Reborn in 1981, starting by smashing my iron rice bowl.

"Ha, thank you, Weidong!"

"That's something we absolutely have to go."

"If you ever need our help in the future, just let us know."

The villagers who had come to watch the spectacle began to speak, and the entrance to the Liu family's new house was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

With lunchtime fast approaching, the villagers flocked to the village committee. Even Zhou Gang, the construction team manager, and his workers happily went to eat.

Raising the roof beam of a new house is a big event, and the homeowner will invite the workers to a meal; that was the custom back then.

Only Liu Weidong and Wang Shujuan didn't rush to the village committee. The two of them tacitly lagged behind and stood silently in front of the new house.

Looking up at the tall house, Wang Shujuan said softly with some emotion, "What a tall house! This will be our new home from now on. It's wonderful!"

"This is nothing. I'll make sure you live in an even better house in the future!" Liu Weidong smiled at Wang Shujuan and earnestly told her, "Sister, our good days are just beginning!"

Wang Shujuan said in disbelief, "Isn't life good enough as it is now? How much better can it get?"

"Haha, this is nothing! Sister, just believe me, things will only get better from here on out!" Liu Weidong couldn't help but laugh. Seeing that everyone else had gone to the village committee, he took advantage of Wang Shujuan's inattention, grabbed her slender waist, and gave her a big kiss on the face.

Although the two often engaged in similar little gestures, Wang Shujuan was getting used to it. However, they only did this at home; this was the first time they had done it outside.

Wang Shujuan was startled and looked around nervously, her pretty face already flushed red. She glared fiercely at Liu Weidong with her alluring eyes, but there was no intimidation in them whatsoever.

Faced with such a lovely older sister, Liu Weidong was also a little tempted and wished he could go up and kiss her again.

Wang Shujuan guessed what Liu Weidong was up to, and quickly nudged him gently, saying, "Stop fooling around, everyone's waiting, let's go to the village committee!"

Liu Weidong knew his sister was shy and didn't want to make things difficult for her, so the two quickened their pace and arrived at the village committee.

Dozens of square tables were set up in the open space in front of the village committee, and almost the entire village came. Everyone sat around the tables chatting and boasting, creating a very lively atmosphere.

Liu Weidong walked to the head table, raised his glass and said loudly, "Let me first toast everyone. Please eat and drink well, don't be shy!"

"Come on, come on, cheers!"

"Wei Dong is too kind."

"This dish is even better than what my family ate during Chinese New Year. Weidong is so generous!"

Everyone expressed their gratitude to Liu Weidong, and then they ate and drank heartily.

The villagers were right. Liu Weidong knew that people were still lacking in oil and fat these days, so he prepared some hearty dishes. Braised pork hock, sweet and sour carp, and old hen soup were all better than what most families would eat during the Spring Festival.

In addition to these main dishes, each table had two packs of cigarettes, a bottle of liquor, and several bottles of beer. The point was to make sure everyone was well-fed, had plenty to drink, and had cigarettes to smoke.

Back then, there was no concept of secondhand smoke. Adults would light up cigarettes at the table and smoke, while children would sit next to them gnawing on chicken legs. Nobody would think there was anything wrong with it.

Some mischievous children would even sneak a sip of the liquor from the adults' cups when they weren't looking. They'd dip their chopsticks in the liquor and put it in their mouths, wincing and grimacing from the spiciness, yet they seemed to enjoy it immensely. The adults wouldn't stop them; instead, they'd laugh heartily, creating a scene of harmonious joy.

Besides Liu Weidong, the host, there were also the village chief, Hao Qiang, and several other elders of the highest generation at the main table.

Liu Weidong didn't mince words; after sitting down, he first toasted several elders. That's how it is in the countryside; no matter how rich you are, you still have to respect seniority. If you get arrogant after having some money, people will definitely talk behind your back.

"Weidong, stop drinking and eat!" The third great-grandfather, who was old and didn't drink, took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "You and Shujuan are living better and better lives now. With the Liu family so prosperous, your parents in heaven can rest in peace!"

Liu Weidong smiled and said, "My sister and I are able to live like this today entirely thanks to everyone's help. We hope you will continue to support us in the future, and let's work together to achieve common prosperity!"

"Wei Dong is right, let's work together and achieve common prosperity!" Hao Qiang nodded in satisfaction, raised his glass and said, "Wei Dong, this is a toast to you!"

Hao Qiang was Liu Weidong's elder, so Liu Weidong couldn't refuse his toast, and he quickly accepted. However, to his surprise, this was just the beginning; soon more villagers came forward to offer their toasts.

People back then drank much more fiercely than they would decades later, and since it was a special day for the Liu family, refusing a toast wouldn't be very polite. So Liu Weidong could only down his drinks in one gulp, and he did drink quite a bit, feeling as if he had returned to his past life, drinking and discussing business with people.

Halfway through the banquet, Liu Weidong had drunk too much. His face was flushed as he sat at the table, the wine in his glass untouched for a long time; he'd practically started keeping fish in it.

Although Wang Shujuan was sitting at the women's table, she was keeping an eye on Liu Weidong's movements. Seeing this, she took the opportunity to ask him, "Weidong, are you alright? Do you want to go home and rest?"

But the banquet wasn't over yet, so it wasn't right for the host to leave first. Liu Weidong could only comfort Wang Shujuan: "Sister, don't worry, I'm fine. There's still a lot to do here. You can go home first after this is over, and I'll go back after I've finished my other business."

Wang Shujuan asked worriedly, "Are you really alright?"

Liu Weidong laughed and said, "What could possibly happen in the village? Everyone's here, don't worry!"

Wang Shujuan was relieved and nodded gently, saying, "Okay, I'll head back now. Come back as soon as you've finished your business."

The banquet lasted until it was completely dark, by which time only a group of men were left chatting and boasting, while the women and children had long since gone home. These days, people generally go to bed early and don't have the habit of staying up late.

Although Liu Weidong had told Wang Shujuan he was fine, the alcohol was taking effect and he realized he was actually struggling to stay afloat.

Fortunately, the banquet was almost over, so Liu Weidong said to Hao Jianjun, "Jianjun, I can't hold on any longer, so I'll leave first. Keep an eye on things for me from now on."

"Don't worry, Brother Weidong, leave everything else to me!" Hao Jianjun immediately agreed, then asked Liu Weidong, "Do you want me to take you home?"

"No...no need, I can manage!" Liu Weidong waved to his childhood friend and walked home alone.

As it turns out, people who drink too much tend to overestimate themselves, and even the reborn Liu Weidong was no exception. He hadn't gone far when his legs gave way, and he stumbled and fell to the side of the road. In his dazed state, he vaguely saw a figure approaching him.

The man looked down at Liu Weidong and sneered in a low voice, "Hmph, so you've finally met your match, Liu Weidong. Now you're in my hands!"