Chapter 1636: New Year

All of them were standing at the door talking. Seeing Ye Dabo coming over, the neighbors also looked over one after another.

Since he was the father of the protagonist of the incident, they were naturally curious.

Ye Fu had been urging him to walk faster, and now that he was here, he was panting heavily.

"What for, calling me over in such a rush, from so far away. What's so urgent that you couldn't call someone else? I'm busy, Ahong has a big hole in his head, I..."

Without a word, the old lady took her cane and hit him heavily, one blow after another.

Caught off guard, Ye Dabo took two solid hits before he remembered to use his arm to block.

"Ouch, hey... what are you doing? Did you take the wrong medicine? Hitting people during the New Year..."

"You dare curse me for taking the wrong medicine during the New Year? I'll beat you to death, you old thing. You don't know how to respect your elders, and you don't know how to teach your children. You've led a good child astray. What's the use of having you?"

The old lady chased him with her cane while speaking.

Worried that his eldest uncle would run away, Ye Yaodong quickly stepped forward to help catch him, grabbing his cotton-padded jacket to keep him from running.

Ye Fu was dumbfounded.

He had been wondering why she suddenly wanted to find his eldest brother.

"Ouch, what are you doing? Let go of me, Dongzi..."

With someone holding him, the old lady didn't need to chase him. She hit his legs blow after blow, using all the strength she had.

Actually, she was already old and couldn't use much strength. The posture looked big, but the hits didn't really hurt Ye Dabo; it was just embarrassing. In front of so many fellow villagers, he was being beaten at his age.

"Don't let go," the old lady shouted while hitting.

"You don't even know how to teach your son. Ahong went bad, it's entirely your responsibility as a father. You can't even teach your son, so what kind of father are you? You've ruined the child's second half of his life. It would have been better not to have given birth to him in the first place."

"What a sin. He looked like such a good child before, but now that he's middle-aged, he's gone bad instead. They say the older you get, the more steady you become, but with him, it's the complete opposite."

"What kind of father are you? How did you teach your child? It's because of a father like you who only looks at money and not the source that the child went down the wrong path..."

Ye Dabo couldn't run, was restrained, and couldn't dodge, so he could only stand there passively and take the beating.

Hearing the old lady's scolding sentence by sentence, his face burned with shame.

"What nonsense are you spouting? How would I know what he does outside? What kind of nerve are you having during the New Year? That's enough."

"Let go of me, you have no respect for your elders. I thought there was something important, turns out you tricked me into coming..."

The old lady angrily hit his back. She had only been hitting his legs, but now she didn't spare his body either.

"I'll beat you to death, you old guy who can't tell right from wrong. I'm the one who told them to call you over, and I can't even call you? You unfilial son, I gave birth to you and raised you, I'll beat you to death and you have to take it."

Seeing more and more people gathering around, Ye Dabo was also ashamed. It was too embarrassing. Being beaten by his mother at home was one thing, but outside, he had lost all face.

"That's enough, it's endless, what for? It's not like I did something wrong..."

"You didn't teach your son well, isn't that your fault? Ahong is like this today because of you, causing harm to himself and others."

"It's his own reason, what does it have to do with me?"

"You didn't teach him to earn money in a down-to-earth way, so didn't he go astray? Now he's neither human nor ghost, and is despised by the whole village."

"That's not my reason either. I'm honest, who knew he wouldn't be."

"Where are you honest? Where are you honest? You're like a ghost, you're honest as a ghost."

Being beaten and scolded like this, Ye Dabo had lost all his old face, his skin had been peeled off and stepped on the ground. Angry, he stopped dodging, grabbed the old lady's cane, and threw it far away.

With the cane snatched from her hand, the old lady stumbled forward, almost falling to the ground. Fortunately, Ye Yaodong was quick-witted, let go of Ye Dabo, and hurried to support her.

"Ouch, I don't want to live anymore, the son is beating his mother, he almost made me kneel to him..."

