Reborn in 78, I made my fortune by working in the mountains, supporting three families on my own.

An old man stood with his hands behind his back in the center of the main room, looking up at the newly plastered white ceiling and clicking his tongue in admiration.

"Lei Zi, you're really something! It hasn't been that long, and you've already erected two stories! Look at these windows, the glass is sparkling clean!"

"The cement foundation is so smooth, it's so much better than the rammed earth foundation at home. I won't have to worry about it getting damp on rainy days anymore."

"Can you take us up to the second floor too?" Several teenagers were already crowding at the top of the stairs, eager to try.

"This house is so comfortable to live in, warm in winter and cool in summer. Lei Zi, you really know how to make things work. It's the best house in our village!" Wang Shouguo stood at the door, arms crossed, and exclaimed with a smile.

"When I make money in the future, I'll build a house just like yours! I wonder when I'll be lucky enough to live in an apartment building."

The children around them all had stars in their eyes.

Zhao Lei just found it funny.

Little ones, your uncle has planted a seed in your hearts to build a house in your hometown!

This will become an obsession in your hearts from now on!

Hahaha......

Zhao Lei couldn't help but laugh when he thought about how many people in the 21st century lost money and even chose not to live in their hometowns, but still wanted to build a beautiful house there.

Perhaps I am the one who planted the seed.

After visiting the main room, Zhao Lei led everyone to tour the bedrooms on both sides.

The room was furnished with a complete set of new wooden furniture, including a wardrobe, a solid wood bed, a long desk, and matching benches.

The wood is thick and the workmanship is neat; these are all designs that Liu the carpenter had carefully crafted.

The villagers gathered around the bed and wardrobe to examine it closely, their voices filled with envy.

"A complete set of new wooden furniture—who else in our village can afford such a complete set?"

"Brother Lei, your new house is so beautifully decorated, I really envy you."

"There's even a huge wardrobe specifically for clothes! My goodness, that's incredibly extravagant."

The group then went up the stairs to the second floor, opened the balcony door, and had a panoramic view of the vast fields and villages of the Heping Brigade.

The distant mountains are layered, and the view is incredibly expansive.

Everyone leaned over the balcony railing, gazing into the distance, and exclaimed in heartfelt admiration once again.

"From the second floor, you can see fields all the way to the horizon; the view is absolutely amazing!"

"There will be a great place to cool off, dry grains, and air out clothes. It's so practical!"

"Can our homes really have a view like this? Our ancestors have lived in single-story houses for generations; we never dared to imagine we could see such a view!"

suddenly.

Qin Changlin pointed to the low, old mud-brick house not far away, his face full of doubt: "Lei Zi, this old house of yours seems to be blocking the view. Aren't you planning to tear it down?"

Zhao Lei looked in the direction he was pointing and answered frankly, "Let's leave it for now and see how it goes. After all, we haven't moved into the new house yet. If the old house is demolished, where will we live?"

Everyone around burst into laughter upon hearing this.

"Hey Lei Zi, you already have a new house, why are you still reluctant to leave the old one?"

After touring the entire building inside and out, everyone surrounded Zhao Lei, giving him a thumbs up without exception, their eyes full of admiration.

Just as things were getting lively, Jiang Xinyue's shouts came from outside the courtyard, calling everyone back to sit down and have dinner.

The crowd turned around and returned to the courtyard of the old house in twos and threes.

The courtyard was filled with tables and chairs, and large bowls of meat, steamed vegetables, stewed game, and fine wine were laid out on the tables.

Instantly, the aroma of meat and wine filled the entire courtyard.

Many villagers who weren't invited were drooling with envy, but out of politeness, they could only reluctantly say that they had prepared a meal at home.

He then left in a hurry.

the other side.

Zhao Lei picked up the rough porcelain wine bowl in front of him, stood up, looked around at the relatives and friends in the courtyard, and raised his glass loudly.

