Chapter 383: Changes in Space Meat Quality

On New Year's Day of 1982, Zhang Ping'an returned to Sijiucheng, only this year there was exceptionally little snow; in previous years, Sijiucheng would have already been a sheet of silver white by this time.

The bed of the pickup truck was filled with Space Ingredients that Zhang Ping'an had brought, which were already frozen rock-hard by this time.

"Dad."

"Hmm, I brought back quite a lot of things. Let your grandmother look after the cooking at noon; I still need to make a trip back to the old house."

"Oh, okay."

This trip back was at the request of Jia Youwei. Not only were there photos and such, but there were also four cars, intended for Dongxu, Dongzi, Donglai, and Bang Geng respectively. They were all new models released this year; otherwise, Zhang Ping'an would have long since flown back.

In fact, Zhang Ping'an had also placed fifteen cars at Yuchufang, specifically for transport services, weddings, or for those drunk at night. Of course, these were all for an extra fee.

At this moment in Nanluoguxiang, five cars parked one after another at the entrance of the alley, attracting a crowd of onlookers.

After Zhang Ping'an got out of the car, several familiar people gathered around.

"Ping'an, what kind of formation is this? So many cars."

"Haha, it's nothing. I've been away on business for a long time, so I stopped by to take a look on my way. You all go ahead and chat."

It was impossible for Zhang Ping'an to high-profile announce that the Jia Family had suddenly acquired four cars; that would only invite jealousy. Who knows, it might lead to that later-generation scenario: "Drive a Land Rover home, and three childhood friends hang themselves."

"San Jie Fu, San Jie."

"Ping'an, didn't Youwei and the others come back with you?"

"San Jie Fu, Second Brother will likely be back by the end of the year. He'll be back regardless. By then, he'll want you all to go to his courtyard for a housewarming."

Jia Youwei had also bought a three-courtyard residence in Shichahai. It was renovated last year, but he had been in Xiangjiang developing cars and had no time to return. This year, having finally found some free time, he planned to bring his family of seven back to take a look.

"Good, good, good. As long as he comes back, that's good."

"Second Brother also brought gifts for Dongxu and the others: four small cars. Dongxu, Donglai, Dongzi, and Bang Geng, one for each. I've driven them all over."

"Really, Uncle? Second Uncle is just too kind."

Jia Dongxu only felt that he was very lucky. When he was young, his uncle led him to prosperity, and now at forty, he still had his second uncle doting on him with gifts. He was simply a favorite of the heavens.

"Ahem, it's true, but we still need to be a bit low-key. Although I've driven them all here, there are many eyes and ears, so I suggest leaving only one here."

"Donglai and Bang Geng's cars can be put at the hotel, and Dongzi's can be put at the Auto City. Just keep one here for your convenience when going out."

"Hmm, Ping'an, you're right. Living in a large communal courtyard requires constant attention to these things. However, let's not leave any here at all. Let's put that last one with Youwei; it will be convenient for him to go out when he returns."

Lao Jia had lived here his whole life; he knew it too well. Aside from a few old neighbors, most people hated others for having things and laughed at those who didn't. If all four were left at the alley entrance at once, someone might even set them on fire in the middle of the night.

"That works too."

Now that there was no surveillance, Zhang Ping'an really didn't feel at ease leaving luxury cars at the alley entrance.

If someone really harbored evil intentions, even if they were caught afterward, it wouldn't help the damage to the cars, and they wouldn't be able to pay for hundreds of thousands of yuan in damages anyway.

"Alright then, those who are free, tidy up. San Jie, San Jie Fu, let's go, go experience the cars Second Brother sent. Bang Geng, go notify your aunt, and remember to keep your voice down."

"Got it."

"I'll wait for Lao Yi and the others."

It was true that Jia Youwei's car was a gift for Dongzi, but Dongzi was now a part of the Yi family, and Yi Zhonghai and his wife would certainly come out to take a look as well.

"Okay."

At this moment, everyone in the Jia Family, one and all, was excitedly going to see these small cars.

The four security guards were still waiting outside, and the surrounding crowd hadn't dispersed, still gathered around to see the novelty.

