Colorful years

Teacher Wang, standing to the side, nodded in agreement, saying, "That's right, that's right. As the saying goes, heroes don't ask about their origins! Back then, Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, was just a small village head, and Emperor Taizu of Ming, Zhu Yuanzhang, came from a poor peasant family. Who could have predicted that they would one day achieve imperial power and be remembered in history?"

Therefore, a person's future cannot be limited by their background. As long as you have real skills and are willing to work hard, you will always succeed one day.

At this moment, Zhang Cong was filled with emotion and joy. He had originally worried that his background would be an obstacle to their relationship, but he hadn't expected the two elders to be such understanding people. Looking at the two kind and amiable elders before him, Zhang Cong secretly vowed to work even harder in the future to be filial to them and live up to their expectations.

Dinner ended happily in this harmonious and warm atmosphere.

As soon as he put down his chopsticks, Teacher Guo handed Zhang Cong a large cup of steaming hot Lei Cha (pounded tea).

Lei Cha, a unique specialty product of Yiyang, has become incredibly popular in Taojiang and Anhua counties, especially in these two areas where its popularity is only growing stronger. Among them, Taojiang County's Lei Cha is renowned for its authentic and pure flavor, making it a distinctive local specialty.

Speaking of Lei Cha (擂茶), that's definitely Teacher Guo's specialty! You see, Teacher Guo is a true native of Taohuajiang. Her graceful figure and gentle, charming temperament have earned her the title of "Taohuajiang Beauty" among the locals. In her home, the fine tradition of serving Lei Cha to guests has been passed down for generations. This is not only a sign of respect for guests but also a way to convey affection.

However, when drinking at home or entertaining ordinary visitors, Mr. Guo usually chooses to serve a simplified version of Lei Cha – “Sesame and Bean Tea”.

The method of making this tea is quite simple: first, prepare roasted sesame seeds and soybeans, then add a small amount of salt and shredded ginger, put these ingredients into a cup, and then pour in steaming hot water to brew. After a short wait, a cup of fragrant "sesame and soybean tea" can be enjoyed.

However, the situation is completely different when distinguished guests arrive! At this time, Teacher Guo will not hesitate to bring out her carefully made authentic Taojiang Lei Cha and treat the guests with the utmost hospitality.

The ingredients needed to make this Lei Cha are quite varied, usually including ginger, tea leaves, sesame seeds, and peanuts, among others.

First, we need to carefully prepare raw peanuts and raw sesame seeds. The amount of each can be adjusted according to personal taste and actual needs, but in any case, the amount of each ingredient needs to be just right to ensure a perfect balance of flavor. Next, carefully place the plump raw peanuts and fragrant raw sesame seeds into a hard stone mortar.

Then, pick up a pestle specifically designed for Lei Cha (擂茶) and begin to concentrate on grinding the ingredients into a fine powder. This is no easy task; it requires time and effort. During this process, we need to operate patiently, grinding the ingredients little by little into a finely chopped state. When the ingredients are ground to a very fine consistency, you can slowly add water.

While adding water, pour it in slowly while continuously stirring with a pestle to ensure all ingredients are fully combined and gradually form a thick and smooth paste. Once this step is successfully completed, we can declare this stage a success.

Next, take a small, delicate spoon and gently scoop the freshly made Lei Cha into each exquisitely crafted bowl. The final step is equally crucial—evenly sprinkle some pre-prepared roasted peanuts and sesame seeds onto the surface of the Lei Cha in each bowl.

Only then can a bowl of Lei Cha, with its excellent color, aroma, and flavor, be truly presented to us perfectly. Imagine that rich fragrance dancing in the air like fairies—doesn't it make your mouth water?

Although this was Zhang Cong's first time tasting Lei Cha (擂茶), as an experienced and knowledgeable journalist, he was very familiar with the local specialties of various parts of the province and the unique cultural significance they embodied.

At this special moment, being able to taste Lei Cha, a beverage usually reserved for distinguished guests, on such a special occasion, Zhang Cong couldn't help but feel a little puzzled:

Could it be that Professor Guo already considers him his future son-in-law, hence the warm hospitality? However, this may just be an unconfirmed speculation.

However, if the previous speculations about Lei Cha were not enough to explain the matter, then when he put on the warm sweater that Teacher Guo had knitted by hand on the day he was about to leave Lanxi, Zhang Cong became even more convinced of his idea—this was undoubtedly a clear recognition and solemn declaration of his status as a son-in-law by the Wang family!

This sweater, imbued with Mr. Guo's deep affection, is like an invisible bond that tightly connects him and the Wang family.

Zhang Cong's attire, which seemed somewhat out of place with his surroundings, quickly caught Teacher Guo's keen eye. When he slowly took off his slightly worn military green overcoat, what he wore underneath was even more surprising—just a cotton fleece sweater that had been converted from military to civilian use.

In the biting cold of December, such thin clothing was clearly insufficient to ward off the fierce wind. Looking at the slightly thin figure before her, Teacher Guo couldn't help but feel a surge of pity: "Alas, children from poor families really suffer a lot!"

While feeling heartbroken, a thought quickly flashed through Ms. Guo's mind, and she immediately devised a comprehensive plan in her heart.

The next morning, as the eastern sky was just beginning to lighten, the sunlight struggled to penetrate the thick clouds, but had not yet succeeded.

Teacher Guo hurried to the town's supply and marketing cooperative. Along the way, she seemed unusually anxious, as if some important matter awaited her completion.

Upon arriving at the supply and marketing cooperative, Ms. Guo carefully examined each type of wool, her eyes revealing seriousness and focus. She gently touched the wool with her hands, feeling its texture and softness.

After much comparison and careful selection, she finally chose two pounds of pure gray wool. The wool had a soft luster and excellent texture, as if it contained endless warmth.