Food Intelligence King

Chapter 141 Home Visit: Don't Be Perfunctory During a Major Holiday (3k)

Aunt Tao Tao put the shoes away and walked into the living room.

While chatting, I checked out all the hard-to-reach areas. While my sister got some fruit, I also glanced at the refrigerator, which was piled high with food.

A little while later, she took her niece into her small bedroom.

Outside the house, Ms. Lin whispered to her husband:

"My sister must be keeping track of the expenses."

Chen Zhou smiled and thought to himself:

You're so old now, and your sister still secretly transfers money to you as pocket money. Isn't that great?

Having an older sister is actually a great feeling.

But then I realized that my wife meant keeping accounts.

So he asked, "Bookkeeping? What kind of bookkeeping?"

Ms. Lin replied, "I keep track of my work, life, and marriage expenses, and then the quality assessment is done in the evening."

As for the criticism and reprimand that followed the quality assessment, there was also some during dinner.

She didn't tell Chen Zhou.

At thirty years old, with a husband and children, Lin Yifan still had some pride after being criticized by her sister in front of her.

The couple attended the same college in university, and Chen Zhou sighed:

"Quality assessment? So all this professional stuff? They're here to inspect the site?"

Ms. Lin nodded. "As soon as we met today, she said I always wear the same clothes, even though they're not the same ones I wore when I went back to my hometown. She just wouldn't listen."

“I can vouch for that.”

My wife doesn't buy an entire closet of clothes in an extravagant way, but she definitely owns more than just one or two items. However, because the overall style is rather simple, it still gives the impression of—

No more than eight sets of clothes for all four seasons.

"Hmm~" Ms. Lin, having received support from her husband, continued, "Then, she asked me about my work."

Ms. Lin could only follow the crowd in her career and indeed did not have any outstanding development or promotion.

Chen Zhou thought about it. Aunt Tao Tao became the dean of students at a young age, so she might not be very satisfied with her younger sister's stagnation.

But at least my wife didn't lose her job; her work is very stable.

Chen Zhou comforted her, "That's already very good. You've supported me and Tao Tao for almost half a year."

Ms. Lin felt a little relieved after hearing this. Those days of hardship were over, and things were getting better and better for her family.

She then brought up her sister's quality assessment:

"You probably already know what happened next. During the meal, she even asked you about opening a shop."

Chen Zhou recalled his sister-in-law's trip to Haibin City and the interrogation she gave him at the dinner table.
Even before going upstairs, Chen Taotao was given a test of her Chinese, math, and English abilities.

It turns out that these were all part of her investigation.

Lin Yiling noted down all the areas that needed improvement.

It's great to have a sister who cares for you, but such strict care and being scrutinized can indeed put a lot of pressure on you.

Chen Zhou felt that his wife's life back in their home in Guanzhong was probably like this every day.

However, he was also somewhat curious:
"So, how would you rate yourself?"

"Work?" Ms. Lin said, "It's not too busy or tiring, and the income is decent."

"I mean, family and life."

Ms. Lin thought about it carefully, then smiled and said, "I think it's pretty good."

"Perfunctory."

“It’s really good.” Ms. Lin became even more serious, but she kept repeating the same two sentences.

We can't make things too difficult for her. Chen Zhou smiled with relief.

At this moment, Aunt Tao Tao seemed to measure her niece's height and weight.

The sound of two people talking could be heard coming from the small bedroom.

Chen Taotao said excitedly, "Auntie, I'm a little taller and a little heavier than when I came to your house."

"Our Tao Tao is awesome!"

Aunt Tao was generally satisfied with the little one's healthy growth, but noticing several small toys from McDonald's on her desk, she asked:

Does your mom often take you out for hamburgers?

The little girl didn't keep anything to herself, and she didn't remember what her mother had told her when she was teaching her pinyin.

It's said in pinyin and English all at once, how can anyone remember it?

So she shared all the things she had eaten out about recently with her aunt.

Sometimes Mom and Dad would treat us, and sometimes Sister Zhao would treat us.

