"Sorry," Xu Mumu said seriously.

"It’s okay, I’m just happy to see everyone doing well now," Xue Yan said nonchalantly.

She led them into the courtyard, chatted with them for a while, and since Xu Mumu had to go outside to greet guests, she asked Xu Jiaojiao and the others to keep them company.

Du Yu had met Xu Mumu’s younger siblings before, so when the kids came over, he was quite happy, even introducing them to his partner and Xue Yan.

Guests started arriving one after another, the aroma from the kitchen had already spread, and each table had some sunflower seeds and candies.

The brigade was rarely this lively, with people gathering in groups, gossiping, and the small courtyard was bustling.

Finally, just before dinner, the eldest aunt’s family arrived fashionably late. If it weren’t for Xu Mumu holding her back, Madam Chen would have scolded her again.

Before the dishes were served, Yin Yang said a few words: "Thank you, everyone, for coming to my and Mumu’s wedding feast. It’s the busy farming season, and we apologize for any inconvenience."

"No trouble at all."

"Indeed, we’re more than happy you remembered us."

Voices rose in agreement in the courtyard, and no one complained at this moment.

Yin Yang then spoke a bit more sentimentally, and as Xu Mumu watched everyone get emotional, she glanced at Yin Yang standing beside her, surprised by his talent for public speaking and his ability to control the crowd.

He talked about their wedding, shared some memories from when he was a youth volunteer, and those who had received help from Yin Yang in the past had red eyes, feeling it was worth lending a hand back then.

Once he finished, Yin Yang had the dishes brought out. Since he wasn’t short on money, he found it a worthwhile gesture to treat these people well.

Looking at the large table full of mostly meat dishes, though the meat was cut into small pieces, there was plenty for everyone to have some.

As people at other tables began grabbing food, Xu Mumu quietly followed Yin Yang back to the main room to eat.

Yin Yang’s generosity astonished the brigade members. So much meat, inviting so many people, and serving white rice—how much did it cost?

Not only were the brigade members shocked, but even Xu Mumu’s maternal family and two aunts were surprised, as this was considered luxurious in the countryside.

In contrast to their surprise, Li Caixia began to complain: "This wild chicken barely has any meat. Old hen soup tastes better, and this pig’s trotter isn’t as tasty as those from state-owned restaurants."

Xu Mumu: "..." Her mother was becoming more of a drama queen, and there was someone encouraging her.

Xu Hai immediately responded, "Oh, my dear, in a few days I’ll buy you a big, fat old hen to make soup for you." 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"I also want some pork shank."

"No problem, we’ll go to the state-owned restaurant for it."

Madam Chen rolled her eyes but said nothing more. The eldest son and his wife both had jobs, earned good salaries, and could afford to eat meat often. She no longer cared as long as the grandchildren were doing well, even if the younger grandson was the only one who still needed attention.

Madam Chen wasn’t worried about the future for the eldest son’s family. They had saved some money, had hidden treasures, and as long as they stayed away from gambling and such, life wouldn’t be too bad.

At the table with the granduncle’s family, and Xu Mumu’s maternal grandfather and uncles: "..."

The granduncle wanted to say something but decided against it, seeing Old Xu and the others’ indifferent expressions. It was better not to be the one who was disliked.

Everyone ate heartily, with almost nothing left on the plates; everything was cleared out.

After the meal, Xu Mumu distributed the leftovers to the families she was close with.

The tables, benches, bowls, and utensils were all quickly tidied up by everyone who remembered where they belonged. Soon, the courtyard was clean again.

"Are you full? There’s still a drumstick here," Yin Yang handed a drumstick to Xu Mumu.

"Yeah, I’m full," Xu Mumu replied with a smile. Despite being full, she happily gnawed on the drumstick and almost got caught by her little brother, who would’ve made a fuss otherwise.

While washing her hands in the courtyard, Xu Mumu saw the eldest aunt’s family, with the leftovers in hand, bidding farewell to the grandparents.

The eldest aunt’s family lived far away, and heading back now, they’d probably arrive at night. But it seemed like they came just for the meal without resting a bit.

Xu Mumu glanced over at the grandparents, who indeed looked displeased.

"Eldest Aunt is leaving?" Xu Mumu asked, watching them.

"Yes, we’re leaving now, or else it will be dark when we get back. We can still grab some pig feed from the mountains," Xu Chunmei said with a bitter expression, though she was happy today.

"Then hurry up and leave," Madam Chen said harshly. She had been strong-willed all her life, wondering how she ended up with such a foolish daughter who willingly worked like a horse for the Old Tian Family, and even that simpleton Tian Zhuang couldn’t be handled. She didn’t want to admit they were hers.

Quickly, Xu Chunmei left with her husband and children, hoping to get more work done after returning home.

After they left, Madam Chen expressed her distaste for her eldest daughter, "Old man, do you think the Old Tian Family is cursed? How did our eldest daughter become so foolish, even more so than the second one?"

Suddenly mentioned, Xu Jiang: "...." Okay, he was used to his mom calling him foolish. Foolish or not, he lived comfortably enough and ate plenty of meat.

Now living in the provincial city with the eldest brother’s family, Madam Chen no longer scolded him at home. He had both a son and a daughter, and the family lived no worse than those in the city.

Xu Mumu also glanced at her second uncle quietly. Seeing his usual numb acceptance, she didn’t know what to say. With his submissive nature, even she felt tempted to bully him.

"You should say less. The eldest daughter’s life isn’t easy," Old Xu said, feeling a headache with so many people around. Although the eldest daughter was indeed somewhat useless, with several brothers to support her, it was remarkable how she still struggled.

"Humph, it’s her fate. Look at her foolishness, and even Tian Zhuang can control her. Foolish to death," Madam Chen said, increasingly annoyed.

"Mom, your scolding won’t reach Little Sis now," Xu Hai said, comfortably seated in the main room with a fan, and chimed in on his mother’s rant. They had tried to support their little sister, but she sided with the Tian Family, thinking they caused her trouble.