NOVEL WEB Chapter 060 – Housewarming Banquet
Zhao Zhao and Da Linzi returned to his house. She had postponed the housewarming until the inn’s opening, and now it was finally time to hold it.
They decided to hold a flowing banquet on the island, inviting everyone without accepting gifts, just to celebrate her return.
Zhao Zhao entrusted her second aunt, Qin Yunmei, with organizing the event, confident in her abilities. Qin Yunmei was happy to take on the task, especially knowing Zhao Zhao would ensure she wouldn’t suffer a loss. This was why, despite Qin Yunmei’s years of scheming, Zhao Zhao didn’t dislike her.
Such a flowing banquet was a big event, especially since Zhao Zhao was now the village head, very popular on the island. She estimated every family would attend, so they would need to hire several chefs from outside while the islanders would help. Zhao Zhao provided the top-tier menu budget, and Qin Yunmei got busy with preparations.
Three days later, fireworks were set off at the small inn and Zhao Zhao’s front and back yards. Long banquet tables were laid out in the square, starting from noon and continuing until 8 PM. Each table, seating ten people, would be served as soon as it was full, with guests coming and going freely. Such a lively scene was perfect for a live broadcast; it would be a shame not to capture this traditional flowing banquet. Da Linzi was assigned to stream early to gain more viewing hours.
For a housewarming, everyone wants to see the house. Her home was bustling with visitors all morning. For many, it was their first time entering the courtyard. Their exclamations of awe and envy were exactly what Zhao Zhao wanted to hear. Such admiration would motivate the islanders to work harder and help the island shed its image of old, dilapidated houses.
Even her uncle Xiong Haichao’s family sent a representative—Xiong Chun. He was off work today and was sent over by his mother. Upon arriving at Jinshi Island, his eyes were wide with amazement.
Was this still the impoverished old home? The pier was full of yachts and large boats. Two of them even belonged to his third uncle’s daughter?
It wasn’t surprising that his family knew nothing about this. Zhao Zhao’s first and second aunts had a terrible relationship, full of petty conflicts.
Qin Yunmei certainly wouldn’t call her sister-in-law to inform her, “Our eldest niece has struck it rich. You should visit more often and stay close to her.” Dream on! Qin Yunmei wished they would never find out.
The housewarming and the inn’s reopening were only known to Xiong Haichao because he called his elder brother. He wasn’t one to chat excessively, and no one in his brother’s family fished or needed Zhao Zhao’s help.
When Zhao Zhao returned to Jinshi Island previously, he had notified his elder brother. The response was indifferent—just advising him to persuade her if possible. If not, it was fine. They believed that with her education, she had her own plans.
Xiong Haichao’s family typically visited the island twice a year—once during the Chinese New Year and once for the old man’s memorial day. Their jobs had nothing to do with fishing, so they knew nothing of Zhao Zhao’s achievements. Xiong Chun and his sister worked in a company, while their parents ran a stall selling swimsuits and swimming rings at the Dragon King Temple beach. Jinshi Island was considered the poor relatives.
Who would have thought that in just half a year, these poor relatives would strike it rich?
Zhao Zhao warmly welcomed her unfamiliar cousin and personally escorted him to the square for the banquet. This first-class treatment was even better than what Jiang Jianzhou, who had brought a lavish gift, received.
She had pinned a statement in the group chat, clearly stating that no gifts were necessary and that her home lacked nothing. However, the islanders still brought bowls, chopsticks, scallions, and vermicelli—the traditional housewarming gifts. While other items were fine and wouldn’t spoil, Zhao Zhao was speechless looking at the massive pile of scallions in the living room. Every visiting family had brought a huge bundle, filling the room with a strong onion smell... Jiang Jianzhou and his friends arrived just at this moment.
Yesterday, Chen Jian had spotted Zhao Zhao’s social media post and immediately notified the others. The three of them, after liking the post, booked rooms on the travel platform and decided to visit for the weekend, determined to stay in Zhao Zhao’s good graces.
Speaking of last time, after receiving Zhao Zhao’s pills, Jiang Jianzhou felt great upon taking them. Back home, they all tried the pills and felt revitalized. Though they were all in their twenties and not yet frail, Chen Jian, the chubby one, felt particularly agile and light for the first time since gaining weight. After two days, he weighed himself and found he had lost 10 pounds. He was ecstatic, believing that the pills had shed his excess fat. He immediately gave the remaining two pills to his parents.