The little girl thought this was a good thing:
"I bought a lot of snacks at the mall last time. Do you want some, Auntie? I still have some!"

Chen Taotao learned to share, but:
"Auntie won't eat!"

The couple listened to the sounds coming from inside the house from outside.

It seems the investigation isn't over yet, and Aunt Tao Tao isn't entirely satisfied with it either.

But Chen Zhou felt it was explainable; eating a little bit occasionally was no big deal.

Not long after, Ms. Lin found an opportunity to speak with Chen Zhou alone:
"Could you go buy me a case of beer later?"
-
"You're going to drink with your sister?"

"Ah."

Chen Zhou looked at his wife.

Ms. Lin's family is known for its poor drinking habits; a little alcohol will make her drunk, while a lot will make her fall asleep.

Fortunately, they were all quite good drinkers and didn't get too tipsy. After a few drinks, they would get a little tipsy and couldn't stay sober for long before lying down to sleep.

My father-in-law is the one in the family with the best alcohol tolerance.

With the help of the mother-in-law, things become even more easier.

Even when his wife praises him, he can only drink one bottle of beer.

The two daughters were even less capable.

Therefore, the members of the Lin family almost never drink alcohol.

Actually, when Chen Zhou visited before, his family would occasionally have a couple of drinks when they were in a good mood.

Anyway, after they woke up, at least in their memories they didn't drink a drop of alcohol.

Thinking about the Lin family's situation, Chen Zhou felt:
My wife has come up with a terrible idea this time—in order to avoid being lectured by her sister, she plans to fight Aunt Tao to the death.

He commented:

"Ever since your sister came, I feel like you've been acting a bit recklessly. Isn't this just hurting the enemy a thousand while hurting yourself eight hundred?"

Ms. Lin said calmly, "I'm better than her; I can drink half a bottle."

Chen Zhou: "."

She was quite proud of it.

Bad news, my wife has resorted to a desperate measure.

Good news, my wife's image hasn't collapsed.

However, Ms. Lin rarely made material requests, so Chen Zhou had no reason to refuse.

It's a holiday, so having a couple of sips won't hurt.

He then went downstairs in the apartment complex to buy beer.

He couldn't find anyone else, except his neighbor next door at the community canteen.

Old Meng was still in the shop. The two greeted each other and then discussed the mooncakes.

When Chen Zhou came over to buy beer, Meng Da insisted on not taking any money.

"It's a holiday, but we're already here."

Chen Zhou didn't stand on ceremony either:

"Pick something expensive and good for me, my sister-in-law is coming over today."

“No problem.” Old Meng pulled out a case of non-alcoholic beer. “This one’s good, take it and try it.”

Chen Zhou looked at the label above and realized it really wouldn't work.

"They both need to drink something with an alcohol content."

Old Meng said admiringly, "Wow, they're both heroines! The two sisters should have a showdown."

Chen Zhou smiled.

Even if the two of them drank it together, they couldn't finish a bottle.

The non-alcoholic beer was replaced with regular wheat beer.

Lao Meng said this flavor has a "smooth texture and a subtle hop aroma. It would be even better with some seafood."

Gout treatment package, a common option in coastal cities.

Chen Zhou, recalling He Qiang's experiences adrift at sea, recommended him to Lao Meng:

"I also know a guy who's a fisherman. He went sea fishing this time and I bet he'll catch a lot. Anyone interested in buying some together? It'll definitely be cheaper than at the market."

Old Meng nodded: "That works. I saw at the market today that crabs are 81 yuan a pound."

Because the intelligence report also mentioned that Aunt Tao Tao loved to eat seafood, Chen Zhou called He Qiang from Lao Meng's shop.

Unfortunately--

"The number you dialed is not in service."

Old Meng also heard the voice on the phone, and he tried to smooth things over by saying, "It's at sea, there's no signal, that's normal."

This information is not from intelligence, so its timeliness cannot be guaranteed.

Chen Zhou could only say to Lao Meng:
"See, I didn't lie to you."

Old Meng: "That's true."

It seems we'll have to wait for He Qiang to reach the shore before we can get in touch with him. Chen Zhou sent him a message first:

"Old He, I want to eat fish."

