Hard work after winning the lottery

Hua Yun chose a modernized Chinese-style cheongsam top, paired with a red horse-face skirt.

It was both festive and dignified, making her appear gentle and elegant.

Zhou Yanjin wore a well-tailored dark gray casual suit, which made him look less sharp and more refined.

The main room on the first floor of the Hua family's house had long been cleaned spotless.

The gates are wide open, welcoming joy from all directions.

In the very center stood two armchairs, polished to a gleaming shine.

Today, Mr. Zhou Yinchuan specially wore a Zhongshan suit and sat on the left, looking very energetic.

Although he was using a cane, his back was ramrod straight, and one could still vaguely see the splendor he had displayed on the battlefield.

Zhou Ye and Lin Yi sat on the chairs on the right.

Zhou Ye also had a rare happy expression on his face. The usually serious Jay Chou looked exceptionally kind today.

Lin Yi had a smile on her face the whole time, her well-maintained face full of satisfaction.

On the other side, Hua Mutou, Grandma Hua, and Mr. and Mrs. Hua Shu were also sitting, their faces beaming with simple smiles.

This is not just a tea ceremony, but a formal merging of two families.

Hua Yun took a deep breath, her palms slightly sweaty.

Zhou Yanjin noticed her nervousness and quietly reached out to grasp her fingertips.

Dry, warm palms convey a silent strength.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here."

He mouthed the words silently.

Hua Yun felt reassured and returned his gaze with a reassuring look.

Hua An, who was acting as the master of ceremonies, walked over carrying a red lacquered wooden tray.

Three exquisite blue-and-white porcelain covered bowls were placed on the tray, emitting a fragrant aroma of tea.

That was a high-mountain cloud and mist tea that Huamutou had treasured for many years; he usually couldn't bear to drink it.

Hua Yun stepped forward and slowly knelt down on the soft cushion that had been prepared beforehand.

The movements were precise and the expression was respectful.

Zhou Yanjin also knelt down with her.

This kneeling is a gesture of gratitude for being raised and a sign of the love and care of elders.

Hua Yun picked up the first cup of tea with both hands and steadily handed it to Zhou Yinchuan.

She raised her head, her gaze clear and sincere.

"Grandpa, please have some tea."

That "Grandpa" was called out clearly and loudly, coming from the bottom of his heart.

Zhou Yinchuan's old eyes, which had seen so much of life, instantly became moist.

He laughed loudly and replied repeatedly, "Yes! Good! Good boy!"

The old man took the teacup, but instead of sipping it slowly as if he were savoring tea, he downed it in one gulp.

They were as generous as if they were drinking a victory celebration.

Setting down his teacup, Zhou Yinchuan pulled a thick red envelope from his pocket.

It was really thick, bulging and looked like a small brick.

"Yun'er, now that you're in the Zhou family, we're all one family."

"Grandpa is a rough man; he doesn't speak in those refined, literary ways."

"Take this red envelope. It's a small token of my appreciation. If that brat Yan Jin ever dares to bully you again, just tell Grandpa, and Grandpa will give him a good whack with his cane!"

The people around laughed good-naturedly.

Hua Yun's eyes welled up with tears as she accepted the red envelope with both hands.

"Thank you, Grandpa."

Then, she picked up her second cup of tea and turned to Zhou Ye.

"Dad, please have some tea."

That "Dad" made Zhou Ye's heart flutter with joy.

He is usually decisive and efficient at the company, but at home he is a typical "henpecked husband".

Now, seeing his son get married and start a career, and his daughter-in-law being so sensible, he is truly happy from the bottom of his heart.

"Okay, okay!"

Zhou Ye took the tea, sipped it, and nodded repeatedly.

"The aroma of this tea makes people more sensible."

He also handed over a red envelope, but compared to the old man's "brick," this red envelope seemed rather thin.

But anyone in the know would immediately recognize that it contained not cash, but rather more valuable checks or share transfer agreements.

"Yunyun, live a good life with Yanjin from now on. Dad will take care of the company's affairs. Just focus on being happy."

Hua Yun was deeply moved and respectfully accepted it.

"Thank you, Dad."

Finally, Hua Yun picked up the third cup of tea and handed it to Lin Yi.

"Mom, please have some tea."

Looking at her resilient and gentle daughter-in-law, Lin Yi was filled with mixed emotions.

She had initially worried that social class differences would create a barrier, but seeing how well Hua Yun had raised the three children and warmed Zhou Yanjin's cold heart, she sincerely accepted this daughter-in-law.

Lin Yi took the tea and took a small sip with graceful movements.

After putting down her teacup, she didn't rush to take the red envelope.

Instead, he turned around and took out an antique-looking rosewood box from the handbag beside him.

Upon opening the box, a jade bracelet, entirely emerald green, lay quietly inside.

The color was top-grade imperial green, shimmering with a lustrous sheen under the light, clearly priceless.

Although the surrounding villagers didn't know much about jade, they could tell that this thing was definitely worth a fortune, and they all stared wide-eyed.

Lin Yi took Hua Yun's hand and gently slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.

The emerald green jade bracelet accentuated Hua Yun's fair and delicate wrist, creating a breathtakingly beautiful effect.

"Yunyun, this is a keepsake passed down from the Zhou family to their eldest daughter-in-law."

"Grandma Yan Jin passed it down to me back then, and now I'm passing it down to you."

"Welcome to the Zhou family."

This is not just a gift, but a weighty recognition and a legacy.

Hua Yun stroked the jade bracelet on her wrist, feeling a warm current flow through her entire body.

"Thank you, Mom. I will cherish it."

Although the ceremony was simple, its solemnity and warmth touched everyone present.

The three little ones stood to the side, peering in curiously.

Sile blinked her big eyes, her face full of curiosity.

He tugged at Si'an's sleeve and asked softly, "Second Brother, why is Mom serving tea to Great-Grandpa and the others?"

"And you have to kneel, doesn't your knee hurt?"

Si'an wore a black suit today, looking like a miniature version of Zhou Yanjin.

He pushed up his non-existent glasses and solemnly explained, "This is called 'changing the way you address someone when offering tea'."

"This is a matter of politeness, and also a matter of etiquette."

"This means that Mom has officially become a member of Dad's family, and it also means that Great-Grandpa and the others have accepted Mom."

Sile nodded as if she understood, but her eyes were drawn to the thick red envelope.

Wow, that red envelope is huge!

"Is there a lot of money inside?"

Si Tao covered her mouth and chuckled to herself, her eyes curving into crescents.

"Silly second brother, that's a blessing from the elders to Mom!"

"Just like how we receive lucky money during Chinese New Year, it's to help us grow taller and stronger."

"Mom will be even happier now that she's received the red envelope!"

The three little ones' innocent chatter, though kept very low, still reached the adults' ears.

Everyone couldn't help but laugh, and the atmosphere became even more harmonious.

We had lunch in the Hua family's courtyard.

To entertain their in-laws, Hua Shu and Li Guifen put on their best culinary skills.

Two large round tables were put together and filled with authentic farm-style dishes.

The soup made from home-raised free-range chicken is golden and glossy, with an irresistible aroma.

Stir-fried fresh bamboo shoots dug from the back mountain with cured pork, the bamboo shoots are crisp and the pork is fragrant, making it a perfect dish to eat with rice.

There were also freshly picked green vegetables, a delightful vibrant green.

Although it lacks the exquisite plating of a grand hotel, this down-to-earth charm is the most touching.

Everyone sat together, clinking glasses and exchanging toasts.