and Zhu Yanli also stayed.
Today was the ground-breaking day, which meant a special meal. Although not extremely lavish, it was much better than ordinary daily food.
Zhu Shunyao set up five tables for the ground-breaking meal. He invited several village elders and close cousins to eat together. With the Xie family members and the two exceptions, Yan Aohan and Zhang Haifeng, the five tables were nearly full.
Because Xie Xinlian was pregnant, Zhu Shunyao specially invited a skilled auntie from the village to cook for the occasion.
Everything seemed peaceful until Zhu Guifu arrived. He came alone, and his expression was poor. He had no choice but to come. Originally, he would not have appeared today. He had been busy building a house for Zhu Xiangyao. Now that the house was half-built, they discovered they lacked enough bricks. If they did not get more immediately, construction would stop. Rural people valued the timing of house building; there were specific auspicious times for starting and finishing. Therefore, Gan Juhua suggested, “The eldest son’s family has some. Just go and get some.”
Zhu Guifu thought about it and decided it was a good idea, mainly to save money. So, he decided to make the trip.
Zhu Shunyao saw Zhu Guifu but said nothing. He had no interest in knowing his father’s intentions. Since he was his father, Zhu Shunyao respectfully invited him to sit at the same table as Zhu Enfu and the others.
“I see your father looks unhappy. He might have something on his mind,” Xie Xinlian whispered to Zhu Shunyao. She wanted to remind her husband. After more than ten years, she knew her parents-in-law’s personalities very well.
Zhu Shunyao nodded, his expression calm. “I noticed too. It’s fine. If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up. Don’t worry.” He added, “Besides, don’t you know my character? He can only scheme against me if I let him.”