Ye Dabo's face turned blue and white. With so many people watching, he was in the wrong no matter what he said, so he turned to run.

Ye Fu's face turned livid. He rushed forward and kicked him in the butt, and then, while he was staggering, rushed up and kicked him in the back of the knee.

"Are you even human? What's wrong with Mom hitting you a few times? You can't even be hit? You dare to fight back, the world has turned upside down."

Ye Dabo's knees went soft from the kick, and he knelt on one knee. Ye Fu took the upper hand and started punching and kicking him.

He still wanted to fight back, but Ye Chenghai and the other grandsons immediately rushed forward to grab Ye Dabo's arms, forcing him to take the beating honestly.

The younger ones couldn't hit Ye Dabo, but they could pin him down so he couldn't move, letting Ye Fu hit him.

Ye Fu scolded while hitting, "Your son wasn't taught well and harmed the villagers, and you have no responsibility? Aren't you ashamed? What's wrong with Mom hitting and scolding you? It's your fault to begin with."

"You dare fight back, you've got guts. Fortunately, I'm the one supporting Mom, if you were supporting her, that would be it? Wouldn't she have been beaten to death by you?"

"The child grew crooked because he was spoiled, and you deserve it. You dare to dodge, you dare to resist... see if you can dodge, dodge then, see where you can dodge to..."

Ye Fu ranted with spit flying.

No one around came to break up the fight; they all just held their rice bowls and watched.

This show at New Year's Eve dinner was too exciting, one act after another, truly satisfying, truly appetizing...

After the beating was about enough, someone finally spoke up.

"That's enough, it's the New Year, there's nothing that can't be passed, let's have a good New Year first."

"That's right, pushing the old lady is wrong, it's enough after the lesson, he definitely won't dare to again."

"Brothers fighting is normal, don't hold grudges. Mom must be respected, she's your own mother at her age, just take a few hits."

"That's right, she's so old, hitting doesn't hurt, and besides, the clothes are thick in winter, taking a few hits is nothing, just let the old lady vent her anger, she'll feel better."

"The grandson is useless, the old lady hates that iron doesn't become steel, it's normal to blame the son for not teaching him well, just listen to a few words."

"That's enough, a few hits is enough... it's the New Year, don't break him..."

"That's right, it's the New Year, let's leave it at that for now, talk about anything after the New Year."

The four-character mantra "It's the New Year" was simply a death-free medallion.

Ye Fu also stopped. Indeed, it was the New Year, he couldn't go too far. Anyway, he had beaten him up to vent his anger.

He said to his grandsons: "Alright, let him go, let him go back and reflect properly. Mom doesn't need him to support her. His own family is in chaos all day, what's wrong with being scolded? Can't even take a scolding?"

"Ahong and his wife are making such a scene, it would be better to just divorce and live their own lives, saving them from performing a show every day."

"He beats his wife and then gets beaten by his sons, does that do him any good? Can the sons watch their mother get beaten so badly by their father? Don't even think about it."

"If you really can't live together, don't be together, it's better for everyone, saving you from not even having a good New Year."

Ye Dabo covered his bruised face, glared at him, staggered out of the crowd, and walked slowly toward home with his other hand covering his stomach.

Ye Yaodong shouted: "Alright, the show is over, everyone disperse, go home and eat. Coming out with bowls, aren't you afraid of getting a stomachache from the cold?"

"Hehe, hearing the commotion, wasn't it just to come out and take a look?"

"This beating was good, it vented anger for the villagers. If the son isn't taught well, the father is responsible."

"Exactly, it's not good for us to hit people for no reason, but the old lady can, and brothers can too."

"This show today was satisfying to watch, the first half is over, there's still a second half."

Ye Yaodong patted his father's shoulder and gave him a thumbs up, "Dad, you were majestic today."

Ye Fu glanced at him, didn't speak, and went into the room.

