Courtyard House: Drunk and tipsy, the whole courtyard exposed at the start.

"Da Biao!" Li Huaide called out from afar, carrying two bottles of Moutai. "Congratulations! I've come uninvited!"

Because of Zhang Dabiao's previous milk chocolate cake, as well as his imitation Suzhou-style sour cream and large loaf of bread, Li Huaide had enough resources to maneuver among the Russian experts and retain many cooperative projects. Furthermore, due to Zhang Dabiao's inventions, Li Huaide's father-in-law exerted effort in resource exchange, transferring the original deputy director of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill to the "Export-Oriented Small Commodities Manufacturing Plant" as its director, which gave Li Huaide the opportunity to become the "acting deputy director" of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill. And it was precisely because of Zhang Dabiao's reminder that he avoided falling into that trap.

Therefore, Zhang Dabiao played a significant role in Li Huaide's promotion to deputy factory director, as Li Huaide genuinely regarded Zhang Dabiao as a younger brother.

Zhang Dabiao greeted him with a smile: "Brother Li, what are you saying? I'm overjoyed that you could come."

Although Li Huaide isn't a good person, as long as he doesn't do anything bad to me, it's fine. You can't hit someone who's smiling at you.

Factory Director Han smiled and shook Zhang Dabiao's hand: "Dabiao, our factory's chief designer is getting engaged, and as the factory director, I have to come and show my support."

Secretary Niu nodded in agreement and handed over a red envelope: "It's just a small token of my appreciation, please don't find it offensive."

It can be said that the Hongxing Daily Necessities Manufacturing Factory owes its current success, from being an affiliated waste recycling plant to Zhang Dabiao's inventions and creations. Therefore, Zhang Dabiao is the pillar of their factory. Whether it's his engagement or wedding, the factory leaders have to be present.

In the past two years, Zhang Dabiao has unknowingly changed many things and the fate of many people.

Zhang Dabiao accepted it and thanked him repeatedly.

The courtyard became increasingly lively, and neighbors from the surrounding courtyards all came out to see what was happening.

"Oh my, is this Zhang Dabiao's engagement?"

"That's right, with that Mu family girl from the big courtyard next door."

"The Mu family? You mean Aunt Mu's daughter?"

"Yes, yes, that's him, he's really handsome."

"That girl, wow, she's like a painting."

"Zhang Dabiao is lucky."

"Nonsense, Aunt Mu is just lucky. Who is Zhang Dabiao? He's a philanthropist! In the whole alley, who can compare to Zhang Dabiao? He made over 40 yuan!"

Zhang Dabiao, with his sharp ears, overheard this—[Can we not talk about this philanthropist Zhang?]

[I always felt it was the castration of a pig, you know that feeling of coldness between the legs?]

"No way, no way. Forget 40, I've never even seen a thousand yuan..."

"..."

The neighbors continued their gossip, while Yan Bugui, Yi Zhonghai, and others leaned against the covered walkway, watching. They had been dismissed from their posts, so they couldn't get involved in such important matters in the courtyard, not to mention that these people were all very powerful. They could only watch and join in the fun.

Just then, another group of people entered through the courtyard gate.

This group, judging from their appearance, is clearly a team of intellectuals.

Mu Wanqing's counselor Liu, Party Secretary Fang, and Department Head Zhou were specially invited by Zhang Dabiao from the Sijiu City Art Academy. Originally, this was against the rules, but Zhang Dabiao said that his teacher, Old Zhou, was coming to attend the engagement banquet, and the Sijiu City Arts and Crafts School supported the event, so Counselor Liu got excited.

Who told him to be classmates with Lao Zhou?

Since your Sijiu City Arts and Crafts School is so open-minded, our Sijiu City Art Academy is an undergraduate university, so naturally we can't be compared to it.

So I called someone over to take a look at the situation and decide whether to do it or not.

The other group was from Zhang Dabiao's side—Teacher Zhou, Principal Chen, and Secretary Wu from the Arts and Crafts School.

