Looking at the stunned villagers around him, and his cousin Li Guoqing whose jaw was practically dropping to the ground.

The old man took a step forward, his eyes behind his sunglasses icy cold.

He walked over to Li Ze and asked in a low voice:

"Boss, there are too many people here, it's too noisy."

"Should I have them all cleared out? And the road blocked off?"

With just a nod from Li Ze, these cyborg bodyguards could turn this open space into a place so impenetrable that not even a fly could get in within thirty seconds.

Li Ze waved his hand, a friendly smile on his face:

"Need not."

"We're all from the same village, we all live in the same village, we see each other all the time."

"Why make such a big fuss? Anyone who didn't know better would think I'm back to arrest someone."

After Li Ze said this, and considering how obedient the black-clad bodyguards had been to him, everyone around him completely believed him.

Li Guoqing was right about what he just said.

These luxury cars and these people were all brought by Li Ze!

This silenced the crowd that had been mocking them moments before.

It was like pouring cold water into a pot of boiling oil, causing it to explode instantly.

But this time, the winds have completely changed.

"Oh! I knew it!"

An old man of short stature, who was the same Mr. Li who had been cursing Li Ze the most earlier, now squeezed to the front.

His old face beamed like a chrysanthemum, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth:

"I knew Zezi was smart from a young age! Look at that high forehead, he's destined for great things!"

"I haven't seen you in eighteen years, and you've become a big boss! You've really brought honor to our Li Family Village!"

The plump old lady next to her wasn't to be outdone, and pushed and shoved her way in:

"Yes, yes! Zezi, do you still remember me?"

"I'm your Aunt Yu! I even held you when you were little. You were already prettier than the other kids back then!"

"I was blind just now and didn't see you clearly. I thought it was some blind person spreading rumors."

"Now that I see it, that makes sense! You're the only one in our village who can afford such a nice car!"

In an instant, a flood of flattering words came over.

"Zezi has really made something of himself!"

"How much does this car cost? Tens of millions, I guess?"

"Zezi, don't forget about us old neighbors when you become successful!"

Standing next to Li Ze, Li Mengli felt nauseous looking at these old men and women who changed their minds faster than flipping through a book.

She curled her lip and sneered inwardly.

These people are really realistic.

Just now, they were all pointing fingers and gossiping, saying that Dad was a scoundrel who came back to cheat people out of money, as if they wanted to drown him in their spittle.

Now that they've got money, they've changed their tune completely.

Such claims as "smart since childhood" or "looking blessed."

That's not what you just said!

Although Li Mengli looked down on these people, she was, after all, a college student with higher education, so she did a good job of putting on a good show.

She didn't say anything, but silently shrank behind Li Ze, not wanting to pay attention to these people.

Li Ze, on the other hand, seemed quite composed.

As a seasoned veteran who has navigated the business world for many years, he has seen this kind of scene countless times.

No one asks the poor in the downtown area, and the rich has distant relatives in the mountains.

This is an eternal truth.

Li Ze wore that standard, polite yet distant smile as he cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to those around him.

"Uncle Li, Aunt Yu, and all the uncles and aunts."

"Thank you everyone for remembering me. It's been so many years, and everyone looks great."

"I'm just doing some small business outside to make a living, it's not as exaggerated as everyone says."

"I just got back today, the house is a mess, I still need to clean up, so I won't keep you all for tea."

Li Ze said some nice things, expressing his gratitude and reminiscing about the past.

But in reality, he didn't make any promises.

They didn't say they would build roads for the village, nor did they say they would give out red envelopes to everyone.

Although he wanted to repay the kindness and rebuild Lijia Village, he had a moral compass.

He could clearly distinguish who was genuinely good to him and who was just there to watch the show.

For these opportunists, a few polite words are enough to get rid of them.

Those around him noticed that although Li Ze was polite, he didn't seem to intend to pay.

Moreover, the bodyguard wearing sunglasses stood in front of us like a wall.

After a few nice words, everyone lost interest.

In addition, the eldest brother, along with several bodyguards, began to quietly drive people out:

"Excuse me, we're about to start construction, please make way."

"Please step back and be careful."

After being "politely" persuaded by the bodyguards to leave, the villagers who had come to watch the commotion slowly dispersed.

However, as they left, they kept turning back to look at the luxury cars.

He kept exclaiming that the fourth son of the Li family had made a fortune.

After a short while, the area in front of the old house finally became quiet.

Only Li Guoqing remained, standing there dumbfounded.

He looked at Li Ze, then at the cars, forgetting to even smoke the pipe in his hand.

After a long while, Li Guoqing suddenly slapped his thigh, his face flushed with excitement:

"Zezi! You...you really struck it rich?"

"My goodness, what a big boss this must be?"

Li Ze walked over with a smile and offered Li Guoqing a cigarette.

"Brother, whether it's sent or not doesn't really matter."

"Anyway, life is better now."

Li Guoqing took the cigarette but didn't light it; he just excitedly grabbed Li Ze's arm.

"Okay! Okay!"

"It's good that you've made something of yourself!"

"That way, Ruoran won't have to suffer so much anymore."

"Mengli and Menghan will finally be able to enjoy this good fortune too!"