Ye Mu leaned over to him with a beaming smile, "Today was good, tough enough. It should be like this, he's owed you a beating for a long time, and they say you can't owe debts over the New Year, so it's just right. I should praise you today, go into the room, I'll reward you with a big chicken leg."

Ye Fu's back straightened instantly.

The old lady walked on the side with her cane, not speaking, sighing in her heart.

Ye Xiaoxi ran in front, walking backward, excitedly saying: "Grandpa won, I'll also reward you with a big chicken leg, I'll give you my chicken leg to eat!"

"I'll give you my chicken wing to eat too."

"I'll give you my chicken liver and heart to eat too."

Ye Fu also had a smile on his face, "How did it all become yours, huh? Can you eat it?"

"So I'm giving it to you," Ye Xiaoxi raised her fist happily, "Reward you for showing your might!"

Lin Xiuqing said with a smile: "Then I'll go heat up the chicken soup, you three should also fill a bowl each to drink."

"I don't want to."

"I'm full."

"I'm full too."

The three of them ran outside, not even entering the room.

"Eat to grow taller..."

Lin Xiuqing called out from behind but couldn't stop them, then looked at Ye Yaodong with resentment, "Look at you, giving the lucky money too early, now they don't listen to what I say, they just ran off without a trace."

"If they don't eat, don't eat. Come back and eat when they're tired from playing later, or heat up the dishes and eat a little before bed. They're already full now, forcing them to eat won't work."

Ye Fu looked at the old lady's still worried expression and said irritably: "Why are you still looking so bitter? I've already beaten him back for you and vented your anger."

The old lady hit him lightly with her cane, "You two brothers fighting, do you think I should be happy? What's there to be happy about?"

Ye Fu thought about it and felt it was right.

"Fine, anyway, the lesson was taught, the beating was given, and the words were said. Let's not worry about them. If they can live, they can live. If they can't, the children in their family aren't heartless, they're all adults and can marry. No matter how wrong the father is, he won't be left to starve in the future."

"You think every child is that filial."

"Then what can be done? Raising children to prevent aging has always been like this. As long as he doesn't court death, can the children really ignore him?"

The old lady sighed lightly and waved her hand, "Let's not talk about it, it's the New Year, don't affect the mood."

Lin Xiuqing changed the subject, "Come, come, it's been delayed for a long time, the dishes are cold. I'll heat up some dishes that need heating. You can eat some crabs and shrimp first, those aren't afraid of being cold, to go with your wine."

Ye Yaodong, Ye Fu, and Ye Mu continued to sit down and drink some wine. Drinking hot rice wine in winter could warm the body.

Ye Fu also turned the topic to building the house, "Find a time after the New Year to invite someone to draw a blueprint. Only then can we call the master to build it at the old house."

"I know, I remember. I've been busy these days and haven't been home. I'll ask someone to inquire in a couple of days."

"Hmm, drawing isn't a one- or two-day thing, it definitely needs discussion and communication on how to do it. Anyway, as long as it's decided before Chenghe gets married, then hand it over to the master, and you can do whatever you want."

"Are you planning not to go with me? Stay at home and watch first?"

"I haven't decided yet. I want to, but I'm afraid you'll be too busy and need my help."

"Then I'll give you until the second lunar month at most. By then, you'll have to come up to help, because I plan to go to the deep sea."

Ye Fu nodded, "That's fine. I'll stay at home for about half a month. If you have goods to send back, just tell someone to drive the boat back, and I'll receive it at home and arrange the collection."

"Hmm."

"How many boats does Dongzi have now? Buying boats every year, I don't even know how many you have. How many do you plan to take to the deep sea?" Ye Mu asked.

"There are 7 Ocean-going vessels, 1 Dongyu boat that just arrived, 7 Dongsheng boats, and 3 fresh-collection boats of different specifications. There are also 2 Ocean-going vessels, 1 Dongyu boat, and 1 large fresh-collection boat at the shipyard. When going to the deep sea, I'll take the Ocean-going vessels and the Dongyu boat, and the fresh-collection boats only need to send one boat every two days to pick up the goods."