The teachers on Zhang Dabiao's side naturally gave their full support. 2000 catties of grain per semester is no joke. They had to give him face and come over for a treat.

The two groups met in the courtyard and nodded to each other. After all, they were all from the same circle and knew each other.

"Director Zhou, I've heard so much about you."

"Principal Chen, it's a pleasure to meet you."

They exchanged polite words, but their eyes kept glancing into the courtyard—this little courtyard was bustling with activity today.

These guests, along with the busy young people, just look at their demeanor...

He doesn't look like an ordinary worker.

Aunt Mu came out from the side room to greet them. She and Mu Wanqing were both busy preparing the staple food with Qin Jingru in the side room, as Sha Zhu couldn't manage it all by himself. Aunt Mu was wearing her old navy blue padded jacket, full of energy. After all, she was the most beautiful courtesan in the Eight Great Hutongs back in the day. Even in her old age, with a little dressing up, she was still a sight to behold for ordinary women. Her face beamed with joy.

"Oh, esteemed leaders, please come in, please come in! Have a seat, have a seat!"

Counselor Liu smiled and waved his hand: "Aunt Mu, you go about your business. We just came to see what's going on and witness this."

He recognized the students' parents, but because of Aunt Mu's past status, he had to maintain some distance the second time.

"You should still come inside for a cup of tea!"

As a group of people were making their way inside, a sharp voice suddenly came from the central courtyard.

"Make way, make way! I'm Da Biao's third aunt, I must sit in the main seat today!"

Everyone turned around and looked—

With her chest puffed out, Jia Zhangshi pushed her way through the crowd, her face conveying an expression that said, "You all have to give way to me."

The courtyard fell silent.

Zhang Dabiao stood at the wooden fence entrance of the side room, squinting as he looked over.

Madam Jia walked up to him, her face beaming, "Da Biao, your third aunt has come to congratulate you! Shouldn't your third aunt sit in the main seat today? We're your elders!"

Zhang Dabiao remained silent.

Madam Jia's smile froze slightly: "What, can't Third Aunt sit in the main seat?"

Zhang Dabiao spoke, his voice not loud, but everyone in the courtyard could hear him clearly.

"Our two families have never spoken to each other again. I don't acknowledge you as my third aunt."

Jia Zhangshi was stunned. She had originally planned to use this important day to establish a connection with Zhang Dabiao, so that he would be responsible for anything that happened to the Jia family in the future.

In front of so many leaders and high-ranking officials, if you, Zhang Dabiao, agree today, then even if the Jia family clings to you, you won't be able to escape their clutches.

But I never expected Zhang Dabiao to say such heartless things so recklessly on such an important occasion.

Isn't he afraid of the consequences at all?

Madam Jia Zhang still forced a smile and said, "You can't say that. We're relatives after all. Blood is thicker than water. It was my fault before. I apologize to you."

"Look, your second uncle and third great-uncle are both here. You acknowledge them, so naturally you can't disown me, right?"

"I'm your father's cousin, your second uncle and third great-uncle can all testify to that."

In order to cling to Zhang Dabiao, Jia Zhangshi no longer cared about having any shame.

More than 40!

As long as Zhang Dabiao manages to squeeze out even a tiny bit of food from between his fingers, the Jia family will never have to worry about food or drink.

If you have enough to eat and drink, what does it matter if you lose face a little?

Upon hearing this, Uncle Zhang and his third uncle immediately turned to look at the sky, remaining silent—[We don't want relatives like this either.]

[Whoever wants it can have it.]

"My father and you are distant relatives," Zhang Dabiao interrupted her, "three generations apart, completely unrelated."

"and--"

He smiled.

That kind of smile gave Jia Zhangshi a bit of a creeps.

Zhang Dabiao pointed to his own nose and said, "I was adopted, and I have no blood relation to you, Jia Zhangshi."

"So I acknowledge the kindness the Zhang family has shown me, but as for their scheming against my so-called relatives—"

Go somewhere cool and stay there.

"I don't admit it!"