Hard work after winning the lottery

The once spacious eight-immortal table was now full of people.

The Hua family sat on one side, the Zhou family on the other, and in the middle, wisps of steam rose from the hot tea.

The aroma of tea mingled with the rich fragrance of stewed meat, along with the subtle, sophisticated woody scent emanating from the Zhou family members, creating a unique and harmonious aroma.

Li Guifen quickly poured tea for the guests; although her movements were somewhat hurried, they revealed her genuine enthusiasm.

"Grandpa and Grandma, friends, have some tea. This is wild mountain tea that just came down this year. It's not worth much, we just appreciate its freshness."

Zhou Yinchuan accepted the teacup with both hands. His hands, which were used to holding gun barrels and scepters, were trembling slightly at this moment.

He didn't rush to drink it, but gently placed the teacup on the table.

"Guifen, stop fussing and sit down."

Hua Mutou, an old comrade-in-arms, tapped his pipe, gesturing for his daughter-in-law to sit down.

"Please sit down, please sit down."

Once everyone was seated, the main room gradually quieted down.

Only the three little ones, Si'an, Sile, and Sitao, lay beside Zhou Yanjin's legs, blinking their big eyes and curiously observing this serious scene.

Zhou Yanjin gently stroked Si'an's head with one hand, but his gaze never left Hua Yun across from him.

Hua Yun lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.

She could feel that burning gaze, as if it wanted to see right through her.

Zhou Yinchuan cleared his throat.

This soft cough sent everyone's hearts leaping into their throats.

The old man put away his usual playful demeanor, his back ramrod straight, a posture ingrained in the very bones of a soldier.

His expression was solemn as his gaze slowly swept over each member of the Hua family, finally settling on Hua Mutou's weathered face.

"Old Hua, Hua Shu's nephew, and Yun's mother and sister-in-law."

His voice was loud and clear, carrying an undeniable solemnity.

"Today, three generations of our Zhou family have come together, for no other reason than..."

At that moment, even the cicadas chirping outside the window seemed to fall silent.

Zhou Yinchuan paused, a hint of indescribable emotion and excitement in his eyes.

"It's a major event for our Zhou family, and also a very joyous occasion."

Hua Shu's palms were sweaty, and he nervously rubbed them against his knees.

Although I had a vague idea in my mind, the impact of hearing it said in person was still enormous.

Zhou Yinchuan took a deep breath, his words ringing out firmly.

"We are formally proposing marriage on behalf of my grandson Zhou Yanjin to your lovely daughter and granddaughter Hua Yun!"

These two words carry immense weight.

It was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples all around.

Hua Yun suddenly raised her head and met Zhou Yanjin's unfathomable eyes.

The deep affection within was so intense that it made her feel somewhat dizzy.

Before the Hua family could react, Zhou Ye, who was sitting next to Zhou Yinchuan, also spoke up.

The chairman of the Zhou family, who had dominated the business world for many years, was now like an ordinary father, even with a touch of earnest humility.

He bowed slightly, his tone so sincere that it was touching.

"Uncle Hua, Aunt Hua, Brother Hua, Sister-in-law Hua."

Zhou Ye's voice was somewhat low, carrying the composure and apology of a mature man.

"Our Zhou family has been absent for the past five years."

Lin Yi sat to the side, and upon hearing this, tears welled up in her eyes again.

She clutched the silk handkerchief tightly in her hand, her gaze lingering greedily on Hua Yun and the three children.

Zhou Ye continued, "We are very grateful to Yunyun, not only because she raised three such outstanding grandsons for our Zhou family."

At this point, he looked at Hua Yun, his eyes full of admiration.

"I admire her character and ability even more. A girl, in such an environment, is neither arrogant nor humble, teaches the children so well, and lives such a resilient life."

"It is Yan Jin's good fortune to meet Yunyun, and it is also a good fortune for our Zhou family."

These words resonated deeply with the Hua family.

Li Guifen's eyes immediately reddened.

Only a mother knows how much suffering and scorn her daughter has endured over the years.

Hearing her father-in-law speak so highly of her daughter, the huge weight in her heart finally lifted.

Zhou Ye stood up and bowed deeply to the Hua family members.

"Our whole family sincerely hopes to marry Yunyun into our family. We hope you can agree to give us a chance to make amends and take care of her."

The main room was quiet.

This is a bow from a top-tier wealthy family, and also a request from a father.

Grandpa Hua's hand, holding the cigarette, trembled slightly.

He looked at his humble father and then at his old comrade-in-arms who looked expectant, and his eyes welled up with tears.

Just then, Zhou Yanjin, who had been silent all along, made a move.

He gently patted the children's shoulders beside him, gesturing for them to go to their grandmother's side first.

Then he stood up.

His tall stature made him appear exceptionally upright.

He straightened his perfectly wrinkle-free suit, took long strides, and walked steadily towards Huayun.

The sound of leather shoes stepping on the bluestone slabs could be clearly heard.

Hey.

Hey.

Hey.

Every step felt like stepping on the very heart of Hua Yun.

All eyes were focused on it.

Zhou Yanjin stopped in front of him.

The two were only a short distance apart.

He looked down at her, and his usually cold and indifferent face was now incredibly gentle.

Like spring water after the ice and snow have melted, it carries a gentleness that can drown you.

"Yunyun".

He called her name softly.

Just two words, yet they seem to contain a thousand words.

Hua Yun looked up at the man who had once only existed in her secret dreams.

Now, he is truly standing right in front of me.

I came for her.

In front of all the elders, Zhou Yanjin showed no embarrassment whatsoever.

His gaze was focused and affectionate, as if he were the only person left in the world.

"That night six years ago, whether right or wrong, was the most precious gift God gave me."

When Hua Yun mentioned six years ago, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she also felt a little ashamed.

"These past six years have been tough on you."

Zhou Yanjin's voice was somewhat hoarse, carrying a hint of suppressed sorrow.

"I missed the birth of Si'an and the others, I missed their first time calling me 'Mom,' and I missed your most difficult moments."

"This is the biggest regret of my life."

He slowly reached out and gently grasped Hua Yun's slightly cold fingers.

His palms were broad, dry, and warm.

The continuous flow of popularity travels from fingertips to the heart of Huayun.

"But I promise you, from this day forward, you will never be alone again."

"Hua Yun, I love you."

He spoke those three words with utmost solemnity.

It wasn't frivolous flirting, but a weighty vow.

"I love our children too."

"I promise to cherish and respect you with my whole life, not only as the young mistress of the Zhou family, but also as yourself—Hua Yun."

"I will share the responsibilities of the family with you, give the children a complete and happy family, shelter you from the wind and rain, and be your strongest support."

There are no fancy rhetoric whatsoever.

Every word was like a nail, driven into the heart of everyone present.

He didn't take out a fancy ring.

In such a simple courtyard, in the face of such sincere emotions, even the most expensive diamonds pale in comparison.

His eyes shone brighter than diamonds.

His promise is more precious than gold.

"Please marry me."

The last six words fell.

The air seemed to freeze.

Everyone held their breath, afraid of disturbing the sanctity of this moment.

Hua Yun looked at the man in front of her.

Looking at the tiny reflection of himself in his eyes.