Being the youngest in the family, his father was quite old, with mostly white hair from years of hard work.
Initially, his father didn’t believe him, thinking this unreliable son had brought home some questionable three-no product. Eventually, Chen Jian dragged Jiang Jianzhou to testify before his father reluctantly took the pill. Within two days, the old man sprouted black hair stubble, visibly improving his energy and vigor. His previously heavy and easily fatigued body felt much lighter. The old man even shaved his head to let the new black hair grow out. His business partners commented that he looked ten years younger with his black hair.
Chen’s father instructed his son to stay close to Zhao Zhao. If she ever sold those pills, no matter the price, he wanted in. The other two families had similar experiences. Upon learning about the housewarming and reopening, they personally picked out gifts for Zhao Zhao.
Jiang Jianzhou, taking his mother’s advice, chose an 80-piece high-end custom porcelain set featuring a traditional Chinese magpie on a branch design. Wang Yangming and Chen Jian brought luxurious crystal wine sets and kung fu tea sets. The gifts were practical, and Zhao Zhao, seeing the assistant bringing in the crystal wine set, warmly said, “Thank you for not bringing scallions.”
The trio who didn’t bring scallions: ... Do we need to be thanked for that?
After some pleasantries, more people started arriving. Zhao Zhao had Yaoguang take them to the banquet, calling them "family" and telling them to help themselves.
The three of them, looking curious, followed the large parrot. Wang Yangming nudged Jiang Jianzhou and whispered, “Is this reliable? Will it fly off halfway, leaving us following it like fools?”
Jiang Jianzhou shook his head, signaling to follow. Up ahead, Yaoguang rolled its eyes, “Can you three walk any faster?”
The chubby one eagerly quickened his pace, “Sure thing! You fly beautifully!”
Yaoguang was reliable, and soon they saw a bustling square ahead.
Yaoguang immediately spotted Da Linzi with a tripod and phone. Zhao Zhao had instructed it to hand the trio over to Da Linzi or Xiong Haitao. Without hesitation, Yaoguang flew directly towards Da Linzi.
Da Linzi was live streaming the Jinshi Island banquet. Today’s top-tier menu looked luxurious and affordable, with sixteen dishes, each in a large bowl that could be called a small basin in the city.
Da Linzi hadn’t eaten yet, running around to every table where new dishes were served. He avoided showing half-eaten plates, making the live stream viewers drool with envy.
【These Four Happiness Meatballs look expertly made, very bouncy. I saw them jiggle when the server walked by.】
【This table looks so appetizing, steaming hot and fully packed.】
【Even braised sea cucumber? Sister Bear is definitely rich.】
【Little Bear, I’m on Jinshi Island!!! Look at me! The fishing lodge owner also went to the banquet, leaving me with seafood fried rice. It was delicious, but now seeing your dishes, I can’t live anymore. Can I pay to join the banquet? Bear, I’m an old fan!】 He sent a yacht as a gift, which Da Linzi noticed.
“Hey, is there really a live stream fan on the island? Come quickly, I’ll find a spot for you. No need for gift money, my sister doesn’t accept it.”
The live chat exploded with envy and amazement at how generous the fan was treated.
This fan came from Chonghai City. He loved watching outdoor live streams and was a long-time fan of Little Bear’s live stream. Upon hearing about the arrival of white dolphins and knowing Siren would be around, he skipped half a day of work to spend the weekend on the island.
Hearing what Da Linzi said, he immediately asked for directions to the small square.
Yaoguang brought Jiang Jianzhou and his two friends to Da Linzi, “Da Linzi, arrange a good spot for these three. Your sister said they are the first batch of guests at the inn and instructed you to take good care of them.” After relaying the message, it curiously flew off to observe the bustling cooking area, a scene it had never witnessed.
Da Linzi: “.”
He recently learned what ‘guests’ meant. These three... he had fought with them before.
Jiang Jianzhou: “...”