"Thank you all for helping me build my new house these past few days. I, Zhao Lei, will always remember your kindness. I'd like to offer you all this toast!"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone at the table raised their glasses.

Many people followed suit, flattering Zhao Lei and praising him for being capable and insightful, a true talent of the entire brigade.

Taking advantage of the lively atmosphere, Zhang Sangong, who was sitting to the side, turned to look at Zhang Lin and Zhang Sen beside him and deliberately started to scold his two sons.

"When will you two learn from Lei Zi and renovate your old house into a multi-story building? That would make me content for the rest of my life."

Zhang Lin nodded quickly and replied, "No problem. My brother and I will work harder, and before long, we'll try to learn from Brother Lei and build a red brick house for our family."

Qin Xiaocui, sitting next to Wang Zong at the next table, turned to him and whispered, "Zongbao, I used to think living in a mud house was fine, but after seeing Lei Ge's house today, I think living in a red brick house is pretty good. When can we build red brick houses too?"

Wang Zongbao immediately patted his chest and confidently promised, "No problem! Whenever we get married, I'll build you a red brick house right away!"

Qin Xiaocui's cheeks flushed instantly at those words, and she lowered her head shyly.

Qin Changlin and Wang Shouguo, who were sitting nearby, happened to witness this scene. Wang Shouguo laughed heartily, overjoyed.

On the other hand, Qin Changlin had a long face and muttered to himself that he felt his good cabbage was about to be eaten by a pig, and he felt a mix of emotions.

The entire thank-you banquet was filled with a lively atmosphere, with toasts and laughter that lasted until after 8 p.m.

Before it was completely dark, many women with children had finished their meal and drinks.

He politely said goodbye to Zhao Lei and his three ex-wives, then took his child and headed home.

The group of men remained, drinking and boasting, clinking glasses and refusing to leave.

Many people were so drunk that they were unsteady on their feet, and some had to be half-supported and half-carried home by their wives.

Zhao Lei was happy and drank one cup after another with his relatives and friends who stayed behind.

I stayed up until after nine o'clock, when the alcohol really hit me hard.

Zhao Lei's head suddenly slumped and he fell straight onto the table, causing everyone at the table to burst into laughter.

Zhao Lei had no recollection of what happened after the banquet ended, not even how he ended up in bed.

It was nearly noon the next day when Zhao Lei slowly opened his eyes.

I just felt my head getting heavy and dizzy.

"Um... how many minutes has it been?"

"The sun's already high in the sky!"

Su Wanqing carried a bowl of warm hangover tea to the bedside and handed it to him.

Zhao Lei propped himself up and sat up, slowly drinking from the teacup. After a while, he shook his throbbing head to calm himself down.

"Wow, you drank quite a lot yesterday."

Su Wanqing gently scolded, "That's right, who told you to drink so much without restraint? Now you know how bad your head feels, right?"

Zhao Lei chuckled awkwardly, "Oh, Wanqing, you're right. I'll have to be more careful about my behavior in future social situations."

"It's good that you know it's painful."

At noon, the family sat around the table to eat lunch.

During the meal, Zhao Lei brought up the topic of the new house and looked at Jiang Xinyue, saying, "Xinyue, the new house is almost finished now. You women should discuss what items to buy and what to add. When you have some free time, ask Zhang Sangong to pick an auspicious day. I plan to hold a formal housewarming banquet."

Jiang Xinyue was slightly taken aback: "Huh? You're going to have a special housewarming banquet? Doesn't yesterday's thank-you dinner count?"

Qin Yuchan, standing nearby, also looked puzzled: "Yes, doesn't yesterday count?"

Zhao Lei waved his hand gently: "Yesterday was just to thank the neighbors and relatives who helped build the house. This housewarming banquet is different; it will be more formal, and I plan to invite more guests."

Qin Yuchan's face showed some dissatisfaction upon hearing this: "Yesterday was tiring enough, and you want to hire more people? Aren't you tired from cooking?"

Zhao Lei patiently explained the reason: "This time is different. I need to invite several key figures..."