Ye Mu asked again: "I heard from your father that you sold all the small boats?"

"Keeping them only earns small money, it's better to spend energy on big boats."

"You're so busy now, such a big factory still needs you, why run to the deep sea?"

"Then if I don't go, who will? Can I be at ease letting the workers go by themselves? They wouldn't dare. It's different with me, the boss, following along. I can give orders and feel more at ease."

"Then you aren't afraid that without you, the factory won't be able to work."

"So isn't that why I'm asking my father to go up and help?"

Ye Fu agreed, "Right, Dongzi also said I'm some legal representative, those documents and materials won't work without my signature."

"So capable, huh? A representative, sounds awesome."

"Anyway, I don't understand, I just do what Dongzi says."

Ye Mu didn't want to listen to Ye Fu showing off. The praise and good face from just now could only last for a few minutes.

"Dongzi, do you want to just renovate this house of yours too?"

Ye Yaodong scanned the room, "The space is too small, and it's right next to Second Brother's, so I can't build a big one. When the time comes, I'll invite someone to see how to do it. A bathroom is definitely needed, I'll have the master add one for me while he's at it."

"Right, a bathroom must be made. I see that Shanghai now has those sitting flush toilets. Buying one will make going to the bathroom convenient, clean, and hygienic, and you won't have to shout at me to carry manure all day."

"What kind of toilet? And you don't have to carry manure?" Ye Mu was curious.

"You don't understand. You'll know when I buy it back."

"If you don't say, of course I don't understand."

"If I say, you'll understand even less. The city should have them. When you go to the city to stroll, go see for yourself."

"Is there really such a magical toilet that doesn't need manure carrying? Then where does the shit go?"

"Flushed underground."

Ye Mu still wanted to ask, but Ye Yaodong frowned and interrupted her, "We're eating, don't keep asking such disgusting questions. If you want to know, wait until you finish eating."

Ye Fu also followed, "So old, yet so foolish, asking this question while eating."

Ye Mu took a breath and wanted to scold him, but thinking that it was New Year's Eve dinner, she really asked at the wrong time, so she had to glare at him fiercely.

With no children around to make a fuss, the family's New Year's Eve dinner was warm.

Ye Yaodong only remembered after finishing that his father seemed to be 60 years old this year?

Seeing his father wipe his mouth and walk out with his water pipe, he hurriedly called out to ask.

"Dad, are you 60 after the New Year this year?"

"You just realized? Conscience discovered, wanting me to retire?"

"How is that possible? You're thinking beautifully. Build the house for you, and I'm still counting on you to help me for two more years."

"Last year you kept coaxing me, saying you'd celebrate my birthday this year. None of it can be realized."

"Isn't this building a Western-style house for you? This is realized."

Ye Mu said irritably: "Only 60, what birthday to celebrate? It's not like you won't live to 80. The old lady is still above, when is it your turn to celebrate a birthday?"

"Isn't this what he said?"

"He said it, and you remember it so firmly, and can even bring it up."

"He asked first."

Ye Fu felt he was wronged to death. It wasn't him who brought it up actively; it was clearly Dongzi who brought it up actively, and this time it was also him who asked actively.

Ye Yaodong said: "I said it."

"Then it can't be celebrated. What's there to celebrate? Wait until 80 to celebrate his birthday, that's about right."

"Then just set up two or three tables in two days, invite some friends, just to mean something."

Ye Fu nodded only after seeing Ye Mu didn't object again, "This can also save trouble. Otherwise, there are many things after the New Year, and we have to start building the house. Ahai is getting married, and Chenghe has to follow closely, all big events, you're also very busy."

"Fine."

Ye Yaodong waited until they left to tell Lin Xiuqing, "Since there's no birthday celebration, just set up two tables to mean something, then we have to pack a big red envelope."

"I know this, of course, no need for you to say. But I guess they won't want it."

"Pack it first."

"There are weddings before and after the New Year, and I can't even finish eating the wine."

