The heavens set sail from the courtyard

The atmosphere at the dinner table grew increasingly strange. Yang's mother and Gao's mother chatted more and more intimately, with Gao's father occasionally chiming in. The topic always revolved around the children.

As for Wang Gang and Yang Xiaoyun, who were the main characters in the conversation, things became increasingly awkward.

"Mom, let's order first! Everyone's hungry."

Yang Xiaoyun took the menu from in front of her mother, hoping to change the subject.

"Yes, yes, let's order first." Yang's mother called over the waiter with a smile and said, "Bring us a few of our specialties first, whatever we like."

Mother Gao laughed and said, "Eldest sister, I must treat you to this meal today. Don't try to take it from me."

Yang's mother said unhappily, "I recommended this restaurant, so I'll treat you!"

Mr. Gao shook his head and said, "You've been leading us around all morning, so we should treat you to this meal."

As they were talking, Mr. Gao took out a wad of cash from his bag and tossed it to the waiter.

"Serve the dishes according to this standard, and we will refund any excess or charge any shortfall."

Wang Gang raised an eyebrow. His parents would never have been so generous before; they usually tried to stretch every penny in half.

Today's unusual behavior is clearly out of consideration for Yang's mother and Yang Xiaoyun.

"How could I possibly let you spend so much money?" Yang's mother's eyes narrowed when she saw the stack of money.

"It's a rare treat to have you and Xiaoyun out to dinner, so you must eat well," Gao's mother said to Yang Xiaoyun with a smile.
"Although my family is not rich, we can still afford to eat a meal."

Wang Gang felt that his parents were exuding an increasingly strong air of nouveau riche.

"Mom, I need to go to the bathroom." Wang Gang planned to use the excuse of needing to urinate to make a quick getaway.

"Xiaoyun." Yang's mother seemed to have guessed what Wang Gang was thinking and said to her daughter Yang Xiaoyun, "Take Xiao Gao to the bathroom, I'm afraid he won't be able to find it."

"Auntie, no need, I'll just ask the waiter," Wang Gang refused.

“This restaurant doesn’t have a restroom, you’ll have to go outside. I’m worried you won’t be able to find it. Xiaoyun has been here a few times, let her take you there,” Yang’s mother explained.

Yang Xiaoyun was reluctant to move, but her mother urged, "What are you still standing there for!"

Helpless, Yang Xiaoyun had no choice but to get up.

As Wang Gang was leaving, Gao's mother said, "Gao Qiang, hurry back and buy a bottle of wine on your way."

Wang Gang asked in surprise, "Just ask the waiter for the wine."

Mr. Gao rolled his eyes at Wang Gang and said, "The wine in the restaurant must be expensive. We should spend it where we should and save where we should. We can't be ripped off."

Yang's mother agreed, saying, "Brother Gao is absolutely right. It's not easy for us ordinary people to earn money. We should save where we can. I've always taught Xiaoyun not to spend money recklessly and to cultivate good habits of thrift and managing the household well."

Madam Gao exclaimed happily, "Eldest sister, you've raised your daughter so well! Xiaoyun is so outstanding!"

Yang's mother laughed and said, "I can't compare to your Gao Qiang."

Wang Gang and Yang Xiaoyun, feeling awkward listening to their mothers praising each other, quickly left the private room.

The public restroom wasn't far from the restaurant, so Wang Gang and Yang Xiaoyun didn't rush to use it after leaving the restaurant.

"Judging from the scene today, my mom and your mom are determined to set us up," Yang Xiaoyun said with a deep breath.

"If all else fails, I'll leave first." Wang Gang decided that the best course of action was to flee.

"You're not going to leave me behind!" Yang Xiaoyun grabbed Wang Gang, her big eyes seeming to say, "Let's all perish together!"

Wang Gang said helplessly, "Actually, I have someone I like."

Yang Xiaoyun chuckled and said, "You think I'd pester you?!"

Wang Gang was taken aback.

Yang Xiaoyun continued, "The person you like is that bar owner from yesterday?" "Huh! How come you..." Wang Gang was halfway through his sentence when he remembered Mi Lai.

