Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

"What's this new thing?" Niu Dabao stared curiously at the direction Qi Jianlin pointed, his eyes finally landing on the plate of sweet potatoes. He then explained with a hearty smile, "Sir, this isn't something rare; it's the kind we often see in our fields! We planted them last year and stored them in the cellar after harvest. Even though they've been sitting there for a while, they're still edible once you boil them in water! You might as well give them a try!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Qi Jianlin eagerly reached for a sweet potato. He gently cracked it open, revealing the tender, white, soft flesh that exuded a faint sweet aroma. Qi Jianlin was so captivated by the aroma that he couldn't help but take a big bite of the other half.

Instantly, the sweet, soft, and glutinous taste spread rapidly throughout his mouth, as if a delicious feast were unfolding on his tongue. Qi Jianlin couldn't help but take another bite, chewing and savoring it carefully. He discovered that the sweet potato was not only delicious but also perfectly soft and glutinous, making it easy for even elderly people with weak teeth to enjoy.

Qi Jianlin sat at the table, clutching a steaming, fragrant sweet potato, munching away with big mouthfuls. His cheeks bulged with gusto, and he made occasional smacking sounds. Everyone sat around, their eyes glued to Qi Jianlin's sweet potato, each holding their breath, not daring to make a sound, as if afraid to disturb the man enjoying his delicious meal.

After a long while, Qi Jianlin finally swallowed the sweet potato in his mouth. He raised his head and glanced at everyone present. He found that everyone was staring at him intently, and a hint of amusement appeared on his face.

"Hey! Why are you all staring at me like that? Stop looking and eat it quickly! This sweet potato is so sweet and fragrant, it tastes really good!" Qi Jianlin shouted to everyone with a smile.

Hearing this, everyone snapped back to reality, picking up their chopsticks and reaching for the sumptuous meal spread across the table. Some picked up a piece of the fragrant dish, savoring it with careful chewing. Others, imitating Qi Jianlin's example, reached out to pick up a sweet potato, carefully taking a bite, and savoring the sweet, soft flavor that blossomed on their tongues.

Soon, the initially reserved atmosphere warmed up. As people devoured the delicious food, they chatted and joked with one another, laughter and joy echoing throughout the table. Some raised their glasses to toast their companions, the crisp clinks echoing one after another. Others busily served food and soup to others, demonstrating their warm hospitality.

The dinner was filled with a joyful and warm atmosphere. Everyone ate heartily, unnoticed, and before they knew it, the dishes on the table had been swept clean. The plates and bowls seemed to have been swept by a gust of wind, leaving only a trace of broth remaining. The entire scene was like a feast, leaving one with an unforgettable aftertaste.

After a satisfying meal and a few drinks, the county magistrate patted his stomach contentedly, then stood up, smiling and bowing to everyone as he said goodbye. His legal advisor followed closely behind him, leaving the table with the county magistrate. Only Qi Jianlin and his group, along with Niu Dabao's family, remained in the dining room.

Seeing this, the village chief hurried forward and greeted them warmly, "Dear guests, please follow me!" Then he led everyone towards the village. Along the way, the villagers looked at the team curiously and talked about it among themselves.

Soon, they arrived at a prominent spot in the village—Wang Laowu's home. The row of large, blue-brick, tiled houses stood out like a small palace, a stark contrast to the dilapidated adobe houses surrounding them. In the setting sun, the blue-brick, tiled roofs shimmered with a golden glow, appearing both out of place and strikingly outstanding. In this village, most families lived in adobe houses; only a select few could afford such blue-brick, tiled houses. Wang Laowu's family was undoubtedly a standout among them.

The village chief arrived at Wang Laowu's house, stopped, and shouted loudly, "Wang Laowu, are you home? Come out! Your tenant has arrived!" His voice echoed through the empty village alley. Before long, hurried footsteps were heard inside the house, and then the door was flung open, revealing an old man with white hair and a grizzled beard.