At this point, Li Guoqing's eyes reddened.

He was genuinely happy for his brother, and even more so for his sister-in-law, nephew, and niece.

These are true family members.

Unlike those people before, who only cared about how much money Li Ze had and whether they could benefit from his influence.

What Li Guoqing cares about is whether this family can live a good life.

Li Ze felt a warmth in his heart and nodded:

"Yeah, brother."

"It's been eighteen years, and I owe them so much."

"Now that I'm back, I'll make sure they live the best life ever again and never let them suffer again."

Li Guoqing wiped his eyes and asked again:

"By the way, how are things going between you and Ruoran now?"

Has she forgiven you?

Li Ze shook his head with a wry smile and sighed:

"It's not that easy."

"Eighteen years of resentment cannot be erased so easily."

"She's still angry with me, and she won't even talk to me much."

"It will probably take a lot of effort to win her back."

Upon hearing this, Li Guoqing sighed and patted Li Ze on the shoulder:

"That's for sure."

"You abandoned that widow and her child back then, who wouldn't hate you in that situation?"

"This is what you deserve, so don't complain."

"However, if she is a soft-hearted person, as long as you are genuinely good to her and the child, sincerity can move mountains."

"From now on, live a good life and stop causing trouble."

Li Ze nodded seriously:

"I know, brother, don't worry, I'm determined to make it up to you this time."

After the two brothers chatted for a while, the awkwardness of their long-awaited reunion dissipated considerably.

Li Guoqing glanced at the sky and said enthusiastically:

"Alright, you just got back too, there probably isn't even a hot meal waiting for you at home."

"If you're not busy, bring Mengli to my house for dinner tonight!"

"Have your sister-in-law prepare some good dishes for you guys, and let's have a few drinks!"

Li Ze did not refuse.

Although he can now eat any kind of delicacies he wants, this kind of home-cooked meal is the most precious.

He turned to Li Mengli and asked:

"Mengli, would you like to go to your uncle's house for dinner?"

Li Mengli nodded with a smile:

"Anything is fine with me, but my uncle's cured meat is the best."

Li Ze smiled:

"Okay, then call your mom and tell her we're having dinner at your uncle's house and will be back later."

"Okay!" Li Mengli took out her phone and went to the side to make a call.

Li Guoqing was overjoyed when he saw that they had agreed:

"Alright! You guys keep busy here for now."

"I'm going to town to buy some things!"

"We don't have much good food at home, so I'll go buy some pork head meat and a roast duck!"

Li Ze quickly stopped him:

"Brother, don't buy it."

"There are only a few of us, so let's just grab something to eat and not waste money."

Li Guoqing waved his hand and glared:

"That won't do!"

"You're the big boss, it's your first time here, do you think I'd let you eat pickled vegetables?"

"Stop talking nonsense, I'm going right now!"

After saying that, Li Guoqing tucked his pipe into his waistband.

He hurriedly hopped on an electric tricycle parked by the roadside and sped off towards the town.

Watching his cousin's departing figure, Li Ze felt a warm glow in his heart.

That's what family is all about.

Whether you're rich or poor, that warmth can't be faked.

Not long after Li Guoqing left, Li Ze was preparing to go inside and sit for a while.

Suddenly, a fragrant breeze wafted over.

Immediately afterwards, the sound of high heels clicking on the concrete floor could be heard.

Li Ze looked back.

Several women dressed in flamboyant attire walked over from a distance.

There were several people who looked to be in their thirties, wearing fashionable coats, with permed hair and thick makeup on their faces.

It seemed out of place in this simple little village.

Leading the way was a sprightly old lady with a full head of white hair.

Li Ze recognized the old lady; she was Wang, the old lady who lived behind the old house.

The two families used to have a fairly good relationship, and they often lent each other things like scallions, ginger, and garlic.

Grandma Wang was leaning on a cane, her smile was so bright, her face full of wrinkles.

Before she even got close, her loud voice started shouting:

"Ouch! Zezi!"

"You've really made something of yourself!"

"I've heard about it. You're a big boss now, and this car costs several million!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, he's really accomplished, he's really made our village chief proud!"

Li Ze was a little confused, but smiled politely:

"Grandma Wang, you're in great health!"

Grandma Wang walked over with a smile, and without any hesitation, she grabbed Li Ze's arm.

His gaze was as if he were looking at a fine piece of pork belly.

She leaned closer to Li Ze mysteriously and whispered:

"Zezi, I heard... you and Ruoran divorced a long time ago?"

"And even after she came back this time, she didn't treat you well?"

Li Ze was stunned for a moment, before he could say anything.

Grandma Wang slapped her thigh and said excitedly:

"That means you're single!"

"Since you're single, that makes things easier!"

As she spoke, Old Lady Wang turned around and pointed to the young woman behind her, wearing a red coat and bright red lipstick:

"Zezi, look!"

"This is my granddaughter, she's twenty-eight this year, and she's absolutely gorgeous!"

"Although she's been divorced once, she has no children and is incredibly virtuous!"

"If you like it, Grandma will try to set you up."

"Now that you're rich, it won't hurt to find someone young and beautiful!"

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