Chapter 306: Drunken Truths, a Daughter‑in‑Law

The morning in Shanwan Village was so cold it felt like a sharp knife, cutting the very flesh of a person.

The daylight had not yet brightened, a cool gray‑white hue.

Lu Qingjun and his men only delivered the County Committee secretary and the county chief back to the side room for rest at midnight.

It turned out that last night Ahu and his companions had followed Zhao Laonian and the other two back together, and rested in another side room.

The kang was scorching hot; when Lu Qingshan opened his eyes, his mouth was dry, his tongue parched, and the back of his head throbbed with a dull, needle‑like hangover pain.

But the sleep had been deep, and the fatigue deep within his body seemed to be burned away by the searing kang.

He turned his head; the spot beside him was empty, leaving only a patch of lingering warmth and the faint scent of soap‑bean on his wife's body.

A few faint sounds drifted in from outside the window.

Someone was clearing the courtyard snow; a bamboo broom swept across the thick snow, producing a dull, rhythmic "rustle" sound.

Lu Qingshan propped himself up and sat, the lingering haze of the hangover causing his vision to flicker.

He pressed his temples hard, and chaotic thoughts of last night's drunken revelry flashed through his mind.

The approving smiles of Secretary Zhang and County Chief Liu, the villagers' simple toast with wine cups, and... Lin Yue'e's gentle, slightly worried gaze as she helped him, plus the murmured, dream‑like whisper she pressed to his ear before he fell.

"Yue E... having you... is so good..."

He could no longer tell whether that sentence was a drunken truth or a dream illusion.

But the warm current filling his heart felt undeniably real.

Lost in thought, a robust light cough came from the neighboring side room, followed by the slightly amused voice of Secretary Zhang Xincheng.

"Comrade Qingjun, your millet porridge is authentically brewed; you can't find this flavor outside."

It was Secretary Zhang and County Chief Liu who had gotten up.

Lu Qingshan snapped awake, lifted the thick quilt, and got out of bed.

His bare feet touched the icy floor, making him shiver, and the lingering alcohol was flushed clean by the cold.

Creak—, Lin Yue'e pushed the door open, carrying a bowl of steaming brown‑sugar ginger water.

"Awake? Drink this bowl quickly, warm your stomach, and sober up."

Her voice was soft, with a hint of reproach, but her bright eyes were full of unmistakable concern.

Lu Qingshan took the warm enamel bowl; the rough rim brushed his fingertips, and a wave of warmth traveled up his arm into his heart.

He tipped his head and drained the sugar water; the spicy‑sweet liquid slid down his throat, completely soothing the burning heat.

"Secretary and county chief got up?"

"Mm, Qingjun is accompanying them in the main hall," Lin Yue'e said, picking up the neatly stacked cotton clothes by the kang and helping him dress, "You, from now on, mustn't drink so fast and so much; look at how you were drunk last night, like a child."

Lu Qingshan buttoned his coat, looking down at his wife's delicate fingers adjusting his collar; the calloused tips from years of labor now softened his heart.

"Understood, I'll listen to you."

The two finished tidying up, and Lu Qingjun also walked in from outside, his face brimming with barely contained excitement.

"Brother, you're awake? Secretary and county chief are praising our village's fresh air, inviting us to the canteen for breakfast."

"Let's go, together." Lu Qingshan nodded, adjusted his collar, and strode out of the room.

Outside the courtyard gate, Ahu stood upright with four brothers. They resembled five silent pines rooted in the snow, unmoved by the howling cold wind. When Lu Qingshan emerged, the five moved in unison, bowing slightly.

"Good morning, boss."

Their voices were low but solid as iron. The fierce aura they carried, out of place in the mountain village, seemed able to solidify the surrounding air, yet when they looked at Lu Qingshan, their eyes were filled with pure reverence.

Lu Qingshan nodded to them, and the group headed toward the canteen.

The morning air was biting; a deep breath filled his lungs with the taste of ice shards, yet it invigorated him.

Zhang Xincheng and Liu Yuejin stood in the courtyard, curiously surveying the snow‑covered village. In the distance, the mountain ridges were distinct, and smoke curled from every household chimney; the whole village was tranquil and harmonious, brimming with the vitality of dawn.

"Comrade Qingshan, you're up," Zhang Xincheng greeted with a smile, his gaze sweeping over him before nodding approvingly.

"I've burdened the secretary and county chief; the mountain conditions are simple, and I've neglected the two leaders," Lu Qingshan quickened his steps to meet them.

"Not at all," Liu Yuejin waved his hand, a genuine smile on his face, "to sleep so soundly in the mountains, breathe such fresh air, and have an authentic bowl of millet porridge in the morning—this is a pleasure no amount of money can buy!"

The group chatted and laughed as they walked toward the canteen.

After a steaming breakfast—millet porridge, large‑yellow‑rice‑flour pancakes, and their own crisp pickled vegetables—Zhang Xincheng and Liu Yuejin took their leave.

The jeep parked at the village entrance, its engine warmed up, exhaling thick white exhaust into the cold air.

"Comrade Qingshan, we'll head back first," Zhang Xincheng grasped Lu Qingshan's hand, shaking it firmly, his gaze especially solemn, "Go ahead with your work; the county is your strongest backing. If any difficulty arises, don't hesitate—call me directly!"

Lu Qingjun, standing nearby, flushed with excitement at those words, looked at his elder brother with pure admiration. This was a promise from the County Committee secretary!

"Thank you, Secretary, thank you, County Chief," Lu Qingshan returned the handshake, replying solemnly, "I will certainly not disappoint the leaders' expectations."

The vehicle started slowly, carving two deep tracks in the snow, moving farther until it vanished around a bend in the mountain road.

Lu Qingshan stood still, watching the car depart as the biting wind rattled his coat edges. In his past life, had he ever seen such a scene? Not even the county chief or secretary, let alone a tiny village head, could command him so. In this life, he would not only provide a good life for his wife and daughter but also stand on this land and live up to his own worth!

He slowly turned, his gaze sweeping over the excited Lu Qingjun beside him, the proud Lin Yue'e, and the group led by Ahu standing like spears not far away.

Finally, his eyes fell upon the brand‑new three‑story office building.

Shanwan Dingxiang Food Factory.

This is the starting point of his venture to bury the past and restart his life!

He inhaled a breath of icy air; the crisp sensation washed his lungs, rendering his mind clearer than ever.

"Let's go to the office for a meeting," he said, his voice steady and strong, bearing unquestionable resolve.