"How good, big meals every day, and no need to cook at home."

"You go rest for a while, you haven't had a good rest all day today, and you still have to light incense at night."

"Hmm, then I'll go sleep for a while, call me when it's midnight."

He really didn't have the extra energy to play cards. He only came back this afternoon, then showered and washed his hair, and only basked in the sun for a while. He was thinking of taking a nap while his hair was drying, but he was called to eat in less than half an hour.

He hadn't even slept yet and had to get up again, and until now, he had been rushing about for several days, and he couldn't hold on anymore.

Once 0 o'clock passed, it was the first day of the first lunar month of 1991.

Fireworks had been ringing outside for half an hour. Ye Yaodong also opened one eye and closed the other, got up to set off fireworks, and then followed tradition to offer incense at the Mazu Temple.

Meeting a few childhood friends and cousins who wanted to pull him to play cards, he repeatedly declined, saying he had things to do the next day and couldn't pull an all-nighter, and only then was he able to get away.

Now that he was older, in his 30s, he couldn't stay up late, unlike young people who could be energetic after staying up all night.

The next day he had to be energetic to pay New Year's calls. Now it wasn't like before; after the network of relationships grew, everything had to be taken care of.

He kept paying New Year's calls and visiting relatives until he was busy until the fifth day of the first lunar month after receiving the God of Wealth. Only on the sixth day did he have time to set up two tables for his father.

On the seventh day, he invited someone to come over to look at the house, measure the dimensions, and then produce a design drawing.

The ninth day was the day Ahai got married. The wedding wine started on the eighth day, and because the engagement and wedding were held together.

It started on the noon of the eighth day and lasted for two days.

Their family also started decorating with lanterns and streamers after the New Year, and the two brothers looked happier than the other.

Ye Yaodong couldn't help but sigh when he saw it. The two who used to roll on the ground, fight every three days, and get beaten together were now actually getting married together.

Time really flies.

He beckoned to the two.

"What's wrong, Third Uncle?"

"Is everything ready at home? Tomorrow we'll set up the wine, and the day after tomorrow you'll be the groom."

"Everything is ready, everything is ready, just waiting for the east wind." Ye Chenghai was in high spirits because of the happy event, laughing all day long.

"You earned it. Did you buy the house in the provincial capital?"

"It's already bought. If it hadn't been bought, I wouldn't be able to get married so smoothly. I was so worried before the New Year."

"It's good that you registered at the real estate office. If you have money and opportunities in the future, buy more houses, you won't go wrong."

Ye Chenghai and his wife worked in the factory and had no extra income, which meant they had no chance to get rich. They could only save more money and buy houses slowly in the future.

"We can't live in so many houses."

"If you can't live in them, you can rent them out. Don't worry, it's a steady profit. Take them out to sell after a few decades, just treat it as saving money."

"Fine, we'll talk about it then. I plan to try making some accessories for fishing boats after getting married."

Ye Yaodong was curious, "What kind of fishing boat accessories?"

"Some accessories for power devices. As long as there is a venue and a simple machine, I can start with a small investment."

"That's fine, if you have an idea, go do it. It just so happens that your father-in-law manages such a big shipyard. As long as you make it, you don't have to worry about no one wanting it. The shipyard can provide a bottom line."

He nodded repeatedly, "That's what I think."

"Do you have the capital?"

"Yes, didn't my wife bring the bride price money? I'll discuss it with her then. Anyway, it's our money."

"Then you have to talk about it properly. If it's not enough, you can borrow from Third Uncle."

Ye Chenghe patted his chest and spoke, "Isn't there me? When is it Third Uncle's turn to lend money?"

"Right, you're a little rich man now. You earned a lot last year. Did you give lucky money to your younger brothers and sisters?"

"I gave it. A few days ago, they ran to my bedside early in the morning and shouted 'Congratulations on getting rich, give me the red envelope'."

"Hehe..." ===== CHAPTER 1637 =====