Including Zhang Ping'an's, there were five cars in total, which was more than enough to carry the two large families.

"Lao Jia, Lao Yi, what's this about?"

"Oh, Ping'an is taking us out for a ride."

Naturally, Yi Zhonghai couldn't tell the truth. After all, these were items worth hundreds of thousands; he had never seen that much money in his entire life. Now, this was all thanks to his daughter-in-law.

"Let's go."

The group piled into the cars. Zhang Ping'an's pickup truck was nearly six meters long, and the cab was large enough that it didn't feel crowded even with Lao Jia, San Jie, and the Yi Zhonghai couple.

"This car is not only warm but also comfortable to sit in. It's better than a Jeep; it doesn't bump."

Yi Zhonghai had also ridden in Jeeps. As a Level 8 Worker in the factory, he would occasionally support other factories, and the transport provided was always a Jeep.

"Yes, it's truly comfortable."

"Hahaha, San Jie Fu, Brother Yi, my truck is more off-road oriented, so the chassis is a bit stiffer. Those small cars are even more comfortable to sit in."

"Hehe, this is already top-notch. Wouldn't those small cars make you want to fall asleep from comfort?"

"Hahaha."

After taking a long drive, Zhang Ping'an brought everyone back and handed them the four keys.

"The cars will be placed as previously agreed. If you have a need, just go over and drive them yourself."

"Okay, Uncle (Great-Uncle)."

"Hmm..."

"After you deliver the cars, just leave the keys at the hotel. Rest for a few days before heading back," Zhang Ping'an said to the four security guards.

"Understood, General Manager Zhang."

Returning home just in time for mealtime, Zhang Ping'an's mother had almost finished cooking.

"Ping'an, where did you buy this meat?"

"What's wrong, Mom?"

"It's delicious. I've never eaten anything this good before. If Daqing and the others made this, their tongues would probably be delighted to death."

"Hmm? Let me taste."

Zhang Ping'an picked up a mouthful of food with his chopsticks. The delicious flavor exploded on his tongue instantly. How to describe that feeling? It was like the kind of happiness you get before falling asleep on a plane or with new energy aids.

"Hmm... it is indeed delicious. I'll buy more next time."

"Right, we're just about to prepare New Year's goods, so stock up on more."

"Good."

Zhang Ping'an finally understood the change in the space; it turned out the quality of the meat had improved, not only becoming incomparably delicious in taste but also capable of prolonging life if consumed over a long period.

This time he only prepared about ten jin of pork and beef; next time he would have to arrange for mutton, venison, soft-shelled turtle, seafood, and so on.

"Hmm? Mmm~ Wife, your culinary skills are growing."

Zhang Laohan took a sip of wine and picked up another mouthful of food with his chopsticks, instantly feeling a bit light and ethereal.

"Ahem, it's because the meat our son bought is good," Dong Dani said awkwardly.

Her cooking was all home-style, and it hadn't changed in all these years, so how could it have improved all of a sudden?

"Is that so? Even the best ingredients would be just so-so without your craftsmanship to enhance them."

"Ahem, ahem."

Zhang Ping'an was also shocked to his core by his father's sudden, cheesy pick-up line; no, who taught him this?

"..."

"Just eat your food."

Dong Dani was also embarrassed by what was said and glared at her man, while the two granddaughters-in-law smiled knowingly, and Weijun and Weidong also chuckled.

"By the way, Xiaoguan, how is your cousin doing since he came back?"

Zhang Ping'an suddenly remembered Chen Tai; they had been back for two or three months, and he wondered if he had gotten married yet.

"Dad, my cousin is indeed doing very well. Although he looks a bit fierce, my grandfather plans to have him get married after the first lunar month next year."

"With whom?"

"Brother Wuzi's second older sister."

"What?"

"Han Chunming's second older sister must be over thirty, right?"

"Yes, Sister Chun Yan is the same age as my cousin; they are both thirty-one this year."

"Then how is she...?"

Zhang Ping'an was a bit curious; in this day and age, if a woman wasn't married by twenty, people would nag her, so if this Han Chunyan was thirty-one and still unmarried, wouldn't people be stabbing her in the back?