Live chat: Hahaha
Zhao Zhao had already told him about their visit to apologize, so he had moved on from the incident. However, he felt a bit awkward about Yaoguang calling them ‘guests.’ Da Linzi warmly invited, “Follow me. I’ll find a separate table for you. A friend of mine will join us, so it’ll be the five of us.”
After finding an empty table for them, he went to his father to arrange the dishes. For this table, he wouldn’t wait for ten people. The first batch of guests... needed to be well taken care of.
【Hahaha, their expressions are priceless, especially the conflicted looks.】
【Our Yaoguang comes to make us laugh and then flies off. Haven’t seen it in a while, boohoo.】
【Is there no one from Chonghai in the chat? The guy in the black coat is Young Master Jiang from Ronghe.】
【A second-generation rich kid? Did Sister Bear really score a big one?】
【If it's Ronghe, it’s actually a third-generation rich. Sister Bear is impressive.】
【What’s the inn’s name? I’ll check the room rates.】
【I know, I’m from Chonghai. It’s Jiang Jianzhou from Ronghe. The chubby guy is the second son of Wanfeng.】
Da Linzi glanced at the screen, realizing these former opponents were quite famous.
As the dishes started to arrive, he sat back at the table. This time, he made sure not to point the camera at them, instead pointing it at himself. He politely said, “I don’t know if you’ll like the food, but don’t be shy. I haven’t eaten yet, so I’ll join you. Another friend will be here soon, just the five of us.”
Jiang Jianzhou responded, “We’re here to taste the specialties of Jinshi Island. Sorry about what happened at sea last time. Let’s have a drink later.”
With the other party showing good manners, Da Linzi responded even more warmly. This matter was truly behind him now. He said enthusiastically, “That’s all in the past. My sister asked me to stream here, hope you don’t mind? I’ve turned the camera away so it won’t capture you.”
The chubby guy, now shameless, replied, “What’s there to mind? It’s fine! Stream as you like. From now on, we’re brothers. If you ever need anything in Chonghai, just let me know!”
【These rich kid ‘guests’ are quite easygoing?】
【I feel like it’s not just being easygoing. Could it be they got into a fight with Bear Druid before…】
【That can’t be true. Sister Bear isn’t like that.】
【Not necessarily, hahaha.】
【I checked the room rates. The inn is called Cloud Haven, located on Jinshi Island in Chonghai. Three price levels: 2200, 3800, and 5800 yuan. Wow, definitely five-star level. The 5800 yuan room is grayed out, no pictures yet.】
【Sister Bear doesn’t scam poor people. Support her, even if it’s expensive.】
【Makes sense. Tourism needs various price points. Anyway, it doesn’t affect us poor folks.】
【I feel for Hu Tao. Can he relax and enjoy the meal with these rich kids? Such a waste if he can’t.】
【True. Our Bear Druid has a rich sister, so he’s not bad off either. But Hu Tao...】
【Light a candle for Hu Tao.】
Hu Tao was the fan who requested to join the banquet. Not wanting to freeload, he sent two more yachts as gifts, making viewers worry about him going broke.
By now, Hu Tao had arrived and found Da Linzi’s table with the tripod. He was speechless—what a coincidence.
Having agreed, he joined them, feeling that freeloading was the worst.
He plopped down next to Da Linzi, “Little Bear, I’m here to freeload!”
Da Linzi: “Hu Tao?”
Wang Mingyang: “Xiao Hu?”
The chubby guy: “Xiao Hu, why are you here?”
Jiang Jianzhou: “Weren’t you supposed to go back to your hometown? Did your hometown move from the northwest to Jinshi Island?”
Xiao Hu: “.”
Da Linzi: “Hey, you all know each other?”
The chubby guy: “Xiao Hu, Jiang Jianzhou’s assistant.”
Wang Mingyang understood, “So Xiao Hu said he was going home, but actually came here for a vacation? Haha, this is great, let’s eat!”
Although Jiang Jianzhou was a playboy, he also worked in his family’s company in a moderately high position, and Little Hu was his assistant.
Xiao Hu, feeling resigned, just wanted to eat, “I needed a break from work stress, so I decided to come here. I was worried I wouldn’t get a room if I didn’t book early. That’s all.”
Jiang Jianzhou: What stress? We barely have real work. Of course, he wouldn’t say that out loud.
