ning table. Liu Xiaoyan buzzed around her aunt like a mother and daughter duo. The glorious goose leg Liu Xiaoyan received went straight to the grandmother, making her glow with joy.

Given another goose leg, Liu Xiaoyan took a small bite before passing it to Fu Tong. Feeling pity for her salivating brother Fu Hui, Fu Tong kindly offered it to him.

"Thank you, Sister Yanzi, thank you, Sister Tongtong!" The middle-schooler Fu Hui gratefully thanked them, his mouth barely stopping for breath.

"The sisters love Huihui the most," said Fu Hui through muffled words, causing everyone to burst into laughter. Liu Xiaoyan then gave a goose claw to Deputy Secretary Fu, while the goose liver went to the grandmother, who was brimming with affection for her granddaughter.

Despite Liu Xiaoyan’s unladylike feasting, Liu’s wife continued to load her plate. Watching the voracity with which Liu Xiaoyan ate, it was hard to imagine her as anything but a graceful young lady.

"Mom, you are too biased towards Sister Yanzi," Fu Hui protested, catching everyone’s attention.

"You ungrateful little wolf, give back my goose leg," Liu Xiaoyan retorted while eating.

"Sister Yanzi’s visits are rare and valuable. Who else should Mom spoil? Right, Sister Tong?" Fu Hui shifted his tactics, flattering Liu Xiaoyan, and averting the family's scrutiny. Tongtong smirked at her brother’s failed attempt, laughing quietly.

"Yanzi, go home after you finish eating. Your mother has been talking about your return," Liu’s wife gently reminded.

"Aunt, you said it! Once I’m married and have no food, I’m moving in with you!"

"You silly girl, I would never marry you off to a poor man. No matter where you marry, my home will always be yours."

"No way! Aunt, you’re like my own mother. They already have my brother, Xiaohu; they wouldn’t miss me."

"You cheeky girl, stay with us forever if you wish. We'll see just how much you can manage."
 11: The Summer Sports Meet

"Auntie, what if I really marry a poor guy?" Liu Xiaoyan asked tentatively.

"You silly girl, stop jinxing yourself! Are you full?"

"Yes, I'm full!"

"Go, go, go! Hurry home, or your mother will say I’m stealing her daughter." Under Aunt Fu’s urging, Liu Xiaoyan finally left the Fu household.

Secretary Liu took another round, bringing back local specialties. He personally poured wine for Fu Le, saying it was to welcome back the scholar.

Fu Le never dared to drink openly in front of Deputy Secretary Fu, but in front of Secretary Liu, he was completely relaxed. He drank heartily and ate with gusto. This behavior was a product of Secretary Liu’s nurturing since Fu Le was a child. Naturally, Fu Le and Secretary Liu clinked glasses relentlessly. Accompanying them, Liu Xiaohu wasn’t as free-spirited, being particularly reserved and on

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