Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups-Chapter 302 - 214: Uncle’s New Year’s Gift_2

At this thought, he looked at Li Dingjian with a hint of expectation and greeted:

"Uncle, you’ve never tasted my cooking, have you? Try this stir-fried prawns, tell me how it is?"

As he spoke, he pointed to his proud creation.

"Oh, I must savor it."

Li Dingjian picked up the chopsticks and said with a smile:

"Don’t think that just because your uncle is single, he’s inexperienced in eating. I’ve accompanied clients for meals throughout the years, tasted all sorts of delicacies. If it walks on the ground, flies in the sky, or swims in the water, I’ve tried it all..."

As he boasted, he picked up a prawn with its shell fried to a crisp and popped it into his mouth.

After a few chews, his eyes lit up instantly.

He felt a clear "crunch" sound as soon as his teeth bit down, and then the aroma of the fried prawn shells engulfed his mouth.

Moreover, the shrimp inside seemed to be filled with moisture; as he bit down, a slight juice spread in his mouth, retaining the tender and springy texture.

This unique texture is said to be an important indicator of whether a dish is cooked perfectly.

After only a few bites, Li Dingjian couldn’t help but praise:

"Ah Cheng, your cooking skills are amazing. Even if you don’t go for further studies, you could easily make hundreds of thousands a year as a chef."

Li Biyun and Li Zhenhua couldn’t help but smile at this.

The atmosphere inside grew increasingly lively and joyous.

Li Dingjian, in high spirits, opened a bottle of expensive good wine he brought along.

Pouring himself and Fang Cheng a glass each, then fresh-squeezed juice for his father and sister.

Then he raised his arm high, holding his glass, and offered a blessing:

"Come, the first toast tonight is to wish Dad good health, may the days ahead be full of blessings, and may the heavens grant him a long life!"

Everyone raised their glasses to this, clinking them gently to produce a crisp and melodious sound, reminiscent of the New Year’s bell tolls.

The TV host’s jubilant voice added more cheer to this reunion night.

After three rounds of drinks, Li Dingjian had drunk several glasses of white wine and seemed a little intoxicated.

He let out a satisfied sigh, gently swirling his glass, murmuring softly:

"If only brother-in-law were here, it would be perfect for the whole family to reunite... I still remember staying in East Capital for the New Year when Ah Cheng was small, dressed in new red clothes, clutching a firecracker, bright eyes following brother-in-law around the courtyard, such scenes made one happy to watch..."

Grandfather suddenly coughed, gently reprimanding:

"What nonsense are you spouting, knucklehead! Why bring up such things during the New Year?"

Li Dingjian suddenly realized, with an embarrassed smile:

"Sorry, I got a bit carried away with the drink."

He raised his glass, leaning slightly forward, looking sincerely at Fang Cheng and Li Biyun.

"This glass is for my sister and Ah Cheng. Sister, you’ve endured so much hardship over the years, raising a child on your own, juggling work and house chores, braving the elements. Luckily, Ah Cheng has been such a good boy and has now grown up so sensible. Sister, you can now enjoy life more comfortably."

Fang Cheng and Li Biyun smiled slightly, not minding his heartfelt words earlier.

Once again, the family raised their glasses, the goblets gleaming brightly under the light.

"Here’s to our even better days ahead, cheers!"

The words held both reflections on the past and full hopes for the future.

The sumptuous feast came to an end.

As usual, Li Biyun went into the kitchen to busy herself.

The faucet ran with a rush, systematically cleaning up the dishes and washing the greasy plates.

Fang Cheng sat in the living room, talking to his uncle and grandfather, watching the Spring Festival Gala.

On the coffee table in front of the sofa were sunflower seeds, peanuts, and some small snacks.

When a skit by a famous comedian came on, laughter and comments resonated along with the audience on TV, adding to the merriment.

Suddenly, Li Dingjian seemed to remember something.

He then retrieved a document envelope from his briefcase and handed it to Fang Cheng.

"Ah Cheng, this is for you."

"What is it?"

Fang Cheng looked at him puzzled, putting down the sunflower seeds he was about to crack open.

"It’s a New Year’s gift from your uncle to his nephew."

With a mysterious smile on his face, Li Dingjian urged, "Open it, I guarantee you’ll like it."

A New Year’s gift?

Fang Cheng was slightly startled, reaching for the envelope, feeling its solid thickness, its edges neat, indicating it contained quite a bit of paperwork.

Could it be study materials?

He looked up at his uncle, and with a look of encouragement from him, filled with curiosity and anticipation, Fang Cheng gently opened the envelope.

As he pulled out the papers, his eyes widened, his mouth slightly opened, his face full of astonishment.

It turned out to be a house purchase contract.

"Didn’t I say I’d give you a surprise when I returned?"

Seeing Fang Cheng’s expression of surprise, the corners of Li Dingjian’s eyes showed a hint of pride, and he explained, laughing:

"You just need to sign your name on it, and I’ll handle all the other procedures for you..."

He eagerly described the house’s prime location nestled between mountains and sea, having clearly put a lot of thought into this gift.

"The gift is too generous, I can’t accept it."

Listening to him, Fang Cheng hastily returned the envelope and purchase contract to his uncle.

Recalling how his uncle had previously given his mom an expensive pair of jade bracelets.