“Mi Lai told me yesterday,” Yang Xiaoyun said, letting go of Wang Gang. “Don’t worry! I’ll tell my mom later.”

Wang Gang said apologetically, "How about I talk to Auntie later? So you won't be in a difficult position."

Yang Xiaoyun waved her hand and said, "Don't say that in this setting, it'll make everyone feel awkward. My mom really values ​​the commission from this order."

Wang Gang laughed and said, "Our family bought one apartment and two shops this time. Auntie must have received a lot of commission!"

After some things were discussed openly, Wang Gang and Yang Xiaoyun found it easier to get along.

“My mom is just earning a little extra money. If you think it’s too expensive, I can try to get her to charge less,” Yang Xiaoyun said.

Wang Gang looked at Yang Xiaoyun with a half-smile.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Yang Xiaoyun asked curiously.

"You're a really nice person." Wang Gang shook his head, not believing that Yang Xiaoyun could make decisions on behalf of her mother.

In the original storyline, Yang's mother knew about her daughter's relationship with Mi Lai, but she still swindled her without any mercy, showing that she was a person who only cared about money and not people, and didn't even give face to her own daughter.

"Are you going to the bathroom or not?" Yang Xiaoyun said impatiently, annoyed by Wang Gang's gaze.

"Let's buy some alcohol first!" Wang Gang sighed. "Today, my mom and your mom are probably going to drink until they drop."

"Ah! You're really planning to buy wine?" Yang Xiaoyun exclaimed in surprise. "They've been chatting like that, if they drink the wine, won't they immediately make us get engaged?"

Wang Gang smiled but didn't say anything. He found a tobacco and liquor store nearby, bought two bottles of Wuliangye liquor, and took Yang Xiaoyun back to the restaurant.

When Yang's mother saw the wine Wang Gang had bought, her eyes showed increasing satisfaction.

"Auntie, let me pour you some wine." Wang Gang poured a glass of wine for Yang's mother and parents.

"Gao Qiang, you should have a drink too." Gao's father saw that Wang Gang's cup was empty and immediately said with dissatisfaction, "You should toast your aunt first."

"No need, no need, we're all family, just make do with whatever you like," Mother Yang said politely.

“Gao Qiang is a junior, it’s only right,” Gao’s mother said. “As for Xiao Yun, she’s still young.”

Wang Gang generously picked up his wine glass and poured himself a drink.

"Auntie, on behalf of my family, I would like to propose a toast to you. Thank you for your hard work in helping me find a house."

Seeing this, Yang's mother didn't know what to say, so she picked up her wine glass and clinked it with Wang Gang's.

After a glass of wine, the atmosphere at the dinner table became more harmonious. Everyone toasted each other, and before all the dishes were served, Yang's mother and Gao's mother were already a little tipsy.

Wang Gang, relying on his high alcohol tolerance, frequently toasted Yang's mother. Even Yang Xiaoyun could tell that Wang Gang was trying to get her mother drunk.

One of the two bottles of Wuliangye was quickly emptied. Yang's mother's cheeks flushed, and she began to slur her words.

"Don't worry, sister. Leave the house to me. I won't ask for a single penny of commission, and I'll try my best to get you a good price." Yang's mother held Gao's mother's hand with dreamy eyes.

"Don't worry about money, our son can earn money, he has plenty of money." Gao's mother was clearly drunk as well.

Wang Gang then suggested, "Mom, Aunt Yang, since you both call each other sisters, why don't you become sworn sisters?"

"Sworn brotherhood?!" Madam Gao's eyes narrowed, and she stammered, "But I'd rather be related by marriage..."

"Mom, let's toast Aunt Yang again." Wang Gang quickly interrupted his mother and then opened another bottle of Wuliangye.

Wang Gang kept pouring wine for Yang's mother and parents, eventually getting them all drunk.

Yang's mother and Gao's mother hugged each other, their bodies unsteady, yet they cried out:
"Big sister (younger sister), let's become sworn sisters! From now on, you'll be my dear older sister (younger sister)."

Gao Qiang is Yang Xiaoyun's biological brother. (End of Chapter)