Despite his advanced age, the old man still looked remarkably robust and energetic. He strode briskly to the door, beaming with joy as he shouted, "Ah, village chief, you're finally here! We've been waiting for ages! The house is already tidy, and I've even laid out a brand new mattress for you guests. The room is spotless, too, just waiting for you to move in! Come and make yourself at once!" He then stepped aside, making an inviting gesture.

The village chief leaned slightly to the side, stretched out his right hand, and made a "please" gesture to Qi Jianlin with a smile, and said softly, "Sir, please come in." Seeing this, Qi Jianlin did not hesitate at all, strode forward, and walked into the yard with great dignity.

At that moment, Wang Laowu and I, standing at the main hall door, hurried over. With a smile on my face, I pointed to the two rooms to the west and said to Qi Jianlin, "Sir, these two rooms to the west are already clean! Also, the two rooms in the east wing are spotlessly clean too! What do you think of the division?" Wang Laowu quickly agreed, "Yes, yes, yes, it's all up to you, sir!"

Then, I enthusiastically introduced, "Sir, there's a kitchen in the west wing. If you need some hot water or something, just tell my wife and she'll make it for you. As for three meals a day, the lawyer has already paid for us, so don't worry about the food. Just tell me what you want to eat, and we promise to make it delicious!"

After hearing this, Qi Jianlin nodded slightly, indicating that he understood. Then he turned to look at the village chief and said sincerely, "Village chief, thank you for leading the way here. It's getting late and dark, so we won't disturb you any longer. I just want to rest up and have a good sleep."

Upon hearing this, the village chief immediately understood that this was clearly a gesture to send the guests away. He quickly said with a smile, "That's right! You gentlemen have traveled all this way and must have been very tired. I won't bother you any more. I hope you can wash up and rest early." With that, the village chief's face straightened. He turned to look at Wang Laowu and sternly warned, "Laowu, these are all distinguished guests this time. You must entertain them well and not slack off in the slightest. If you can serve these gentlemen to their satisfaction, you will surely benefit. But if you neglect them and let them suffer, the consequences will be disastrous. Remember this!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Laowu's face immediately lit up with a smile. He nodded and humbly replied, "Don't worry, Village Chief! I, Wang Laowu, know what's going on. How could I not treat my guests well? Everyone who comes to my home is a most honored guest. I will do my best to take care of them and will not make any mistakes. You don't need to personally instruct me on this little matter. I will naturally take care of it properly."

Seeing Wang Laowu's solemn promise, the village chief finally felt relieved. He nodded, gave a few more instructions, and then turned around and left with peace of mind.

As Wang Laowu watched the village chief walk away, his already somewhat bent back instantly bent even further. A fawning smile spread across his face as he nodded and bowed to Qi Jianlin, saying in a flattering tone, "Sir, you must be tired from traveling all the way. How about I boil some hot water for you all so you can wash up and have a good night's sleep?"

Qi Jianlin nodded slightly in agreement. He cleared his throat and said slowly, "That's great. Thank you for your concern!" He then gave Wang Laowu a faint smile.

Wang Laowu was delighted when he got the agreement and quickly shouted at the top of his voice: "My dear wife! Come out quickly! Hurry and boil some hot water for the adults! Remember to boil more, don't neglect our guests!"

As Wang Laowu's cry rang out, hurried footsteps could be heard from the east room. Soon, a figure appeared before everyone. The woman was Wang Laowu's wife. She wore a perfectly clean dress, but the wear had already faded white with age, and even had a few darker spots, evidently from constant wear and tear. Although the dress was quite worn and lacked even a patch, it showed the care it possessed, evidently having been worn for many years.

Wang Laowu's wife hurried out, not daring to look up at Qi Jianlin and the others. Instead, she quickly lowered her head and hurried past them, heading straight for the west wing's kitchen. Once inside, she expertly picked up the bucket and filled the large iron pot to the brim. Then, methodically, she lit the fire and added wood, her movements deft and precise, as if she'd repeated this routine countless times. Soon, the flames at the bottom of the pot danced joyfully, licking the dark base. The water within gradually heated up, emitting a soft gurgling sound.