bayedsolid Chapter 158 3 Fat Guys
Chapter 158 3 Fat Guys
Shen Lian's father had five brothers, Shen Xingwen was the second, and there were also two aunts.
Except for Shen Lian's family, who could only have one child because his mother was a civil servant, most of the others had two children, so Shen Lian had quite a few cousins.
Shen Yan is the second oldest of the third generation and has always been the leader. Her younger brothers were all beaten up by her since they were little, and even now, no one is afraid of her.
Because his family was relatively well-off when he was young, Shen Lian was quite chubby and happened to be the third child in his family, so he was called "Third Fatty".
He hated that nickname the most and got into fights with his brothers quite a few times. As he grew up, very few people called him that anymore, except for Shen Yan.
"How could I dare! Second sister, please sit down! Have some candy, I even brought you a gift!" Shen Yan glared at him, and Shen Lian immediately backed down.
"Hmph, that's more like it. It's no wonder I rushed back from town as soon as I heard you were back."
Although his cousin had a fiery temper, she was actually quite good to her younger brothers. She married a teacher and lived in town, and Shen Lian used to often eat at her house.
"This is my girlfriend, Wang Xiaoyuan. Xiaoyuan, hurry up and take out the gift you brought for your second sister!" Shen Lian hurriedly called out to Wang Xiaoyuan.
"Wow! Your wife is really beautiful. You've got good taste this time. Unlike the previous one..."
"Second sister, look, this is the bag we bought for you, do you like it!" Shen Lian quickly interrupted his second sister, "Why are you bringing up things from the past!"
"Oh! Wow! A Coolqi bag. You've really struck it rich! Sanpang, you're so good to your sister!" Shen Yan grabbed Shen Lian and tried to kiss him on the cheek, but Shen Lian quickly pushed her head away.
"Hey Second Sister, can you please stop calling me Fatty Third? I'm a grown man!" Shen Lian protested helplessly.
"Okay, okay! I won't shout, I won't shout!" Shen Yan picked up the bag and happily examined it from all angles. Few women dislike handbags.
"Second brother, second brother is back!" "Hello, second brother!"
Soon, a lot of people poured into the house, and Shen Lian and his mother quickly packed up their things to greet everyone.
The gifts were all ready-made; my own jewelry company brought back quite a few jade pendants and similar items, so I gave one to each of these guys.
"Shen Lian is back?" A thin old man with white hair and beard walked in.
"Grandpa, I'm back! How are you? Where's Grandma?" Shen Lian quickly stepped forward to help the old man up.
"She doesn't go out at all now that it's cold; she stays home by the fire!" Old Master Shen glanced at Wang Xiaoyuan and stroked his beard with satisfaction.
"Grandpa, I saw a calligraphy piece, it's said to be by Wu Changshuo. Knowing that you like calligraphy, I bought it for you!" Shen Lian took out a scroll.
The old man has been practicing calligraphy for decades and is quite famous in the area. Now, for any weddings or funerals in the village, they basically have to ask him to write large characters.
"Mr. Changshuo's calligraphy? You don't even understand it, yet you dare to buy it! Do you have too much money?" The old man took the scroll and carefully opened it to examine it.
"Hmm! It captures both form and spirit, the brushwork is skillful, and the strokes flow smoothly without any pause... Even I can't be sure if it's a masterpiece. No, I need to find some experts to take a look," the old man said after appreciating it for a while.
Keep searching! Shen Lian certainly knew the item was genuine!
He originally wanted to get a calligraphy piece from Wang Kaiyun. However, after learning that Shen Lian wanted to give it to an important person, Wang Kaiyun waved his hand repeatedly and recommended Wu Changshuo, who is known as the best calligrapher of the time.
He also presented a piece of calligraphy by Wu Changshuo that he had collected.
The old man rolled up the scroll and hurriedly went outside.
"Grandpa, tell Grandma not to cook dinner tonight! Come to my house for dinner later!"
As soon as the old man left, the previously silent room erupted in cheers. The old man had a powerful presence. None of his grandsons dared to be disrespectful in front of him, not even Shen Yan.
That evening, with the help of my cousin and several aunts, three large tables were set up, and the Shen family gathered together in joy.
Although it was crowded and noisy, Shen Lian thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere. It was much more comfortable than his former residence at the Marquis's mansion!
The Marquis's mansion was governed by strict rules, and everyone treated him with utmost respect. There was a lack of genuine familial affection.
The old man was very happy tonight and drank a bit too much, constantly praising Shen Lian.
Of all his grandsons, only Shen Lian inherited some of his family traditions. He practiced calligraphy for a few years and his writing was passable.
When Shen Lian took the elderly couple home, he gave his grandmother a large gold bracelet. The happy old lady repeatedly praised her grandson for his filial piety.
"There are too many people at home, it's so noisy! Are you getting used to it?" Lying in bed at night, Shen Lian asked Wang Xiaoyuan, holding her close.
“Very good! Although there are many people in your family, you are very harmonious. Everyone is happy and cheerful, which I think is great! There are only a few people in my family, and it is always quiet and lonely during holidays.”
“It’s a big family, after all! There are naturally a lot of people. As for harmony, that’s how it appears on the surface. But there are plenty of rotten things going on behind the scenes. You’ll find out later.” Shen Lian sighed.
"Let's not talk about that anymore! Let's study human physiology first. Hehe..."
. . . . . .
The next morning, while Shen Lian was still asleep, the old man sent someone to wake him up. He said that an expert appraiser was arriving and wanted him to go with them.
"Ugh! Do all these old men have trouble sleeping?" Shen Lian yawned in annoyance and quickly got dressed and got out of bed.
"Why don't you sleep a little longer? There's nothing else to do anyway." Seeing that Wang Xiaoyuan had also remembered, Shen Lian kissed her rosy cheeks and said.
"You're already up, how can I still sleep!" Wang Xiaoyuan shook her head and got up.
The two got up and washed up; their parents had both gone to work. Sweet rice wine and eggs were still warm in the pot, and the two ate their fill. Shen Lian then took a packet of tea and headed to his grandfather's house.
The old man still lives in his ancestral home, an ancient building with a history of over two hundred years, which is quite well preserved.
Originally, Shen Lian's grandparents and uncle lived here, but his uncle, Shen Xingwu, bought a house in the city, and the whole family moved there. Now only the two elderly people live here.
"Grandpa!" Shen Lian led Wang Xiaoyuan into the lobby.
"Xiao Lian, come and greet Chairman Wang and Elder Chen!" The old man smiled and waved to his eldest grandson as he entered.
"Hello, Chairman Wang! Hello, Old Chen!" Shen Lian greeted them as he took out cigarettes from his pocket and offered them to the two men and the old man.
Chairman Wang smiled and nodded as he accepted the cigarette, while Old Chen waved his hand to indicate that he did not smoke.
"Grandpa, I just happened to bring some tea leaves. Today, let our two distinguished guests taste them!" Shen Lian gestured for Wang Xiaoyuan to sit down, then poured out the tea leaves from the old man's teapot and began brewing tea again.