Hopefully the storm won't be too big, and Brother He Qiang can return safely as soon as possible.

Aunt Tao will stay in the seaside city for another day or two. We need to make sure she eats enough seafood before she goes back.

If necessary, I'll go to the market to buy some, but I definitely won't need any tonight.

These two sisters are both noobs.

I doubt they'll even be able to eat more than a few bites of food.

At dinner time, since Chen Zhou had eaten a large meal outside at noon, he simply prepared some food.

The four of them sat down at the dining table.

Of course, the small drinks that Ms. Lin asked her husband to buy were also included.

Even the cups have been chilled in the refrigerator to ensure a perfect taste on the first sip.

Aunt Tao looked at the two bottles of beer on the table and said to her brother-in-law, "Chen Zhou, you can drink them yourself. As you know, neither of us likes to drink."

She habitually makes decisions for her sister.

Chen Tao added, "I don't like drinking it either, Auntie."

Lin Yiling patted her niece's head. She really liked this little girl, but it was a pity that she had given birth to two boys. "Auntie will include you too."

"Good~"

Aunt Tao then said to Chen Zhou, "Look, none of the three of us are drinking."

Chen Zhou nodded, "Then I'll order myself."

He thought to himself: His wife's tactic had backfired. Aunt Tao Tao knew what was going on and wouldn't take the bait.

However, Ms. Lin clearly wouldn't let the opportunity before the meal slip by. Her sister had been saving it up all day, just waiting to unleash her skills at mealtime.

She said to her sister, "Do you remember the first time we drank together? You had just finished your college entrance exam and I had just finished my middle school entrance exam. I had only had two sips when you were already drunk."

Lin Yiling shook her head. "I don't remember."

She mainly couldn't remember any way her sister was better than her.

Ms. Lin, with a rare mocking expression, said to Chen Zhou, "Look, even my sister doesn't remember."

Chen Zhou stood up:
"I still have a cold dish to make in the kitchen."

When he returned, Lin Yiling had already filled all three cups.

"I am delighted to see your harmonious marriage and successful family business. As your older sister, I am deeply gratified. I wish you both continued harmony and progress, and I also wish our whole family peace and prosperity. This toast is for you."

This demonstrates the competence of a Chinese language teacher and the director of the academic affairs office.

Chen Zhou: "Welcome, eldest sister."

Chen Zhou and his wife sat together and raised their glasses together.

Only Chen Taotao was puzzled: Auntie, why did you change your mind so suddenly?
However, she cooperatively picked up her small cup and said along with the adults:
"cheers!"

Apart from Chen Zhou, none of the three people present could drink a toast.

Chen Taotao took a sip of milk.

The two sisters each took a sip of beer.

Aunt Tao Tao seemed to be preparing something to say, but after organizing her thoughts for a while, she suddenly stood up.

"I'm going back to rest. Let's talk about it tomorrow."

After saying that, he walked towards Chen Taotao's small bedroom, saying, "We've arrived at the hotel."

Ms. Lin's situation isn't much better.

She certainly wouldn't have gone into the bedroom to rest; she still retained half of her rationality and helped her sister cancel the hotel reservation.

"Why bother booking a hotel when you're coming here? Tch!"

But the way she was speaking was no longer the usual Ms. Lin.

Something was wrong. Chen Zhou wanted to take his daughter away temporarily. After he stood up, his movements were a little slow, and Ms. Lin preemptively took her away.

She kissed Chen Taotao hard.

"Tao Tao, Mommy loves you so much!!!"

The little girl was very happy and responded enthusiastically, "Mommy, I love you too."

Chen Taotao had never seen her mother like this before, so she found it very novel.

Then it was Chen Zhou's turn.

Ms. Lin's face flushed red: "Honey! Come here yourself!"

As the alcohol took effect, she became too tired to walk.

After her husband sat back down, she took another big bite.

"Tell me first!"

Chen Zhou wasn't drunk. "Mmm, I told you."

Ms. Lin said angrily, "You're just going through the motions! Be serious!"

(End of this chapter)